Save the date and mark your calendars for May 20 for a good cause. Friends of the Food Industry will have its 7th annual Cocktail Party from 6-9 p.m. that day at Hackensack Country Club in Oradell. This year, the organization will be honoring four individuals well-known to the local food industry with Lifetime Achievement Awards:
- Larry Inserra Jr.;
- Tony Gasparro;
- Rich Desimone; and
- Jen Kemp.
Each of this year’s honorees has made major impacts within the food industry.
Friends of the Food Industry was born back in 2013, when a group of food industry friends and business associates got together and decided to create an organization with the sole mission of coming to the aid of individuals and families within the food industry that have fallen on hard times or have dire financial needs.
They accomplish this mission through the funds raised by the annual cocktail party, which honors key leaders in the local food industry. Over the past six years, by hosting the cocktail party in May and inviting people throughout the industry — from customers to vendors and brokers — they’re able to take and distribute funds raised from the event.
Friends of the Food Industry has been fortunate enough to raise over $750,000 in its six years of existence and has helped numerous families and individuals.
One of the things I like the most about the local food industry is the camaraderie, commitment and deep friendships that are found right among our peers and colleagues and can be hard to find in other businesses and industries. Whether you’re at the lower level or right at the top, I commend all of you!
We wish everyone associated with this mission the very best as you generously give of your time and resources to those colleagues and friends who need our help.
Come on out and support this worthy evening and mingle with some of the key people who make up the food industry here in New Jersey.
