Last year was tough for many people in the U.S., particularly for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and the wildfires in Northern California. These were life-changing events for the country, some of our employees and many of the communities where we do business, and Wilbur-Ellis has helped with efforts to support and rebuild in these areas.

In Texas, Wilbur-Ellis made an Impact Fund donation of $100,000 to help the American Red Cross aid victims. Additional Impact Funds went to Taft and El Campo. In announcing the donations, then-CEO John Thacher encouraged employees and their families to contribute themselves, through the Red Cross.

During the storm, Wilbur-Ellis employees offered their boats, trucks, trailers and themselves to help those in need, and they will remain front and center for each community’s restoration efforts.

In the communities damaged or destroyed by the wildfires in Northern California, Wilbur-Ellis donated $100,000 to help those affected. The money was split between the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the Napa Valley Community Foundation, which will distribute the $50,000 to assist area victims, and the Sonoma County Wildfire Relief Fund, administered by the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

Kyle Truesdell, branch manager of Wilbur- Ellis’ Windsor, California office, was honored along with all who donated to support fire victims at the Foundation’s Annual Harvest and Community Celebration on Nov. 7, the most attended celebration in its history.

Agribusiness facilities in Healdsburg and St. Helena were spared from the blaze, and all Wilbur-Ellis employees, their families and homes were reported safe.

Several customers and neighbors, however, were not as fortunate. Wilbur- Ellis keeps all those who suffered loss during the relentless fires in our thoughts.