At the reception for Feed More in 2016.
From Tag-N-Stick’s crow’s nest.
I was honored to work alongside Charles Cabell as he chaired Feed More’s Gather, Give, Grow campaign—an extraordinary initiative that raised more than $23 million to help feed food-insecure individuals and families across 34 Virginia localities. Charles brought his full heart and mind to the effort. His compassion was evident in every decision, his ethics unwavering, and his focus razor-sharp. He never lost sight of the mission or the people behind the numbers. And yet, amid the gravity of the work, Charles always found space for laughter. His sense of humor and easy smile made even the most challenging meetings feel lighter, more human, and more hopeful. He was an outstanding partner as we visited with individuals and asked for their support in this effort. He brought a sense of purpose to our calls and elevated Feed More’s message to a level of significance that invited participation.
These same qualities served him in his final months. Despite his daily challenges, Charles faced this chapter with remarkable courage, dignity, and grace. Watching how he navigated this time left a deep impression on me. If I’m ever in similar circumstances, I hope to meet them with the same strength of spirit.
Charles was more than a colleague—he was a true friend, mentor, and example. I will miss his wisdom, warmth, and wit. His legacy will live with me and in the many lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on our community. I am sharing several photos the reception we held at the Governor’s Mansion to announce our campaign, and the wonderful time I spent on the Tag-N-Stick with some friends.
His height always made him easy to spot in the crowd, even at the back of the room, or sitting in his captain’s chair on the water!
Dear Katherine, Margaret, and Jordan,
I’m Doug Pick, recently retired CEO from Feed More. To say that I was a fan of your Pop, would be the understatement of the year. He was special beyond words.
Charles was such an important part of Feed More’s history and legacy. I thought you should read our correspondence from earlier in the year. My guess is that he never shared the below accolades I sent him – not his way.
I know how proud you must be of him and the life he lived. As I say below, I fully intend to do my part in making his life everlasting by following his example.
Take good care, celebrate all he was and cherish the memories.
Doug Pick / [email protected] / (c) 804.347.0800
From: Charles Cabell <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2025 1:15 PM
To: Doug Pick <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Greetings and new news
This is the most powerful email I have ever received
So sorry to see you move on but what is left for you to do??
Tuff shoes to fill!!
Your comments about me are extremely gratifying and the product of a great deal of thought. Coming from you makes them even more meaningful
God speed on your next challenge my friend!!!
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 18, 2025, at 11:38 AM, Doug Pick <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Charles,
How’s the fishing?? Rumor has it that you’ve headed south to warmer climates and your beloved boat! Good for you. Life is meant for living.
Given the importance you have played in the long and storied history of Feed More, I wanted you to hear from me first, that after 12 years of stewarding this position, I’ve decided it’s time for the next chapter – both for Feed More and myself. So, as you’ll read in the attachment, which will be in Sunday’s paper, the Board has started a search for the next CEO. They hope to announce in early April, so I’ll probably move on sometime in May.
I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done, Charles. Your initial work with Steve Bayard was so important in establishing a strong foundation for the organization, bookended by your splendid leadership of our last, very successful Campaign – which was so pivotal in getting our network infrastructure fortified, prior to building the new facility.
I feel strongly that the ultimate thing we can do with our short time on this earth is make it a better place for us having been in it. I know that your list goes so far beyond your Feed More accomplishments, that we’d have to use a ream of paper to capture it all. Our community and we as individuals have been so much the better for you having walked amongst us. I count myself as one of many fortunate people to have known and worked with you.
Here’s my commitment to you – I will do all I can to pass along what I have learned from you — about selfless giving – with an ever present, keen sense of humor; about always having a kind word and warm smile, with a twinkle in your eye for all you meet; and for living life to the fullest with class and grace.
You are a fine man, Charles. I so humbly thank you for all your many contributions and who you are.
May the waters be kind, the fish plentiful, and tight lines in abundance.
Yours in respect and gratitude,
Doug
Douglas H. Pick
Feed More
President and CEO
8020 Villa Park Drive, Henrico, Richmond, VA 23228
O: 804.521.3270
C: 804.347.0800
“I’m just a baby” Dad loved his baby girl
Dad pranked us all that a bear got in the house – that Jackson Hole trip was wild!!
Cheers Dad!
Love you Dad!
He loved his grandkids! -Brian Watson