Empowering Associates to Give Back: How the GSF Foundation Cultivates Philanthropic Leadership

At GSF and the GSF Foundation (GSFF), giving back is part of our culture. Associates are encouraged to engage with nonprofit organizations through volunteering, grants, board service, and leadership roles.

These opportunities help associates become ambassadors for causes that align closely with the Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life of children and families in need in the areas where GSF associates live and work through personal involvement and contributions.

Three GSF leaders exemplify this approach: Nate Murphy with Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center, Kate Starr with Families Forward, and Justin Vannoy with A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center.

Hands-On Service and Team Spirit: Nate Murphy and Twin Cedars

The GSFF Opelika, Alabama committee’s support for Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center began with a grant. Nate Murphy, GSF’s Group Vice President, Operations – Protein Products, took that support further by joining the Board of Directors and contributing his time, skills, and leadership.

What began as a simple donation quickly grew into a hands-on partnership. Associates remodeled a room into a children’s clothing and supply closet and took on regular maintenance of the center’s playgrounds and landscaping. Nate and his teammates even led a full-scale cleanup that transformed the outdoor spaces into safe, welcoming areas for the children they serve.

“When we come together to serve, we strengthen our bonds and reinforce a shared purpose that goes beyond our day-to-day roles,” Nate explains. “That spirit of giving back builds trust, inspires leadership, and reminds us why what we do matters.”

Nate’s board service also inspired new ways to rally the community. He helped launch the organization’s inaugural golf scramble that raised more than $25,000 for Twin Cedars. The event not only provided vital financial support, but also introduced local businesses and community leaders to the organization’s mission and the life-changing work it does for children and families.

Family Roots and Strategic Impact: Kate Starr and Families Forward

For Kate Starr, philanthropy is part of her family’s legacy. Her parents introduced her to Families Forward, a nonprofit that helps families facing housing insecurity, after they began volunteering there following their retirement from public service. Inspired by their example, Kate joined as a volunteer and expanded her volunteerism with the organization through the GSF Foundation.

“GSF gave me the space and support to grow my involvement. Aligning my personal values and our company's cultural values, I leaned into more opportunities to be of service as a Families Forward advocate among my GSF colleagues and in our community,” Kate says.

As GSF’s Group Vice President, Communications, Kate brings her professional expertise to Families Forward’s strategic work. Having joined the Fund Development Committee five years ago, she has advised on the nonprofit's PR, branding, and fundraising initiatives. She currently chairs the Fund Development Committee, serves as a Board Member, and has led the Gala Committee in raising more than $1 million over the past two years combined.

In addition to supporting Families Forward through GSF Foundation grants, food drives, and volunteering, Kate's commitment extends to her own family as well. Her two young sons regularly volunteer at GSF Foundation’s Bike Building events and in the Families Forward Community Market alongside their grandparents, creating a three-generation tradition of service. By making community involvement part of everyday family and work life, Kate shows how GSF associates live out the Foundation’s mission in meaningful and lasting ways.

Guiding Strategy and Strengthening Service: Justin Vannoy and A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center

Justin Vannoy serves on the Board of Directors of A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center, a nonprofit providing critical services for children who have experienced abuse. Through the GSFF Conyers, Georgia committee’s long-standing partnership, Justin has deepened his involvement by offering his strategic expertise to help guide the organization’s future.

“Serving on the board opened my eyes to the complexity of what these organizations do every day,” Justin says. “Providing input on strategy and operations allows me to give back in a way that creates long-term stability for the organization and the children it serves.”

As a board sponsor for the nonprofit’s strategic planning process, Justin applies his leadership experience to strengthen the organization’s prevention and protection initiatives. His contributions help ensure that A Child’s Voice continues to operate with the structure, vision, and support it needs to serve vulnerable children effectively.

“GSF’s culture of giving truly sets us apart,” Justin reflects. “The Foundation enables associates to support causes that matter locally and to use our skills to make a difference. We are a company that serves communities.”

Building a Culture of Giving

These stories highlight a key principle: GSF associates are encouraged and empowered to serve, lead, and contribute their skills in ways that make a real difference. Board service, volunteering (whether physical or skills-based), and fundraising all help associates build meaningful relationships with nonprofits and strengthen the communities where they live and work.

Through the GSF Foundation, giving back is part of everyday work, creating leaders who champion causes and inspire others to do the same.