Since our beginning, Mr. George believed our communities could count on us. And he set the example by giving his time, talent and treasures to the communities in which we operate. This long-standing tradition continues among our associates today.
Each year, we recognize a group of associates who exemplify the generous spirit of our late founder by presenting them with the Mr. George Community Service Award. To help them continue their charitable efforts, these associates also receive $5,000 to donate to the charity or charities of their choice.
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Ben Robb, #1185, Madison, Alabama
Ben currently serves on the board of directors of United Way of Madison County as the campaign chair and community impact chair. His passion for serving others is clear in the work he does with United Way. During the past 5 years, he’s worked tirelessly to share with Publix associates the importance of giving back to their communities and highlight the work United Way and its partner organizations are doing.
What inspires you to give back?
It’s a responsibility to take care of one another. We have an obligation to try to make the world a better place and be of service. When I found Publix, I felt like I found a family. We’re not just a grocery store — we’re a force for change and doing good together.
What does it mean to receive the Mr. George Community Service Award?
It’s humbling. And a reminder to continue to give back — which is what Mr. George encouraged us to do. I’m immensely proud and honored to receive this award and will continue my work with United Way to bring awareness and volunteer opportunities to our associates.
What is the most important thing you can give and why?
Just giving, in general, is important. Whether it’s your time, talent or money, it’s about doing what you can to help those around you.
Charlotte Division
Assistant Customer Service Manager Kelsey Palmer, #1055, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Kelsey is often described by associates as someone who’s caring and passionate about giving back. This is clear in the service she provides to her community and the work she does to get other associates involved in taking part in community service. Kelsey works closely with United Way and its partners. “Change isn’t something that can be done overnight or alone,” she said.
When did you start getting involved with community programs?
I always remember being involved in community giving. I grew up in a military family, which helped me realize the importance of giving back. My mom used to tell me that no matter where you are, there are people in your community who need help.
Which organizations are you involved with? How do you support them?
I’m currently helping the Fisher House and the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital, through Buggys Blossoms. I started Buggys Blossoms to create and sell arts and crafts to raise funds to buy essentials for VA hospitals. We also organize, pick up and deliver items to organizations in need.
What does it mean to receive the Mr. George Community Service Award?
I’m still in shock. I don’t volunteer to be recognized, but the fact that it brings awareness to the organizations I work with means a lot to me.
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Rhett Bagwell, #1306, Tallahassee, Florida
Rhett Bagwell leads with a servant’s heart — in his store and in the community. He’s a board member for United Way of Big Bend and strives to keep his store’s district informed about ways associates can be of service to the community. Rhett holds the ideals of Mr. George close to his heart and shares with each associate the Publix culture of being involved as a responsible citizen in the community.
What does it mean to receive the Mr. George Community Service Award?
It means a lot to me and confirms that the work we do in the community is making a significant impact. Through the service I do, I try to inspire associates to give back to their communities so they can be the change they want to see. It’s the most humbling part for me.
Are there any experiences from your volunteering that you’ll always remember?
There are 2 experiences I will always remember. Through United Way, I was involved with Reading Pals, an early-age literacy program. It pairs mentors with students, in VPK through 3rd grade, who need extra help. Each week I’d meet the student I was paired with during the program and read a book to him and have him read it back to me. I worked with this student for 2 years and when we finished, he was in the 3rd grade but reading at a 5th-grade level.
The 2nd experience was when I met and worked with a mother and her children who were the recipients of a Habitat for Humanity home we helped build. It was incredible to see the impact we left on their future and the joy the home brought them.
What inspires you to give back?
In my career, I’ve been mentored by many, which is a reason I focus on leading by example. Whether it’s with my family, associates or strangers, I want to influence others and instill the importance of giving back to others in their communities. I’m always excited to help future leaders understand that service should feel natural, because it’s part of who we are at Publix.
Lakeland Division
Assistant Customer Service Manager Stacy Bidwell, #1180, North Port, Florida
During Stacy’s Publix career, she’s given selflessly, always trying to see the good in everyone. She’s actively involved in organizations Publix partners with, her church and other community partners. Stacy is passionate about giving and routinely encourages associates to be involved in giving back to their communities.
What does it mean to receive the Mr. George Community Service Award?
I’m beyond honored. When I joined Publix in 2012 and learned of Mr. George’s legacy, I knew I had found my home. When I give my time to a community organization, I never think of recognition. This award is for the people we’re able to impact.
Which organizations are you involved with and what is their mission?
I’m most involved with All Faiths Food Bank, working to alleviate hunger in our community. I’ve recently started working with the Women’s Resource Center, an organization helping clients rebuild their lives after domestic violence and sexual assault.
What inspires you to give back?
At one point in my life, I was going through a rough patch and realized that I had a wide support system of people willing to help me. After that challenging time, I focused on steps I could take to help others. I try to share how important service is with my children and often bring my younger children to events I volunteer at. Without the people who helped me when I was down, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Miami Division
Store Manager Erika Serkin, #434, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Since Erika began her Publix career in 2001, she’s followed Mr. George’s legacy of giving. Erika is a member of the parent-teacher organization and serves on the School Advisory Council at Coral Reef Elementary in Lake Worth, Florida, and Northboro Elementary School in West Palm Beach, Florida. She provides guidance and creates partnerships within the school community that foster an environment where parents’ involvement is encouraged and respected.
In 2020, Erika won the Business Partner of the Year award from the Palm Beach School Board for her volunteer work with Publix. In 2020 and 2021, Erika led a group of Publix store managers in a Christmas food drive for children facing food insecurity.
What inspires you to give back?
My daughter inspires me. I want to be a good example for her and show her the importance of giving back to your community. When she was in kindergarten, I got more involved in school activities and joined the school board. We started a reading program that helps children with disabilities and a recycling program to teach students the importance of sustainability.
Which organizations are you most involved with?
I’m involved with schools in my area and am a member of the School Advisory Council. I’m the leader for events in our school district and am currently helping Feed the Pantry, a local service for elderly people and those facing food insecurity.
What is the most important thing you can give and why?
Time is most important. When I joined Publix, I learned that each store is unique and has different opportunities and communities to give to. Adapting to the needs of the local community is especially important.
Support
Director of Employment Law & Investigations Melanie Bonanno
Melanie’s volunteer service began while she was in high school helping her mother at SHARE, an organization helping those facing food insecurity. Her parents always volunteered and set an example of what it means to give back. Since then, Melanie’s volunteered for multiple organizations. Most recently she dedicates time to Angels for Change, where she’s been a founding board member since 2020. Melanie also serves on the advisory board of the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) of Brandon, Florida, where she chairs their annual Thanksgiving event for the food insecure.
What is the mission of the organization(s) you are most involved with?
I’m currently involved with Angels for Change and ECHO. Angels for Change’s mission is to ensure children have access to life-saving medication. Angels for Change has helped over 50 patients, all children, who experienced drug shortages, to gain access to medicine needed to save their lives.
ECHO helps residents of Hillsborough County with emergency food and clothing aid. In 2016, ECHO started a Thanksgiving Day event, Common Table, and I’ve chaired this event for the past 5 years. In 2021, we served over 575 hot meals to the homeless and families facing food insecurity on Thanksgiving Day. We also provide “blessing bags” to the families to ensure they have food and supplies for the following weeks.
What inspires you to give back?
My mother, who faced food insecurity as a child. My parents set an example for me, which I strive to do with my children. One motto I like to share with my children is from Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
What does it mean to receive the Mr. George Community Service Award?
I was incredibly surprised and extremely humbled. This opportunity allows me to continue encouraging others to make time to volunteer and do good for others. When it’s all said and done, you’ll feel like you’re receiving more than what you’re giving.
What’s your next focus in your giving back?
To help my children understand their responsibility to the world around them and the importance of being kind
