The Big Josh Foundation
“No one plans for it. A terminal diagnosis catches even the most prepared person off guard. If you work in the service industry, freelance, or work as a contractor, and become terminally ill, chances are you’ll be too weak to continue earning paychecks and your insurance benefits won’t be enough. That’s where Big Josh Foundation steps in.”
On the evening of December 14th, 2021, CaliFino had the pleasure of supporting the gala event organized by the Big Josh Foundation. This foundation was started in the loving memory of Joshua Gehlbach, a San Diego bartender who received a terminal diagnosis of cancer in 2016. Josh was known as the “gentle giant,” standing at six feet eight inches, and was remembered most by the way he made each person feel like family as he served them.
The Big Josh Foundation was started by Josh and his friends Patrick Giblin and David Robins and it helps to give individuals and families within the service industry a fighting chance against the financial burdens that come alongside a terminal diagnosis. With 70% of Americans working in the service industry, and being a company that serves more than just tequila, CaliFino identified what The Big Josh Foundation was doing for the community and wanted to be a part of it. During the evening's festivities as dinner was being served, guests heard from speakers directly involved with the foundation, from the wife of Joshua Gehlbach, and tribute was paid to all of the individuals who volunteer their time to keep the foundation thriving. Guests also heard from CaliFino co-founder Miguel Luna who announced that CaliFino had made the decision to launch a new product in support of The Big Josh Foundation called Finito, in which a percentage of the proceeds will be donated directly back to the foundation.
The motto behind The Big Josh Foundation is that “it has to be done,” and they have shown that it can be done with the four families they have been able to support since Josh’s passing. Josh reminds us all of the fragility of life, and how much it means to take care of those around you and your community. CaliFino is now a part of the Big Josh family and will continue to help keep Josh’s legacy alive.
If you would like to get involved with the foundation or to make a donation please go here.