Supporters Like You
Read about supporters who provide food, connection, and hope for their neighbors in need.
The Francis Family
The Francis family’s commitment to Freestore Foodbank spans generations, highlighting a tradition of philanthropy inspired by a desire to give rather than receive during the holiday season. Bill Francis, driven by his parents’ values of generosity, has made significant contributions through estate gifts and donation matches, thereby enhancing the organization’s impact in the community.
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Generations of Giving from the Francis Family
At Freestore Foodbank, we’re grateful for our numerous dedicated supporters and lucky to have multi-generational families who invest in us throughout their lives and beyond. Meet the Francis family, who have done just that.
“We started at Christmastime in the late 90s,” said Bill Francis about his family’s decision. “I suggested that rather than trying to find the perfect gifts for each other, we give to a charity instead. The amount wasn’t as important as the act of giving. I didn’t tell them that it was also because I hate to shop!”
“That started our entire family’s partnership with Freestore,” continued Bill. “I’d vetted several charities and Freestore Foodbank rose to the top in terms of their efficiency in converting donations into services.”
Bill continued to learn about Freestore Foodbank’s work, and it was then that he realized this was also the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to his parents with an estate gift through his trust. “My mom and dad, Byllie and Dave, were two of the kindest, gentlest people I’ve ever known. They were both very generous and passed along that value to others. I know they would be proud of the impact our family has been able to make through Freestore.”
In addition to this planned gift commitment, giving during match opportunities caught Bill’s eye, and now he regularly matches the gifts of others, inspiring new contributors to join us. “I’ve been fortunate in life and feel it’s important to give back, said Bill.” Giving to Freestore Foodbank is an investment with an great return for our community.”
Uday and Nandita Sheth
The Sheth family plays a vital role in supporting the Freestore Foodbank through monetary donations, volunteering, and spearheading the Gandhi Food Drive within Cincinnati’s South Asian and Indian communities. Their efforts not only raise significant funds but also increase awareness of food insecurity in the region, fostering strong community involvement.
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Friends of Freestore Foodbank support our mission in multiple ways: through monetary gifts, volunteering, and sharing our work with others. Some create virtual online food drives that raise funds and awareness.
Meet the Sheths, a family who is doing all of this – and bringing others along! Uday and Nandita Sheth (pictured top left) are ten-year donors and central drivers of the Gandhi Food Drive in Cincinnati’s South Asian and Indian community.
“My wife and I support Freestore because we believe food is foundational,” said Uday. “People can’t meet their next level of needs without it, and it’s clear there is so much need.”
Every October, the South Asian and Indian communities come together for the Gandhi Food Drive, a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
“Five years ago, I became involved in leading this Drive, in collaboration with the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, and the broader community in our region,” continued Uday. “Together, we raise $15-20,000 per year from 100-150 donors, and every year we strive to involve more people and increase our giving. I’m told this is one of the largest virtual drives Freestore holds!”
“In explaining the Drive, I let our community know that monetary gifts stretch much further than physical food. At Freestore, which distributes food to 614 pantry partners and has immense purchasing power, monetary donations have a tremendous impact. Our Drive helps to fill specific food gaps which Freestore tackles – such as high protein foods and fresh vegetables and fruit.”
The Sheths also engage with their community by volunteering at the distribution center.
“You get a close-up view of operations when you volunteer,” said Uday. “You see forklifts whizzing around, racks and racks of food, and walk into cold storage that’s thousands of square feet in size. I wanted others to experience it, so I created a WhatsApp group for South Asian volunteers in Cincinnati. I post about volunteer opportunities and the Gandhi Food Drive in the community chat. The group is open to anyone who wants to join, no matter their nationality or ethnic origin.”
“Our South Asian community has focused on educational and professional pursuits, and I believe there is a desire to be more involved with the community. Many people are unaware of the region’s food insecurity, so I try to start a conversation. It makes me feel good when we realize our interconnectedness, and that we’re taking care of each other one box of food at a time.”
“My wife and I support Freestore because we believe food is foundational. People can’t meet their next level of needs without it, and it’s clear there is so much need.”
-Uday Sheth
Marilyn and Mike Kremzar
Marilyn and Mike Kremzar’s enduring commitment to community support through their work with Freestore Foodbank and other charities demonstrates their lifelong dedication to philanthropy. Their legacy is defined by intentional giving and planning to continue their support through estate planning, embodying their foundational philosophy of helping others.
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Love of People Leads Kremzars to Leave a Legacy
Marilyn and Mike Kremzar’s close connection to Freestore Foodbank spans over three decades, and their extensive community support extends to their church and multiple charities.
For the Kremzars, community giving is rooted in their childhoods. Marilyn recalls her family serving those in need: “Their mindset was, it’s what people do.” Mike grew up in a military family, and he remembers his dad’s motto of being a good soldier, which included watching out for his buddies. That led Mike to watch out for the underdog, the people who most need help.
“Some tell me the COOKS workforce program changed their life,” said Mike. “I’ll always correct them and say, ‘We had a role in it, but only you can change your life.’ Through COOKS, students acquire the culinary skills and confidence they need to succeed. They develop respect for the demanding chefs. They feel accountable, but also feel they can trust. It’s transformational!”
Marilyn shared that she and Mike told their kids they were being intentional with their giving, focusing on where they see their help making a difference. Not long ago, Freestore Foodbank learned of the Kremzars’ kind intention to include Freestore Foodbank in their long-term estate plans.
“The way I see it, if helping charities has been important to you, why wouldn’t it be good to have that support continue?” considers Mike, “And if you have an IRA, it’s easy to do. Legacy gifts are a chance to choose. It’s a simple way to ensure something good will happen after you’re gone.”
The Kremzars draw on the meaning of the word “philanthropy”—a love of people—to describe their outlook. “If you have that love,” says Mike, “that’s simply how you act as a giver.”
“The way I see it, if helping charities has been important to you, why wouldn’t it be good to have that support continue? And if you have an IRA, it’s easy to do. Legacy gifts are a chance to choose. It’s a simple way to ensure something good will happen after you’re gone.”
-Mike Kremzar
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