Mr. George set the example for being involved in the community by giving his time, talent and treasure. Today, his legacy of volunteerism and service lives on in the Mr. George Community Service Award.
Each year, the award recognizes six associates who represent what Publix Serves truly means — no matter why, how or where you serve, we’re all Publix people changing lives together. Let’s meet our 2016 Mr. George Community Service Award winners.
Mr. George Community Service Award
Associates with one year of continuous employment are eligible. Each recipient receives
- $5,000 donated to the charity or charities of their choice
- three days off with pay
- a personalized award
- dinner with Publix executives and
- a feature in Publix News.
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Teri Schweiger
#1141, Goodlettsville, Tennessee
After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, Teri developed a passion for giving back to other military veterans. Teri prepares meals and serves them on Veterans’ Day, and she volunteers with Bridge Ministries to feed local homeless vets. She also helps veterans get back on their feet by teaching them interview skills and helping them find jobs through Operation Stand Down.
“Publix has taken good care of me, so now it’s my turn to give back to the less fortunate,” Teri said. “Mr. George’s legacy was selflessness. I’ve felt his service through the many managers who have guided me and set such great examples of giving.”
Charlotte Division
Store Manager Mike Blackstone
#1266, Summerville, South Carolina
As an active member of his church’s ministry team, Mike has served on mission trips to Honduras, the Dominican Republic, the Montana Indian Reservation and Panama. He also is the co-founder and a chairperson of the Exchange Club of Cane Bay. Last year, he helped the club’s Charity Golf Tournament — which benefits the Eagle Harbor Boys Home — double the amount of money it raised, and he expects even bigger results in 2016.
“My dad taught me that my goal in life was to be a little better than the man who raised me,” said Mike. “Publix has helped me achieve that goal, and I’m blessed to be able to give back.”
Jacksonville Division
Assistant Store Manager Kevin Ewen
#698, Lake Mary, Florida
Kevin believes sharing his time is the biggest thing he can give to his community, and he’s most passionate about mentoring children. He once mentored a boy whose male role models had all been or were currently serving time in prison, and his positive influence was immediately felt. He volunteers at many local schools and has been told by teachers that attendance is higher on the days the kids know Kevin is coming.
“You find out what inspires you to give back after you start to give,” said Kevin. “When you can make a connection and see the impact on others’ lives, it makes you want to keep giving.”
Lakeland Division
Store Manager Steve Ellis
#1441, Tampa, Florida
Steve volunteers with and is passionate about the YMCA to help organize sports for kids who may not otherwise be able to participate. And through Feeding Tampa Bay, he helps feed the homeless and those who are struggling to afford groceries. But his true passion is Junior Achievement. This opportunity allows him to share his knowledge of running a business by teaching financial literacy and social responsibility to students.
“I believe giving is a strong part of our culture because of the big heart Mr. George had for helping others,” said Steve. “I have a passion for teaching, and I get so much personal satisfaction from talking to students about business.”
Miami Division
Store Manager Frank Fratina
#454, Aventura, Florida
Frank was inspired to serve after he toured Kids in Distress, an organization that works to protect children from abuse and preserve families. He soon started volunteering with Harvest Drive, a food drive that collects food all year long and, on Thanksgiving Day, serves meals at multiple schools. He also volunteers with 100 Black Men in South Florida to help keep kids out of trouble, provide meals for them and teach them life lessons.
“I believe we all have something that drives us to give, and for me, that’s serving and helping children,” said Frank. “I want to continue teaching the youth of America to make good choices.”
Support
Production Support Department Manager Meredith Gunter
Printing Services
Among several other projects, Meredith spends many lunch breaks volunteering with Junior Achievement and making an impact on kids. And, when time allows, she likes to chauffer her grandmother as they make Meals on Wheels deliveries to seniors — something her grandmother has done for 40 years. She believes Mr. George found personal satisfaction in giving of himself, and so does she.
“I have great role models of service in my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, and I feel like I was born to give of myself,” said Meredith.“Our leaders also inspire me because they lead by example and encourage associates to give back.”
