NEWS 2020

Community could simply mean a group of people living in the same place, or it could be a sense of fellowship with others.  There is no doubt that Key Foods owner Junior Dabashi perfectly fits the latter definition. Case in point: in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, he quickly offered to personally deliver groceries to Milford Borough residents who are ill and quarantined in their homes, and he set time aside exclusively for seniors to shop.  But that’s just two of many selfless gestures on his part. So it is fitting that Dabashi is this year’s recipient of the Richard L. Snyder Excellence in Business Award from Greater Pike Community Foundation. He will be honored at Greater Pike’s annual dinner later this year on September 22nd. The award recognizes a local business that has demonstrated outstanding philanthropic leadership in our community.

Dabashi not only initiates ways to help those in need, but he never turns down a request and welcomes partnerships.  “I’d be happy to help any business that wants to partner up,” he says proudly. One of the biggest events that Key Food sponsors is the yearly car show, Rev It Up Community Event, for which he partners with Colin Smith of John’s Of Arthur Ave. and Rocco Fasulo of State Farm. Proceeds go to Vetstock, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of former and current Armed Services men, women and families. It will be held on June 28th this year.

But that’s not all.  “Our food pantry doesn’t get enough help,” Dabashi said.  So when he invited the public to use the Key Food parking lot on July 4th to watch fireworks launching from resident Don Quick’s property, he thought about a way to help: sell food and drinks and give the proceeds to The Ecumenical Food Pantry of Pike County.   Dabashi also is a sponsor of the Milford Santa Claus Sleigh Ride, which collects food for the pantry. His philanthropy doesn’t end there; he cares deeply about his employees and has raised money for an employee burdened with a large medical bill and another with a large loss from a fire.

Employee Alex Zitoc says, “He’s just a very, very, very awesome boss.  He’s always looking after us like his family, always making sure we’re alright.”  Spencer Crum agrees. “Junior, he’s just an all-around good boss. He brought me in when I needed a job and gave me a chance, an opportunity that no other place would.  He treats us and his customers like family.” And employee Grant Todd said Junior insisted on giving Todd his own earbuds to replace the ones he lost. He adds, “He cool! He is overall a really nice guy.  He’s tough only when he has to be.”

One of eleven siblings, Dabashi emigrated from Yemen 22 years ago and lived in California before moving to Beacon, New York, twelve years ago.  He is married with three children. His brother operates a Key Food in Beacon, also a small town.

“We like small towns,” Dabashi explained.  “You get to know people one by one—on a first-name basis. You can say ‘Good morning, John’ and share life stories. I enjoy it…it’s like a family kind of thing, but on a bigger basis.”

Dabashi genuinely cares about his employees, customers, and Milford. He says, “It’s not about the money or the recognition, if it’s going to help, I’ll be there.”

Greater Pike’s Annual Dinner will be held at Silver Birches on Lake Wallenpaupack on September 22nd, 2020, at 5:30pm.  For more information about sponsorships opportunities, journal advertising, or tickets, please contact Tim Smith at 845-926-4684.

Greater Pike helps individuals, families and local businesses provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community.  For more information contact Jenni Hamill, Executive Director, at (570) 832-4686 or jennihamill@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org or Facebook.