Mission
Plant-A-Seed foundation will search for creative projects which enable the efforts of individuals, families, schools, churches and communities, through a non-profit organization. We will find those ventures locally, regionally and around the world. We will support only those that are the most effective and lead to self-sustaining personal, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Meet the Board
meet the Plant-A-Seed FOundation Board
Founded in the fall of 2004, Plant-A-Seed Foundations became a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation in the first part of 2005. Since opening our doors, Plant-A-Seed has funded projects in Uganda, Cambodia, the Netherlands, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Nicaragua, throughout the United States, and in our hometown of Modesto, California. Our hometown projects have included working with the Modesto Pregnancy Center, Healing Nations, Youth for Christ and more.
Our goal with Plant-A-Seed is to promote lasting change in the lives of people by assisting them with the resources and the knowledge to reach their goals. We are open to offering any type of assistance. For example, we have helped on building projects, staffed orphanages, purchased farms to raise produce, and have even sent skilled laborers to help guide projects.
Plant-A-Seed serves people of all walks of life. We help individuals and families, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender. We come along side and help develop, facilitate, and educate and ultimately leave our partners empowered to continue on independently.
History
Rick Gray
Rick Gray is a lifelong member of the Modesto community with a strong background in agriculture. He was a partner alongside his father at Stanislaus Implement & Hardware and currently works in sales with Belkorp Ag, representing John Deere. Rick values building lasting relationships with his customers and considers many of them friends.
Rick and his wife, Claudine, were married in June 1997 and have two children, Abigail and Weston. They attend Heritage Church and are grateful for the strong, faith-centered foundation that guides their family.
Rick is passionate about serving others both locally and globally. His experiences traveling to developing countries have deepened his commitment to helping those in need. He has served on the boards of God’s Grace Adoption Ministry, McHenry Mansion, Oak Valley Bank, and the Massey Ferguson Low Profile Orchard Tractor Board. Rick currently serves as President of Plant-A-Seed Foundation and is inspired by the impact of its work and the ways the Lord continues to provide.
April Duarte
April Duarte is a dedicated follower of Christ, married to her husband Jeff for 20 wonderful years. As a proud mother of three daughters, she has cultivated a vibrant family life that reflects her commitment to faith, love, and service. She attends Heritage Church in Escalon.
April's passion for entertaining shines through in her love for cooking and hosting gatherings that bring family and friends together. She enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, which further enriches her perspective and enhances her ability to connect with others. Above all, April is dedicated to serving her community and uplifting those around her.
April's nickname on the board is "the Engine," a testament to her unwavering drive and enthusiasm for making a positive impact. A proud alumna of California State University, Stanislaus, April earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.
Eric Layman
Eric was born and raised in Modesto Ca. He married Sue in 1986 and has three daughters Trevor and Kayla Grimbleby, Ty and Leah Galloway, and Scholtz and Sarah Neveling, and nine Grand children.
He has supported Plant-A-Seed Foundation since the beginning and served on the Board for the past 20 years and presently serve on Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board as well. Previously served on Youth for Christ and Gods Grace adoption Ministry Boards.
Eric enjoys coaching Girls Fastpitch Softball, disappearing on two wheels anywhere, Carpooling Grandkids to school, and doing life with his wife.
Eric currently attends Heritage Church in Escalon with
his entire family.
Jason Flory
Jason is a fourth-generation leader at Flory Industries, a family-owned company recognized globally for its innovation in agricultural machinery for specialty crops. With over three decades of experience, Jason has held diverse roles across the organization and now serves as President & Chairman. His leadership is marked by a commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth, and community engagement.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Jason is dedicated to service and faith-based initiatives. He has actively contributed to various Christian organizations and ministries, consistently volunteering his time and leadership. Jason values family, lifelong learning, and giving back, and brings this spirit of service to his work with nonprofit organizations.
Gordon Rumble
Gordon Rumble is a Pastor at Big Valley Grace Community Church in Modesto, and he also serves asthe Chaplain for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Soldiers of the Cross Ministries. Gordon and his wife Heidi have three married children, ten grandchildren, and a great grandchild “on the way.” Gordon and Heidi participate in Gospel Echoes Prison Ministries, Weekly Bible studies, Special Needs groups, Speak at Church Retreats and Revivals, involved with Non-profit groups, Teach Bible symposiums, and have led numerous Bible Study groups to Israel and the Middle East.
Nancy Grant
Nancy Grant and her husband, Curtis, were both born in Minnesota but grew up in Modesto. They have been married for over 60 years and have two sons, two daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Nancy graduated from Thomas Downey High School and Stanford University. She taught in Modesto City Schools, the last 23 years of her career at La Loma Junior High. She has served as a board member and/or volunteer at Modesto Pregnancy Center, Modesto Gospel Mission, Teen Challenge, Airport Community Center, Modesto City Schools, Quilt Guild, Memorial Hospital Philanthropy, and Parent Institute for Quality Education. She is an active member of CrossPoint Community Church and taught Kindergarten Sunday School for many years.
Nancy’s interests include travel, sewing, water aerobics, gardening, Bible study, genealogy, writing, and editing.
Kris Helton
Kris Helton was born and raised in Modesto, California. Kris was fortunate to continue residing in Modestowith his remarkable wife, Jennifer, and their three children. Jennifer and Kris have been blessed to raise their children, pursue our careers, and contribute to the community they hold dear.
Kris Helton is a Modesto, California native with over 25 years of experience in business ownership, management, and operations. He serves as General Manager of Wardrobe and Bath Specialties (WBS), a division of Don’s Mobile Glass, where he leads the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality shower and wardrobe systems across three states.
Kris is passionate about leadership, community development, and building strong organizations. He serves on the Stanislaus County Workforce Development Board, is a member of Modesto Rotary (MoRo), and is actively involved with Leadership Modesto and his local church.
