The Fulton and Garrett families are historic in helping many-many family members achieve their dreams by coming along side in times of need.
The adults and children in this photo have received assistance over the years, and in turn, helped others. While many of the following Patriarchs and Matriarchs are deceased, their spirit of giving lives on through their descendants.
Therefore, it is with great honor that we memorialize them in this setting.
On behalf of our beloved deceased patriarchs and matriarchs,
(Most recent);
E.J. and Grace A. Fulton; (Beloved Dad and Step-mom, Deceased 2015).
Survived by Ralph E. Fulton Sr., U.J. Fulton Jr., Debra J. Fulton-Smith, and Darrell V.A. Fulton Sr., Johnny Viel and all of their descendants.
Years gone by:
Great-grandma Bessie Garrett, (deceased), Grandma and mother,Bessie Mae Carter, (deceased),
Aunt Jeanette Anderson, (The oldest surviving matriarch, will turn 97 on May 13th).
Grandma Eddie Mae Giles, (deceased), Uncle Ernest L. Garrett, (deceased) Aunt Annie Davis, (deceased) and Uncle Percy L. Garrett, (Survivor- residing in Louisiana).
To the survivors of the above mentioned family members, The Fulton's, The Garrett's, The Anderson's, The Dorsey's, The Browns, The Jacobs, The Viels and The Giles, thank you for letting the spirit and memories of our great pillars live on through your lives through the dedication and establishment of this scholarship in their honor.
The Fulton & Garrett Family Foundation came into existence through its founder, Ralph E. Fulton Sr.,
While a student in Culinary Arts at Cerritos College.
During each semester of his three years in the program, he consistently observed students dropping the program by the third week of school. Troubled by this pattern, since he was forming team building relationships, Ralph determined that the fully loaded cost per semester was simply not affordable so students dropped out. Subsequently, Ralph discovered stealthy ways to obtain personal information to avoid embarrassing the students in need, and used the information to provide the essentials needed to continue in the program.
Help ranged from giving students rides to and from school to counseling, buying campus parking permits, giving gift cards for books, money for lunches, and just being a stand in the gap "dad" to students in need.
Affectionately known as "Pops" Ralph, being the oldest person in the program, driven by empathy and compassion, Ralph helped many students find ways to stay in school, improve their grades and ultimately complete the program.
Before graduating in 2014, Ralph collaborated with the Chef's, The Cerritos Foundation, and The Goodwill Organization, to design a scholarship for his target market, and vetted students who TRULY NEEDED assistance who were passionate about becoming a chef. If they were serious, they got help.
Subsequently, Ralph created a vehicle called THE FULTON & GARRETT FAMILY FOUNDATION as a vehicle to reach his students and received his official 501c-3 Non Profit status on December 21, 2015, with all the rights and privileges afforded a California Corporation.
The rest, will be history....
We are an outcome based organization through which students receive assistance in the form of food, books, gift cards, campus parking permits directly through The Fulton & Garrett Family Foundation, on an as needed basis, free of charge. The foundation does not discriminate against any person regardless to race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.
The financial assistance, in the form of scholarships, are awarded at the END of the semester through funds collected through the Fulton Garrett Foundation. Subsequently, The Cerritos College Foundation receives a check from the foundation.
Three vetted students who apply for and meet the criteria for the scholarship, agree to a one-on-one interview with the founder to make sure they've maintained the required GPA, and are overall most improved.
Two or three finalist are selected by the Chefs, and the applications are forwarded to Ralph's foundation for the final selections. Each student will receive between $200 and $500 as a scholarship for MOST IMPROVED in academic performance, team work, communication skills, providing a vision board, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
If you desire to partner with FGFF, and Cerritos College, to assist students in meeting their goals, please contact us via the information on this website.
All donations are FULLY tax deductible.
Students who receive assistance receive it free of charge.
The goal is attaining sustainable and gainful employment in the food service and hospitality industries.
The Fulton & Garrett Family Foundation Thanks you in advance for your support.