Suzanne Broetje, the
family’s literal “first
fruit,” manages their
foundation programs.
Vista Hermosa
Foundation
GIBRAN ESCALERA just completed his master’s degree in English at the University of
Washington in Seattle. Since leaving for
college he’s returned every summer to
spend time with the kids at Broetje
Orchards’ Camp Vista program and serve
as an example of what’s possible for those
who grow up in the Vista Hermosa community. He volunteered at the on-site daycare,
where his mother is the director. He went to
the elementary school, and after graduating
from high school received a scholarship for
each year of his undergraduate studies. The
common thread is that the Vista Hermosa
Foundation funded each of those steps.
Begun in 1990 and now managed by
Suzanne Broetje, Ralph and Cheryl Broetje’s
oldest daughter, the foundation has given
away upwards of $50 million. In addition to
funding the daycare and elementary school,
the foundation also supports the following:
Camp Vista. This summer-long
program is for children entering first
through sixth grades and is designed to
offer a fun environment for improving or
sustaining reading, writing and math
skills. It’s also meant to boost English
reading, writing and comprehension
skills in native Spanish speakers.
Scholarships. Scholarships
are awarded to children of Broetje
employees, employees who want to further their professional development and
low-income adults in several counties in
southeast Washington.
Cherry Committee. Each year the
entire profit from the cherry harvest of 50
designated acres is given away. To foster a
feeling of control and ownership, the
Broetjes have removed themselves from the decision-making process and ask their employees to decide where the money will go. Past recipients have included communities in India, East Africa, the U.S. and Mexico. Grants. International grants are given out to faith-based, community-oriented initia- tives. They’ve focused on Haiti, Kenya, Uganda, India, Mexico and Central America to help with issues of immigration, hunger and economic empowerment. “We [Broetje Orchards] are successful; we make a profit. But it doesn’t stop there,” Suzanne says. “We’re all for going the next step and looking at the whole person.” With Suzanne at the helm, the foundation ot only tracks all of the projects and their progress, but also forges relationships with the groups and people they’re helping. “There are a number of things that we focus on, like education, leadership, agricul- tural training and empowering people to use the gifts and talents they have,” she adds. “We don’t want to just throw money at prob- lems. We’re in it for the long haul.”—SEP
supplier profile
DEAN DAVIS
Company: Broetje Orchards
Founders: Ralph and Cheryl Broetje
Employees: 1,000 permanent
employees; 2,800 during harvest
Address: 1111 Fishhook Park Road
Prescott, WA 99348
Phone: (509) 749-2217
Web site:
www.firstfruits.com
Items at Costco:
Apples and cherries
Comments about Costco: “For
years our desire to run a socially
responsible business was considered quirky. With partners like
Costco, we can encourage each
other as well as other businesses to
pay attention to their people as well
as their profits.”—Cheryl Broetje
“For years they’ve been one of our
top partners. We have similar models of management and codes of
conduct. We’re excited to be one of
your suppliers.”—Ralph Broetje
