As most of you know, our mission at Flagstaff Family Food Center is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day. It’s more than a slogan – it’s a profound belief that has been part of the DNA of this organization since day one. The very first neighbor who embodied that mission was the man who started FFFC almost 35 years ago, George McCullough.
George was a descendent of one of Flagstaff’s most prominent families, the Babbitts. Later, he owned the insurance agency his father had begun in 1919.
Throughout his life, George also worked to serve others. He was involved with the Boy Scouts for half a century and later helped start the Coconino County Humane Society.
“He really was a one of a kind of guy with a heart for helping those in need,” said Alan Chan, owner of Babbitt Ford and a member of the FFFC Board of Directors.
George was known to give his business card to any person he met on the street who needed help. He’d tell them to head over to the Grand Canyon Cafe for a hot meal and use his business card as payment. At the end of the month, he would then square up with the restaurant owners, Fred and Tina Wong.
This planted the seeds for Flagstaff Family Food Center. It started as a soup kitchen in George’s church before opening at the site of a former restaurant on N. 2nd St. on Christmas Day 1991. We continue to serve evening meals there every day.
“George was a true blessing to our community.”
George was the first president of FFFC after the organization was founded. Along with his wife, Patsy (pictured with him at FFFC when it was named Organization of the Year in 1993), George would also serve, clean up, and go out three times a week to gather food from grocery stores and other sources.
“Patsy and I always wanted to do something for people in need,” he said at the time. “The Lord laid this in our lap.”
George was then honored as the male 1994 Citizens of the Year by the Arizona Daily Sun. The female honoree that year was Kay McKay.
George died in 2007 after a battle with cancer. More than 450 people packed the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Church on West Cherry Avenue for his funeral. He is remembered for his sense of humor. George wasn’t above pulling practical jokes on friends – in addition to his generosity of spirit that inspires people to this very day.
“George was a true blessing to our community,” said Carol Dykes, another member of the FFFC Board of Directors who knew him. “Because of his love for charity, the FFFC was born and we work every day to keep his legacy alive. His generosity, smile, and humor will forever remain in our hearts.”
George McCullough’s story reminds us that great change often begins with a simple act of kindness. Like a business card exchanged for a hot meal. His dream continues – and grows – every year.
As we look ahead, we honor him best by living out his belief that neighbors should care for their neighbors – every single day.
Sincerely,
Ethan Amos
President & CEO
Flagstaff Family Food Center
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