Ruiz family pledges $125,000 to Institute for Family Business at Fresno State

The Ruiz family of Dinuba-based Ruiz Foods has pledged $125,000 to support the Institute for Family Business at Fresno State.

The pledge from Fred and Mitzie Ruiz serves as the lead gift to establishing a $1 million endowment for the institute, which provides education and resources for family-run businesses, Fresno State announced Thursday.

“Fred Ruiz has been instrumental in the Institute for Family Business since its inception 27 years ago,” said Robert Harper, dean of the Craig School of Business. “Now, this gift to kick-start an endowment campaign will ensure lasting support for a vital community resource.”

Fred Ruiz established Ruiz Foods, a manufacturer of frozen Mexican food, with his father, Louis, in 1964. He was a founding board member of the institute.

“The Ruiz family is very pleased to launch this endowment supporting the legacy founded by a board dedicated to family-owned businesses,” Fred Ruiz said. “We hope other family businesses will join us for the benefit of the institute and family-owned businesses for generations to come.”

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Ruiz family pledges $125,000 to Institute for Family Business at Fresno State."