Continuing a legacy, in 2003 the Robert E. Rich Aspiring Entrepreneurs Scholarship was founded, in sponsorship with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, to inspire the next generation of best-in-class culinarians and innovative entrepreneurs. Twenty years later, 35 students have had the opportunity to pursue their passions in restaurant, foodservice and hospitality careers.

Mornings at Coast Guard Station Beach on St. Simons Island are usually tranquil. But on one particular Tuesday in June, the sounds of the sea are joined by the bustle of people engaged in the work of removing trash from the picturesque stretch of coast. Sponsored by Morey’s Seafood and SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood, two of Rich Products’ consumer brands, the beach cleanup represents both companies’ renewed focus on bridging the gap between long-term ocean conservation efforts and community awareness.

When classes begin at West Buffalo Charter School, it is in a mixed fashion. A few students amble into the classroom, while the rest wait on the other side of the digital ether. For these at-home learners, a familiar face greets them as they log in: one of City Year’s Americorps volunteers.