As Gafcon celebrates 25 years in business, the company, its employees and founders reflect on the significant contributions made throughout the San Diego community. Over the past quarter century Gafcon has supported numerous causes and charities through cash donations, non-profit board service and employee volunteerism, pro-bono work and Gafcontributions, the company’s employee volunteer program.
In 2011, the company founded Building Futures, a philanthropic platform to expand Gafcon’s commitment to local communities and to increase support for programs and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping children succeed in life.
In keeping with Gafcon’s vision to improve youth development and education, Gafcon has chosen to further its commitment in 2012 by supporting bond measures in the communities in which it works that will help advance the quality of public education. Most recently, Gafcon contributed to Propositions EE, V and Z in San Diego County and the Save our Schools initiative in Irvine, all of which help support school districts carry out their important mission.
Gafcon urges other businesses and community stakeholders with the same goal of improving our public education system to support local education measures.
GIVING
Pro Kids challenges underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life-skills, and values through education and the game of golf. All Pro Kids members have immediate access to the Homework Club (afterschool tutoring), mentoring, and educational workshops through the Learning Center.
After School All-Stars is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life.
Boys and Girls Club of East County is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Building Futures is an initiative created by Gafcon which focuses on youth education and development.
SUPPORTING
Camp Pendleton Mud Run More than 50 employees participate annually in the Camp Pendleton Mud Run. Proceeds from this event support quality-of-life programs for U.S. Marines, Sailors, and their families.
Bauska Memorial Gafcon is a strong supporter of the design and construction of the Bauska Memorial for the Jewish Community of Bauska, Latvia. The purpose of this project is to celebrate the memory of the Jewish people that once lived and thrived in the City of Bauska.
Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center Employees hosted a BBQ for the residents of the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center. The mission of the Women's Center is to provide permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.
Home of the Guiding Hands Gafcon employees host a BBQ for the residents of the Home of the Guiding Hands. The HGH is a non-profit organization that has been providing quality residential support and training services to individuals with developmental disabilities (mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and autism) for more than 40 years.
Table for Tots Gafcon employees participate annually in Ronald McDonalds House “Table for Tots” Charity Event. OFS Brands has teamed with G/M Business Interiors who chose the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego as their official charity. Gafcon participates by creatively designing and decorating a child-sized set of table and chairs which are later exhibited and auctioned at the annual “Tables for Tots” event.
Mama’s Kitchen provides home delivery service of three meals a day for every day of the week to over 300 men, women, and children affected by AIDS or other critical illnesses in San Diego County. Each Thanksgiving, Gafcon employees participate in the annual “Pie in the Sky” bake sale. Every pie sold provides more than six home-delivered meals.
PROVIDING
StandUp for Kids – Clothing Drive
Veterans Village – Clothing Drive
Phoenix House – Clothing Drive
San Diego Jewish Family Services – Food Drive
Connected through Kids – Gift Card Donation
VOLUNTEERING
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit profit organization that seeks to eliminate homelessness by providing safe, decent and affordable shelter. Each year, Gafcon sponsors employees who want to volunteer their expertise and time to help build projects. Gafcon also provides financial support to numerous Habitat for Humanity projects.
Canyon Cleanup Gafcon employees volunteer weekends to support local canyon cleanup days around San Diego County.
San Diego Triathlon Challenge was established in 1997, the Challenged Athletes Foundation recognizes the athletic greatness inherent in all people with physical challenges and supports their athletic endeavors by providing unparalleled sports opportunities that lead to success in sports and in life.