Mr. George was once asked, “How much do you think you’d be worth today if you hadn’t given away so much?” He immediately responded, “Probably nothing.” Mr. George believed an organization must give back to be successful. Years later, our associates continue to follow his example of being there for our communities.
Each year, 6 associates who volunteer with community organizations are recognized with the Mr. George Community Service Award. Our 2023 recipients help children, build homes, feed our neighbors in need and clean local beaches. They use their time, resources and talent to continue Mr. George’s legacy of giving back.
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Sefik Gluhic
#724, Atlanta
After growing up in Bosnia during a war, Sefik and his family received assistance from the Red Cross when they came to the United States. Giving back and the importance of community were instilled in him from a young age. Fellow associates describe Sefik as a caring person who is passionate about helping the next generation of Publix leaders, and many associates in Sefik’s district see him as their “Mr. George.” When he’s not training and developing future Publix leaders, Sefik volunteers with several organizations and serves as his district’s community service advocate. In 2022, Sefik coordinated and spoke at volunteer events in his district. He always shares with associates the importance of giving back to our communities.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
Last year, we worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped build a house for a family. When we finished the home, the new owner was overcome with joy. She hugged us all with tears in her eyes. It was very moving and an experience I’ll always remember.
How did you react when you heard you were receiving this award?
I didn’t think it was real at first. When I received the call from Publix board member Howard Jenkins, I thought it might be a prank. It’s been overwhelming, the amount of support and congratulations I’ve received from colleagues and friends.
What will you support next?
This year, along with other associates, I will be helping to support a lot of local track and running road races. I am also working with local high schools to help students prepare for job interviews and to promote Publix as a great place to work for those interested in starting a new career.
Charlotte Division
Store Manager Tim Bismarck
#1416, Knoxville, Tennessee
Tim lives by this quote from President Theodore Roosevelt: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” He serves on the United Way of Sevier County board of directors. In 2022, his ability to build trust and relationships in his community helped the Sevier County school district’s fundraising campaign grow from $12,000 in 2021 to $72,000 in 2022. He continues to be a leader in his community, setting a shining example for other associates to get involved and give back.
What inspires you to give back?
I have 3 things that inspire me. The 1st is my parents. At an early age, they taught me the importance of being kind. They always tried to help those who needed it.
The 2nd is my wife, who I met at Publix. She knows how important it is to give back. Whether it’s students in need or local programs, she makes a point to give back whenever she can.
The 3rd is Mr. George. I started at Publix when I was 16 years old, and the values of our founder resonated with me. His example of philanthropy led me to become the servant leader I am today.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
When I was in Florida, my family and I volunteered every year to help the Marine Corps separate and organize toys for its Toys for Tots campaign.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach my children the importance of giving back. It’s had a lasting impact on them. Now they’re very involved in their communities.
What does receiving the Mr. George Community Service Award mean to you?
It feels good any time you’re honored or recognized. But to be associated with Mr. George is next level. It’s a feeling that validates the work we all do in our communities. It’s very humbling yet extremely special to me.
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Nicole Miller
#1444, DeLand, Florida
With her Publix career spanning close to 30 years, Nicole leads with a servant’s heart. Her devotion to her community and team members exemplifies leading by example, magnifying Publix’s values. Nicole serves as chair-elect of the board of directors for the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. Whether through youth sports, veterans support groups, churches or food banks, Nicole always finds ways to support her community.
What inspires you to give back?
My grandfather owned a local grocery store chain in Volusia County and always gave to those less fortunate. Nobody who came into his store would leave without groceries, whether they had enough money or not. In addition, my parents would always put an extra place setting on the dinner table in case any friends or family needed somewhere to eat. These acts of kindness made a lasting impact on me.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
In 1999, I did a lot of volunteer work with Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida. This nonprofit organization gives families with children who are terminally ill or severely ill a no-cost vacation to wherever they choose. Seeing the positive outlooks on life of both the families and children — and how much they cherished each other — put many things into perspective for me.
What is the most important thing you can give and why?
A lot of people say their time or finances are the most important things they can give. And while those are extremely important, the advocacy and passion I give are most important to me. Whether speaking with associates throughout our district about the importance of giving back or putting together events where we can help, my passion for helping others is the greatest thing I can share.
Lakeland Division
Store Manager Billy Ray Drake
#361, Sarasota, Florida
Billy Ray has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for over 9 years. He has helped to build about 25 homes in Sarasota County and has become known as a landscape and fencing specialist. He also mentors the youth in his community through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He spearheads all community involvement for his store and is passionate about helping others. Billy Ray lives Mr. George’s legacy daily and makes sure each associate on his team understands the Publix culture of being involved as a responsible citizen in their community.
How did you react when you heard you were receiving this award?
It’s funny! I was told there was a call holding for me and I thought we received a call from another store, or maybe a customer had a question or concern. When I went into my office and heard Howard Jenkins’ voice, I couldn’t believe it. I was honored and overwhelmed. To be involved in the community for over a decade and to be recognized for my community service really caught me off guard.
What inspires you to give back?
Keeping Mr. George’s legacy alive and being able to make an impact in the community I live in inspires me to give back and continue to help each day.
What will you support next?
My focus in 2023 is on inspiring my managers and associates to come out and see the benefits of giving back. I want to show our younger generation the impact Publix makes on our communities. We’re more than just a grocery store. We are community partners and we do so much good that they should be aware of.
Miami Division
Pharmacy Manager Deborah Lolo
#3215, Miami
Deborah is active in her community and enjoys giving back. She is the manager of the Publix Pharmacy at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Deborah has run a yearly Christmas fundraising campaign for an orphanage there. She also participates in multiple events to promote free health education and screenings to underserved local communities.
What inspires you to give back?
As an immigrant from Haiti, I realize how fortunate I am to be here, and I am aware of the opportunities afforded me. I chose to use the skills I’ve gained, my knowledge, education and resources to make a positive impact and help those who need it most.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
I went to Haiti as part of a medical mission trip after an earthquake hit the area in 2021. Thousands of people were injured. We set up a mobile clinic in a very remote village and provided medical care to injured people. There was one woman who was 8 months pregnant and had to travel to see a doctor. When I spoke with her, she mentioned she hadn’t eaten in more than a day. I got her food and also gave her supplies. It really humbled me and reminded me of why it’s so important to give back.
What do you believe is the most important thing you can give back, and why?
I think the most valuable thing I can offer someone is my time. By being present with people, I can truly care for them. I believe that kindness and compassion can make a significant impact on our lives.
Support
Manager of Retail Security Solutions Rick Abbatiello
Loss Prevention, Lakeland, Florida
Rick’s a passionate leader who devotes himself to Publix and the communities we serve. He positively impacts several organizations focusing on the elderly, children facing poverty and animal rescue. Rick coordinates community service activities within his department and encourages his associates to get involved and give back. Rick holds the ideals of Mr. George close to his heart and makes sharing the Publix culture with his team a top priority.
How did you react when you heard you were receiving this award?
Those who know me know I am very outspoken and have a reputation for talking, but I was absolutely speechless when I was told the news. Sometimes the community involvement and giving back we do at Publix becomes second nature. You think about past recipients and others who have given so much, and I didn’t think it’d ever be me receiving this award.
Which organizations are you involved with? How do you support them?
I’m involved with VISTE, which stands for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, in Lakeland, Florida. My wife and I also sponsor several children through Compassion International. In addition, I work with RVR Horse Rescue, an organization that rescues, rehabilitates and provides a safe place for neglected, abused and abandoned horses.
Another organization I’m proud to work with is Lakeland Pigfest, one of the largest barbecue competitions in the Southeast. It’s a fundraising event that supports local charitable organizations. I am on the board, and as a former police officer, I volunteer to organize, coordinate and lead security for this multiday event.
What do you believe is the most important thing you can give back and why?
One word: time. I tell others they don’t need to write a check or spend all day giving. It can be 10 or 15 minutes. We’re all busy; we just have to find the time to give back for our community and ourselves.
