FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Allison Wachter
Vice President of Engagement and Business Development
Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA)
703.761.2600
info@fpsa.org

PHOENIX, AZ (March 22, 2025) – The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) announced today that its signature charity fundraising events at the Food Solutions Exchange & Conference (FSX) 2025 raised $115,000 for various philanthropic initiatives. The funds were generated through the popular Silent and Live Auctions, as well as the new interactive FUNraising “Heads or Tails” game held on Thursday, March 20th at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix.

“The remarkable generosity displayed by our members and attendees truly embodies the collaborative spirit of FSX,” said Erik Brainard, Chairman of the Board for FPSA. “These contributions will make a tangible difference in advancing education, supporting veterans, addressing food insecurity, and much more across the communities we serve.”

The auctions featured a diverse array of items including exclusive media packages, unique experiences, culinary and sporting equipment, and rare collectibles. Attendees bid enthusiastically throughout the evening, culminating in an impressive fundraising total that will be distributed across six key initiatives:

• The Meat Industry Suppliers Alliance (MISA) raised $75,000 to fund scholarships for junior and senior-level undergraduate and graduate candidates in engineering and meat sciences.
• The Pet Food Council collected $25,000 to support American Humane Society's PUPS4PATRIOTS Dog Therapy Program, helping veterans combat PTSD.
• The Dairy Council generated $6,310 for the Tom Imbordino Memorial Dairy Science Scholarships, supporting students pursuing careers in the dairy/food industry and engineering.
• The Prepared Foods Council contributed $4,100 to World Central Kitchen's mission of providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.
• The Bakery Council raised $3,000 for Kitchens for Good, a non-profit offering free skills training and job placement in baking, culinary, and hospitality for people facing barriers to employment.
• The Beverage Council gathered $1,620 for DIGDEEP, a human rights nonprofit serving more than 2.2 million Americans without access to clean running water or sanitation in their homes.

“One hundred percent of all funds raised during our auction events go directly to these charitable causes,” said Chris Lyons, President and CEO of FPSA. “This tradition of giving back has become a cornerstone of FPSA, reflecting our industry's commitment to supporting both workforce development and the broader communities we serve.”

The charity auctions have become a highlight of the conference, blending networking, entertainment, and philanthropy into one memorable evening. Acting as this year’s auctioneer, Sandy Jobin-Bevans created an atmosphere that encouraged spirited bidding for worthy causes.

For more information about FPSA's philanthropic initiatives or to learn about next year's Food Solutions Exchange & Conference, please visit www.fpsa.org.

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ABOUT FPSA
The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) is a trade association serving suppliers to the food processing and packaging industry. FPSA's mission is to create a collaborative environment that brings together food manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and service providers to engage, learn, and foster innovation across the food industry. Through education, networking, and philanthropic initiatives, FPSA is building a sustainable future for the food industry. Learn More