Celebrating Volunteer Organization of the Year: Northwest Wholesale

At WAEF, we’re fortunate to partner with companies that see giving back as part of who they are. This year, one team stood out for showing up in every way—through leadership, service, and a deep belief in what education can do for families and communities.

We’re proud to recognize Northwest Wholesale as our Volunteer Organization of the Year.

The Impact of Volunteers

More than 200 WAEF volunteers contribute their time and expertise to empower students and strengthen our industry’s future. Together, they:

• Empower Students: Review scholarship applications, conduct renewal interviews, and mentor students through college to graduation.

• Prepare Students for Impact in Our Communities: Lead workshops, host job shadows, and create career experiences that connect classroom learning to leadership.

• Build Connection and Belonging: Send hundreds of care packages, host networking events, and bring students, donors, and industry professionals together to celebrate success.

• Strengthen WAEF’s Foundation: Serve on the board and committees, champion fundraising events like our golf tournaments, open doors to new partnerships, and help ensure the financial resources that sustain opportunity.

Why Northwest Wholesale

The Northwest Wholesale team embodies what it means to serve with heart. Their partnership shows up across every part of WAEF’s mission.

Leadership:
Team members play an active role in WAEF’s governance and committee work, helping ensure the foundation fulfills the industry’s vision for its charitable impact and has the financial resources to achieve it.

Student Support:
Each year, Northwest Wholesale prepares and delivers care packages filled with encouragement for WAEF students. These small gestures help students stay connected, motivated, and on track toward graduation.

Scholarship Giving:
Through the establishment of financial scholarships, Northwest Wholesale opens doors for more first-generation and industry-connected students to earn their degrees and return to strengthen our region’s workforce and communities.

Hands-On Help:
From volunteering at fundraising events to providing logistical support for major celebrations, the Northwest Wholesale team never hesitates to jump in. This summer, they even helped transport event materials in Yakima and Wenatchee—ensuring our scholarship luncheons looked as inspiring as the students they celebrated.

Northwest Wholesale’s commitment reflects the generosity and teamwork that define the tree fruit industry. Their partnership strengthens the bridge between students, donors, and the communities we serve.

Our thanks to Northwest Wholesale for leading with generosity and making a lasting impact!