Successful fundraising throughout the year provides funding for our Foundation scholarships. These awards would not be possible without the support of those who attend the “Swinging for Scholarships” Spring Golf Tournament, purchase items in our Live and Silent Auctions, or make cash donations to our general fund.
Additional funding for the Foundation Awards is provided through partnerships with GFIA member companies. Thank you to Publix Super Markets Charities and the Walmart Foundation for annual grants. Also, we are grateful for a joint promotional effort between Georgia Crown and The Kroger Company and Georgia Crown and Publix Super Markets.
Additional funding for the Foundation Awards is provided through partnerships with GFIA member companies. Thank you to Publix Super Markets Charities and the Walmart Foundation for annual grants. Also, we are grateful for a joint promotional effort between Georgia Crown and The Kroger Company and Georgia Crown and Publix Super Markets.
Mal Bailey Memorial Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
The Mal Bailey Memorial Scholarship honors of one of the founding members of the Education Foundation and one of the most active and enthusiastic members in our history.
Wes Ball Soaring Eagle Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
Awarded in honor of Mr. Wes Ball; former President of the Tennessee Grocers Association. Wes provided the successful foundation model utilized by GFIA and other education foundations across the country. His personal guidance and hours of mentoring made the GFIA Education Foundation what it is today. This award is available to all GFIA member companies.
Legacy Award Scholarship [two $2,000 awards]
These scholarships are given in honor of all GFIA Legacy Award winners and are available to all GFIA member companies.
J.D. Gray Memorial Scholarship [one $1,000 award]
Awarded in honor of Mr. JD Gray, a longtime GFIA member and devoted grocer. The award is funded by the Gray family, and is available to GFIA Retailer members only.
Kathy Kuzava Presidential Scholarship [one $2,500 award]
Awarded in honor of the Georgia Food Industry Association President, Kathy Kuzava. This award is available to all GFIA member companies.
R.H. “Bob” Moore Integrity Scholarship [one $2,500 award]
Awarded in honor of Mr. Bob Moore, former Vice President of Publix Super Markets, for his many years of service and leadership to GFIA. Recognized for his passion for the industry, integrity and leadership through faith and example, this award honors a man who changed the path of the Association. This award is available to all GFIA member companies.
Barron Thorpe Memorial Scholarship [two $2,000 awards]
Awarded in honor of Mr. Barron Thorpe, former President of the Georgia Wholesale Grocers Association. This award is available to all GFIA Retailer and Wholesaler members.
Spirit of GFIA Scholarship [two $1,000 awards]
These scholarships are funded from an anonymous $10,000 donation that the Education Foundation received in 2010. The awards are available to all GFIA member companies.
Georgia Food Industry Association Scholarships [twenty-two $1,500 awards]
These awards are available to all GFIA member companies.
Nancy McPherson Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
Awarded in honor of Nancy McPherson, former VP of the Georgia Food Industry Association. Nancy started the Foundation in 1995. This award is available to all GFIA member companies.
Randy Roberts Memorial Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
This scholarship is provided in memory of Randy Roberts. Randy served as the Government Affairs Director for Publix and worked closely with the GFIA team on legislative issues at the state and federal level. Randy dedicated himself to making the industry stronger each and every day. This award is available to all GFIA member companies.
Herb Horner Memorial Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
Herb Horner was instrumental in helping former GFIA Vice President Nancy McPherson create our Education Foundation. Serving as the very first Chairman of the Foundation, Herb put in countless hours of service to the industry that he loved. This award is available to GFIA Associate member companies only.
Larry Buckles Scholarship [two $1,000 awards]
Larry Buckles is the former Treasurer of the Education Foundation. Serving as Treasurer for 10 years, Larry’s primary goal was to make the Foundation a “million dollar” foundation. These awards are available to all GFIA member companies.
Ron Bishop Memorial Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
Ron Bishop, a much beloved GFIA member and Foundation Trustee, worked for National Distributing Company for many years. His energetic spirit and contagious laughter brightened the path of all who worked with Ron. He was an avid supporter of GFIA and built many lasting relationships among our members. This award is available to all GFIA member companies.
Todd Collins Scholarship [one $2,000 award]
Todd Collins was an outstanding supporter of the GFIA and the Education Foundation before retiring from Publix Super Markets. Todd served as Chairman multiple times and was a key leader in the Live and Silent Auctions annually. Todd introduced the Foundation to countless GFIA members over the years and helped raise thousands of dollars annually.
Zuma Richardson Memorial Scholarships [three $1,000 awards and one $500 award]
These are awards are funded by the family of long time independent grocer, Mr. Zuma Richardson. These awards are available to students associated with independent retailers