Annual Event Organized by Ruiz Foods’ Team Members

DINUBA, CA:  In June, 2006, Ruiz 4 Kids awarded a record $100,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and current college students resulting in 134 scholarships.  The money, raised by the 21st Annual Ruiz Invitational Golf Tournament, brings the total raised by Ruiz 4 Kids since 1990 to over $1M.

“I always enjoy seeing the list of scholarship recipients each year,” said Kim Ruiz Beck, Ruiz Foods Board Advisor to Ruiz 4 Kids and Vice Chairman, Ruiz Foods.  “These young people are the future leaders in our community and it’s great to be a part of a team dedicated to helping them grow and further their education.”

Ruiz 4 Kids, a non-profit public benefit organization founded in 1990, began when a group of Ruiz Team Members came together to raise money to help a Team Member and their ill child.  Since then, Ruiz 4 Kids has remained a tool by which to focus on helping children.  The mission:  Making a Difference in the Life of a Child.  The two annual fundraisers:  a Ruiz Invitational Golf Tournament in the spring and ‘Embracing Children’s Dreams’, a fall fundraising Gala.  The events are organized by Ruiz Team Members – volunteer members of Ruiz 4 Kids.

“We are thrilled that Ruiz 4 Kids was able to award such a large number of scholarships this year to such deserving students,” said Susan Manuel, Executive Director, Ruiz 4 Kids.  “These scholarships are awarded to those who demonstrate excellence not only academically, but within their community as well.  No doubt, these youth are our future leaders.”

Ruiz Foods is a family-held corporation co-founded in 1964 by Fred Ruiz and his father, Louis Ruiz.  Dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen Mexican foods, Ruiz Foods sells to all channels of distribution:  retail, convenience store, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice.  The signature brand is El Monterey.  Ruiz Foods is the market leader in the frozen Mexican food category and manufactures the #1 brand of frozen Mexican food in the United States.  With three manufacturing facilities in the United States, Ruiz Foods employs over 2,300 Team Members.  ##