WENATCHEE, WA – The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) awarded Stemilt Growers their Group Volunteer of the Year award at a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held at Cave B Inn in George, WA on November 21st. WAEF and Stemilt have been working together for 25 years to provide local students with college scholarships.
“It is an honor to be recognized as WAEF’s group volunteer of the year,” states Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s senior marketing manager. “The Mathison family and Stemilt have proudly supported WAEF since its inception and 25 years later, we are still inspired by their efforts to support local students as they pursue their college degrees.”
There were 16 Stemilt employees who volunteered their time in 2019. Employees have served as student mentors, hosted WAEF students at a job shadow event in June and at a career exploration event in December, volunteered at WAEF’s fundraising golf tournament, and served on the scholarship selection committee. There are also employees in organization governance through membership on WAEF board of directors and on the honorary Counselors Roundtable.
“Stemilt has been involved in many different ways and we truly appreciate their efforts,” states Jennifer Witherbee, WAEF’s executive director. “Their culture truly believes in the next generation and that is clear through their efforts.”
This year alone, Stemilt is providing scholarships to 15 students and has given more than $500,000 in scholarships over the last decade.
“We want to give a huge thank you to our team members who have volunteered their time to participate in WAEF activities in 2019 and over the years,” said Shales. “Every WAEF volunteer plays a part in shaping the next generation of professionals while also keeping them connected to their tree fruit industry roots.”
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About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of organic tree fruits. Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company’s Responsible Choice program. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com and follow Stemilt on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube.
