Our Gift Is Giving Back

Each year, Esrockers work to make the world a better place. Take a look at some of the organizations that we care for, and get to know the pieces of the puzzle that make up Esrock.  

You can make a difference, too. Donate your time, effort or money to any of these organizations over the next year. Every little bit counts.

Maria Pelley, Associate Creative Director Design

These past few years have shown me just how crucial the volunteer efforts of individuals can be to the advancements of new medical breakthroughs. To help do my part for future generations, I personally took part in 2 clinical trials this past year helping to advance both new disease treatment options and mental health therapies for those living with chronic illnesses. Participating in—and advocating for—medical research and providing patient outreach and peer support are all the small steps I can take in my daily life to make an impact.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation

• Donate: https://guthyjacksonfoundation.org/donate/

Brian Grady, Associate Creative Director Copy

This past September I volunteered my time and my drumming skills at the first ever Fluid Running Marathon in LaGrange, IL—benefiting those battling ALS. I drummed with the band Southwater, filling in for their usual rhythmist. It was a special day, and I met so many wonderful people. I had lost a friend and former bandmate to this terrible disease in 2019, so it was definitely a cause dear to me. I also participated in a Dupage County Toys for Tots event in the Fall of 2023 with several other Esrockers.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Culinary Care

• Donate: https://culinarycare.org/about-us

Cat Hlotke, Senior Account Manager

I volunteered (thanks to Esrock’s volunteer PTO program) at the Greater Chicago Food Depository—an organization I’ve supported frequently in the past. It felt great to go back. This year, my retired mom and stepdad also participated. We repacked bulk food items (pinto beans and apples) into smaller portions which were then distributed to people in need in the Greater Chicago area. I also volunteer as a Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Committee for the Village of Indian Head Park, helping improve the community for everyone.

Favorite Charitable Organization: The Greater Chicago Food Depository

• Donate: https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/

Emilee Sirek, Account Director

I love volunteering! This year, I participated in the Mall of America Puzzle Competition to benefit Autism Society of Minnesota, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Puzzle Competition to benefit Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, I packed food at Every Meal, and made donations to RECLAIM! (where I’m also a development committee member). I also counted and sorted products for the Diaper Bank of Minnesota, donates clothes to Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women

• Donate: https://www.sarahsoasis.org/

Kevin Wilson, The Red Shoe Guy

Every year at my local high school, I do career counseling with students. We also donate both food and time to PAWS of Tinley Park. There’s a special place in my heart for the Robert Irvine Foundation, which helps service members, first responders and their families. Lastly, because I am lucky enough to work in the world of food, I like to support organizations that give back to foodservice workers: Ment’or, which inspires culinary excellence in young professionals, and CORE, which grants financial assistance to foodservice workers and their families when they’re in need.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Ment’or

• Donate: https://www.mentorbkb.org

Liana Matin, Senior Project Manager

This past year I was a room parent at my daughter’s school and participated (and assisted with) in Parent-Teacher Association events. From coordinating classroom parties to organizing teacher appreciation events, it was great getting to know the other members of the school’s PTA and see firsthand how the school strives to provide my kids with everything they need.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Vogel Alcove

• Donate: https://vogelalcove.org/

Alissa Knytych, Associate Director Media

I volunteer with both of my daughter’s Girl Scout troops to help build strong and confident girls! One thing that both the girls and I love to do is food packing with the Darien Rotary Club. The organization runs a program called Backpack Food for Kids, and their mission is to provide undernourished learners in Darien, Burr Ridge and Willowbrook with enough food to sustain them over the weekend. I love this program because we can help children in our own community. Both of our Girl Scout troops love giving back to their community.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Darien Rotary Club

• Donate: https://darienrotaryclub.org/

Tracy Subka, Business Manager

Twice a year, our car club hosts the “Honor Flight Chicago” Car Show. All proceeds collected these two days are donated to Honor Flight Chicago giving our local Veterans an opportunity to visit the memorial sites built in honor of these brave men and women. I’ve been fortunate enough that my great uncle was able to participate in the Honor Flight Chicago along with several WWII veterans a few years ago.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Honor Flight Chicago

• Donate: https://www.honorflightchicago.org

Travis Fish, Senior Account Manager

I did Feed My Starving Children on 10/17 and West Suburban Community Pantry on 9/26. I had done Feed My Starving Children previously and love how they put a number to the amount of kids we helped feed with our volunteer work that day. It really puts into perspective the impact just a little bit of our time can have on kids in need. For West Suburban Community Pantry, it was amazing to see the sheer amount of donations that come in from people and organizations to help keep people in need fed. The volunteers that worked in this organization were very passionate in their support of this cause, and it inspired me to work hard during my time there to try and help make a difference.

Favorite Charitable Organization: Ronald McDonald House Charities

• Donate: https://production-sc103-276620-cd.azurewebsites.net/get-involved/volunteer

We’re Just One Piece of the Whole Puzzle

Each and every Esrocker cares. From supporting animals, to the armed forces, to those who keep the food industry running, each Esrock team member has a charitable organization they are passionate about. Together, all of our support can make the world a better place. 

Take a look at the organizations we support individually. 

Courtesy of Esrock Partners, a food marketing agency located near Chicago, Illinois that specializes in the food, beverage and foodservice industries and their current market trends. For a close-up of our capabilities, see our services.