From Tasha’s Laptop: Honoring Elda Devarie and EMD Sales Inc.

When I first met Elda Devarie, I could tell that her warmth was genuine and her passion for supporting CCF was sincere. We are excited to present her and EMD Sales, Inc. with the Gift of Life Award at the 39th Annual CCF Gala on November 3, 2023.

For many years, EMD Sales has been a generous supporter of CCF. But it is only recently that I got to know the woman behind EMD Sales, making our partnership that much more meaningful.

Elda M. Devarie was born Elda M. Perez in Puerto Rico. She is the oldest daughter of four children, growing up in her parents’ businesses of a service station and a restaurant.

Elda graduated with a degree in accounting and marketing from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Elda’s early jobs included working for Atilano Cordero Badillo at Grande Supermarket, the second largest supermarket chain on the island at the time. As a military wife, Elda moved often, arriving in the U.S. like many immigrants, following a dream and her husband at the time.  When she and her husband decided to part ways, she knew she had to work hard.  She vowed to make sure that she and her son would prosper. Elda “did not want to go back home defeated.”

Finding herself in New Jersey, she worked for General Trading Co. in Carlstadt, but largely she was recognizing that nobody wanted to hire her. Looking back, Elda considers this perhaps the best thing to happen to her, and we agree! As a result of her own strength and will, EMD Sales and Marketing Services was launched in 1989 in Cape May, NJ.

From its humble beginnings in a spare room of her home, to a storage facility, to their current 153,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Baltimore, EMD Sales has significantly expanded the ethnic food distribution business in the Mid-Atlantic region. Elda started distributing from the back of a van, moving to a used 18-foot truck, to currently having a fleet of over 25 commercial trucks. EMD Sales presently employs over 150 employees and serves some of the largest supermarket chains, restaurants and ethnic stores in the area. Elda’s commitment to her employees, her business, her community and her family are evident in everything she does.

Elda is humble. She is the quiet warrior, working long hours every day, with the help of her beloved sister Carmen and her brother-in-law, Antonio. Along with numerous long-time managers, sales reps, drivers, warehouse and office personnel, they are a united and unbeatable team. Elda and EMD Sales have been recognized numerous times for their success in both ethnic marketing and charitable work.

Roberto, Elda’s son, grew up by her side in the business, from the time he was only four. Elda considers Roberto to be “the inspiration for her hard work and dedication.” A second generation of nieces and nephews has since come on board to be part of the company, but each one of them starting at the bottom to learn, prove their commitment and strengthen their work ethic. Roberto officially joined the business after his internship experience abroad and jobs in other industries.

A faithful Catholic, Elda placed her life and destiny on this earth in God’s hands.

Since 2009, Elda and a small group of individuals joined forces to start Bags of Love, a 501(c)3 focused on fighting food insecurity in the DMV.  Now in its 14th edition, Bags of Love will serve 1000 families in 30 distribution points around the DMV.

Elda’s mission is to provide for the ones in need, make her family and her people proud while showing others that, no matter how tough it gets, “God is always by your side and there is nothing that we cannot accomplish if you focus, sacrifice, work hard with honesty and purpose.”

Elda’s passion for supporting her local community was evident last December at the annual CCF holiday party. Elda graciously donated gift cards for each family attending the party, asking for no recognition- just doing it because she knew it would make a difference. Elda made a point to meet all the families attending and know their personal story and cancer journey.

Selecting EMD to become the 2023 CCF Gift of Life Honoree was natural. Elda, her team, and her company go above and beyond every day. We are all better for knowing Elda. Her commitment to ensuring her local community is safe, fed and supported is evident in everything she does.

On behalf of CCF and our entire community, we thank Elda and EMD Sales and anxiously await the opportunity to present them with the 2023 Gift of Life Award. Congratulations Elda and EMD Sales!