Community Commitment: Don Pancho's Impact Beyond the Table

By Kathryn Canfield | Monday, July 24th, 2023

For the past 44 years, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods has been crafting mouthwatering Mexican delicacies. What started as a small tortilla company by the Puentes family has now flourished into an industry-leading purveyor of traditional and trendy Mexican food products, captivating families nationwide.

Over the years Don Pancho has crafted the perfect balance between honoring its roots and embracing innovation. Their diverse product range caters to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters, ensuring everyone can savor the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. 

However, the company's influence extends far beyond its delectable offerings. At the core of Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods' mission lies a commitment to the community they serve. 

Over the past four decades, it has become apparent that the family-owned Salem-based company is resolute in its commitment to prioritize putting people first, fostering a sense of belonging within the company and the communities they serve guiding the company to become one of the nation's leading Hispanic-owned businesses.

Throughout years of growth and change, however, family guidance has remained constant. Ricardo Baez, brother-in-law to George Puentes, one of the original founders and past President of Don Pancho, has been the guiding force of Don Pancho as the company's president for the past 10 years.

Beyond the walls of Don Pancho, their impact on the community is made tangible through their partnership with Capital Futbol Club. Baez acknowledges the influence that Capital FC has had on his family. 

With both of his children, Brandon and Reid actively participated in the club from a young age and Baez was able to witness the transformative power of soccer in their lives.

“I was fortunate to have both of my kids be active participants at Capital FC,” said Baez. “It was a wonderful experience and my wife and I saw the incredible power soccer had in our kid’s lives as well as the positive impact the game had on our community.”

With more than half of the kids at Capital Futbol Club having Hispanic heritage, the club's commitment to offering opportunities to all children aligns with the core principles of Don Pancho Mexican Foods.

“Through Captial FC we have a vehicle that allows us to better our community and provide kids of all ethnicities the opportunity to participate in a lifelong sport, said Baez. “From our side, understanding that over 50% of these kids at the club are of Hispanic descent and that some of these kids need a little extra help, provides an incentive for us to be part of Capital FC to ensure as many kids as possible find it possible to play soccer.” 

As a result, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods has been a presenting sponsor of Capital Futbol Club’s annual golf tournament for the past 5 years. To Baez and the other employees at Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, the tournament represents a chance to create success stories for these young players and instill a love for the game within them.

Looking ahead, Don Pancho remains steadfast in its commitment to stand alongside Captial Futbol Club, in hopes of offering unwavering support for its initiatives and programs for many years to come beyond the soccer field.  

“To us, what’s special about this tournament is that all fundraising associated with this event goes to kids who need financial support to keep playing,” said Baez. “It provides a vehicle to continue to provide an opportunity for kids to participate and help in their growth and development.” 

If you're eager to be part of this meaningful cause and support the community, make sure to register for the upcoming Capital Futbol Club Annual Golf Tournament on August 18th, 2023 at Illahe Hills Country Club presented by Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods. 

Join us for a day of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of aspiring young athletes. Together, we can continue to provide a brighter future for these talented players and inspire a love for the game that will last a lifetime. 

To learn more or register for this can't-miss event visit www.cfcsalem.com/golf.

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