Greg and Karen Musson and their family are being honored by The Business Journal as the inaugural recipients of the Heart of the Valley Award during its first Philanthropy Excellence Awards.
The publication says the award recognizes the Musson family’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, particularly its efforts to combat food insecurity, support agricultural education and strengthen communities throughout the Central Valley.
Karen Musson is managing partner of GAR, a family-owned crop protection, nutrition and regulatory advising company in Reedley. The honor also recognizes her husband, Greg Musson, who serves as an adviser to GAR CEO Ralph Rendon, and their daughter, KMJ radio host Christina Musson, who is married to Rendon.
Since 2014, the Mussons have partnered with KMJ and Central California Food Bank on the annual Feeding Families Fund Drive. Through GAR, the family matches community donations at 50%, contributing an additional 50 cents for every dollar donated.
According to Central California Food Bank, the matching campaign has helped generate $4.5 million for hunger-relief programs and 25 million meals.
“The Mussons use their time, energy and resources to multiply their investments because when an entire community shares responsibility for strengthening where we live, we can feed families today, open doors for youth who will become leaders of tomorrow, and promote a legacy of service that not only builds on their family legacy, but creates an incredible one of their own,” Kym Dildine, CEO of Central California Food Bank, wrote in nominating the family.
In addition to the Musson family, the inaugural honorees are:
- AM/PM Medical Transportation Company Inc.
- Arts Enrichment For All
- Blood Cancer United
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County
- Breaking The Chains
- CalViva Health
- Heartland Compass
- KFSN-TV, ABC30 News
- Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California
- The Academy of Financial Education
The program includes recognition in five categories: Community Champion Award, Nonprofit of the Year, Nonprofit Leader of the Year, Heart of the Valley Award and Emerging Nonprofit Award.
Event information and tickets
The 2026 Philanthropy Excellence Awards luncheon is open to community members, business leaders, nonprofit professionals and others interested in celebrating the region’s philanthropic achievements.
Event: 2026 Philanthropy Excellence Awards
Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Pardini’s Catering & Banquets, Fresno, California
Tickets are available now:
Purchase tickets for the 2026 Philanthropy Excellence Awards
