Ag One Foundation at California State University, Fresno will honor Fred R. Ruiz during the Ag One Community Salute Award Dinner at the Fresno Convention Center on Friday, June 29.

Ruiz, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Ruiz Foods, Inc., is the 12th Community Salute honoree since the event was established. He will be honored for his support of California agriculture and commitment to the community.

As a well-known Valley company in the food processing industry and the nation’s largest manufacturer and marketer of frozen Mexican food, Ruiz Foods contributes greatly to the consumption of California’s beef, wheat, cheese and several other California-grown products. Ruiz’s commitment to the community is demonstrated by his unwavering commitment to the children of the Central San Joaquin Valley through his tireless advocacy of education.

The salute is open to the public and begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. The dinner and program start at 7 p.m.  Advance reservations are $100 per person and $1,000 for a table of 10.  Proceeds from this event will be used to establish the Ag One – Fred R. Ruiz Scholarship Endowment Fund to benefit students pursuing a degree at the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Cargill, the primary sponsor for the event, is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services, with 149,000 employees in 63 countries.

Over the years the Ag One Endowment Fund has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships and grants to 2,700 students.

In 1979, several faculty, alumni and friends of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology had an idea to start a foundation that would benefit, support and promote the college and its programs.  The supporters set out to raise $1 million in endowed scholarships and grants. Today the Ag One Endowment Fund comprises more than 80 named funds totaling nearly $5 million.

For information about the Ag One Foundation or tickets, call 559.278.4266.