Fay Theos Abate - Grant Administrator

It’s hard to imagine a more fulfilling next step than joining an organization that helps students in my hometown reach their full potential. After 15 rewarding years of owning and operating Zest, a boutique catering and meal prep service in Volusia County, I decided it was time to leave the foodservice trenches and refocus on my passion for community impact.

I recently joined the FBH Community as a Grant Administrator—though it’s more accurate to say I’ve “rejoined.” I previously served as FBH’s Executive Director in 2013–2014, during which I helped plan and host the inaugural Pearls of Hope fundraising gala. Over the years, I’ve remained connected as a volunteer on the gala committee and have been thrilled to see its remarkable growth. The 2025 Pearls of Hope Gala recently netted over $500,000 in support of FBH’s mission.

Prior to launching Zest, my career was focused on developing and executing marketing programs for sponsors in the motor racing industry. These experiences honed my skills in strategy, relationship-building, and project execution, which continue to inform my work today.