Bacon Banter
United StatesA series highlighting the people behind CFG’s success.
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Amanda: Running Toward Purpose
In 2011, Amanda found herself searching for direction. A former Division I athlete, she had moved back home and was asking a difficult question: What now?
That question led her to "I Run 4," where she was paired with Liam, a young man in Ireland with special needs. This connection changed her life.
“On August 1st, 2014, Liam helped me find my purpose in life,” she says. “I am supposed to be supporting others — to use my legs for them, but more importantly, to share my heart with them.”
Amanda became involved with Ainsley’s Angels of America, a nonprofit that pairs able-bodied runners with individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to complete endurance races. Years later, she continues serving in leadership roles, helping create more opportunities for inclusion.
CFG’s Dollars for Doers program strengthens that mission. “I’m super thankful I work for a company that believes in giving back to the communities we work, live and play,” she says. “Nonprofits are able to function because of these funds.”
For Amanda, the impact is also deeply personal.
“I get to show my two young boys what it means to give back,” she shares. “They experience inclusion at a young age — and that makes my mama heart so full.”
Her advice for those who want to volunteer? “Find something you are passionate about and fully embrace it. It’s truly a blessing to see how giving back can transform your life.”
That question led her to "I Run 4," where she was paired with Liam, a young man in Ireland with special needs. This connection changed her life.
“On August 1st, 2014, Liam helped me find my purpose in life,” she says. “I am supposed to be supporting others — to use my legs for them, but more importantly, to share my heart with them.”
Amanda became involved with Ainsley’s Angels of America, a nonprofit that pairs able-bodied runners with individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to complete endurance races. Years later, she continues serving in leadership roles, helping create more opportunities for inclusion.
CFG’s Dollars for Doers program strengthens that mission. “I’m super thankful I work for a company that believes in giving back to the communities we work, live and play,” she says. “Nonprofits are able to function because of these funds.”
For Amanda, the impact is also deeply personal.
“I get to show my two young boys what it means to give back,” she shares. “They experience inclusion at a young age — and that makes my mama heart so full.”
Her advice for those who want to volunteer? “Find something you are passionate about and fully embrace it. It’s truly a blessing to see how giving back can transform your life.”
Steven: Growing Food, Growing Gratitude
Service has always been part of Steven’s life. His father volunteered as a firefighter. His mother led the ladies’ auxiliary. Giving back was simply what you did.
Over the years, he has joined church relief trips to disaster zones along the East Coast. But his focus has always remained closer to home.
As coordinator of the Salford Mennonite/Advent Lutheran garden in Harleysville, PA, Steven helps grow fresh vegetables that are donated to local food banks and community centers.
Through Dollars for Doers, CFG supports the practical needs that keep the garden growing.
“The funds help us with our operating budget — plants, seeds, fertilizer,” he says. “They provide a great help with our program.”
And while the garden may start with seeds and soil, it ends with nourishment.
“Hearing stories from families who are struggling has allowed me to say, ‘I never had a bad day in my life,’” Steven reflects.
He describes volunteering in one word: humbling.
“The people who receive our produce are very grateful.”
And for those unsure where to begin in their volunteering journey? “Start small and do something you enjoy," Steven says. "Then don’t be afraid to try something new.”
Over the years, he has joined church relief trips to disaster zones along the East Coast. But his focus has always remained closer to home.
As coordinator of the Salford Mennonite/Advent Lutheran garden in Harleysville, PA, Steven helps grow fresh vegetables that are donated to local food banks and community centers.
Through Dollars for Doers, CFG supports the practical needs that keep the garden growing.
“The funds help us with our operating budget — plants, seeds, fertilizer,” he says. “They provide a great help with our program.”
And while the garden may start with seeds and soil, it ends with nourishment.
“Hearing stories from families who are struggling has allowed me to say, ‘I never had a bad day in my life,’” Steven reflects.
He describes volunteering in one word: humbling.
“The people who receive our produce are very grateful.”
And for those unsure where to begin in their volunteering journey? “Start small and do something you enjoy," Steven says. "Then don’t be afraid to try something new.”
Nicole: Leadership Is Service
Nicole’s volunteer story began in 4-H as a child. Today, she’s a leader, coach, organizer, and mentor within Bedford County PA’s 4-H horse and pony program — and beyond.
In 2025 alone, she helped lead clubs, coach teams, organize recognition events, coordinate sponsorships, and mentor youth competing at the state level. Much of her work happens behind the scenes.
“There’s a lot I don’t record,” she says. “Even though those things have to happen somehow.”
The Dollars for Doers match has helped fund equipment and educational resources, strengthening opportunities for local youth.
“The funds gave us extra opportunities to provide better equipment and resources for the kids,” she explains.
But for Nicole, the deeper reward isn’t measurable.
“As an adult now guiding these kids yet again, you can see some of these kids who will become leaders, who is going blaze their own path in life and helping to nourish that is helping the community,” she says. “It may feel small in the moment, but to the kids, it’s everything.”
Over time, she’s come to understand something essential. “Leadership is really about service,” she says. “It’s not about being in charge — it’s about showing up and listening.”
Nicole’s definition of a Doer says it all: “It’s not sitting back and saying, ‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.’ It’s asking, ‘What do you need?’ or, ‘What can I do to help?’”
In 2025 alone, she helped lead clubs, coach teams, organize recognition events, coordinate sponsorships, and mentor youth competing at the state level. Much of her work happens behind the scenes.
“There’s a lot I don’t record,” she says. “Even though those things have to happen somehow.”
The Dollars for Doers match has helped fund equipment and educational resources, strengthening opportunities for local youth.
“The funds gave us extra opportunities to provide better equipment and resources for the kids,” she explains.
But for Nicole, the deeper reward isn’t measurable.
“As an adult now guiding these kids yet again, you can see some of these kids who will become leaders, who is going blaze their own path in life and helping to nourish that is helping the community,” she says. “It may feel small in the moment, but to the kids, it’s everything.”
Over time, she’s come to understand something essential. “Leadership is really about service,” she says. “It’s not about being in charge — it’s about showing up and listening.”
Nicole’s definition of a Doer says it all: “It’s not sitting back and saying, ‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.’ It’s asking, ‘What do you need?’ or, ‘What can I do to help?’”
