$50,000 prize is in recognition of his inspiring achievements on behalf of hungry Rhode Islanders
The 2025 Murray Family Prize for Community Enrichment at the Rhode Island Foundation has been awarded to George Ortiz, executive director and co-founder of The ELISHA Project.
With the honor, Ortiz received $50,000 in recognition of his dedication to helping Rhode Islanders in need. There are no restrictions on the use of the money.
“George’s devotion to ensuring that people in crisis receive the help they need in order to lead fulfilling lives makes him an inspiring example for others to emulate. We take immense pride in recognizing him for his commitment and determination,” said Paula McNamara, daughter of Terrence and Suzanne Murray, who along with her parents, brother and sister established the Murray Family Prize for Community Enrichment at the Foundation.
At The ELISHA Project, Ortiz directs a nonprofit organization with an $8.1 million annual operating budget. The organization provides food, furniture, hygiene products and household essentials to Rhode Islanders in need through a network of nonprofits, churches, schools and municipal agencies from Warren to Woonsocket.
“Helping people in need while respecting their dignity makes all the difference,” said Ortiz. “I am grateful to the Murray family for honoring all that our board, staff, donors and volunteers have achieved.”
In 2024 alone, the ELISHA Project provided more than two-and-a-half million pounds of food powered by more than 550 volunteers.
“We seek to educate, inspire and motivate people to change communities through service,” said Ortiz. “Every day in Rhode Island, families are making impossible choices. Not the what-should-I-watch-on-Netflix kind of choices. We’re talking about the gut-wrenching do-I-buy-food-or-pay-the-heating-bill kind of choices. Our mission? It’s personal. We bring communities together because, let’s face it, we’re all in this together. And right now, our neighbors are struggling more than ever.”
Ortiz is a disabled Marine Corps veteran and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University.
“Rhode Island is blessed to have people like George, who are working relentlessly and quietly to improve the lives of those around them. We applaud the Murray family for allowing us to help bring their inspiring stories to light,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.
The Murray Family Prize was launched in 2017. Recent recipients include Lisa Guillette of Foster Forward, Dan Corley, founder of the Community Preparatory School, Joe Garlick of NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley; Eileen Hayes of Amos House; Mario Bueno of Progreso Latino; and Kate Brewster of the Jonnycake Center for Hope in South Kingstown.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.