BILL CROOK AWARD

Named in memory of a man who left a great legacy of public service, the Bill Crook Award honors an individual who, by his own actions or as a representative of a business or organization, has contributed to the success of the Food Bank.

This year’s recipient of the Bill Crook Award is Eddie Garcia. Eddie began his career with H-E-B at the tender age of 15 working as a carryout clerk in Laredo, Texas. Later, Eddie moved up into management positions such as Director of Grocery Operations, Manager of Merchandise Distribution and Manager of Public Affairs to name a few. Eddie retired in 1999 after 46 years with H-E-B. Because of his experience and background, Eddie was asked to continue overseeing the Food Bank Assistance Program in Texas and Mexico as a Consultant.

Eddie is held in high esteem among food bankers across Texas and is affectionately known as the "Godfather of all food banks." Eddie has been a leading force in opening numerous food banks in Texas and Mexico. He also developed H-E-B’s "Help End Hunger" fundraiser that accounts for over $5.5 million dollars in H-E-B customer donations. In addition, Eddie started and established H-E-B’s Holiday Dinners, which he named “Feast of Sharing.” Last year alone, over 230,000 hot holiday meals were served in 24 cities in Texas and six cities in Mexico. Eddie’s tireless energy and his incredible drive to feed the hungry everywhere has been a true inspiration to us all.

PAST BILL CROOK AWARD RECIPIENTS

2008 Joe Gazin
2007 Dr. Chuck Etheridge
2006 Grande Communications
2005 Scott Electric
2003 Jason Gough – Channel 6
2001 People's Baptist Church
2000 Gulf Coast Council Boy Scouts of America
1999 KIII–TV – Channel 3
1998 Alma Meinrath