Volunteer Spotlight - Gabby Quintana

Gabby Quintana, a senior research chef, fondly calls his work as a volunteer, “an expression of his alter ego.” That’s because in many volunteer roles he dons the iconic Old Bay Can mascot outfit, allowing him to embody the spirit of the Old Bay brand. 

Gabby, who has been with McCormick for more than 10 years, is very active in the local community through the volunteer work he does with the Ronald McDonald House and American Heart Association. With both organizations, Gabby brings his culinary expertise and passion to help educate and delight the public through food and fun. 

Gabby has spent the most time volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House charities. He participates in the local “Red Shoe Shuffle” race annually, most often dressed as the Old Bay Can. Gabby loves dressing as the can since he becomes “the most loved spice in Baltimore” and with that comes the power to make so many happy at the events in which he participates. Additionally, in the more than 15 years Gabby has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House, he has helped craft custom menus for special events and programs across the country, including charity events to help make the new location for the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore a reality. He strives to give back to an organization for which gives so much to families in need. 

Additionally, Gabby has used his culinary background to help inform members of the community with the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA recently opened a new kitchen space at its location near Baltimore and Gabby hosted the first of many workshops on how to cook using more flavor and less salt. He hopes to be an ongoing resource to the kitchen to help teach even more community members that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when making healthy recipes. 

When asked what keeps him motivated to volunteer, Gabby says that his simple act of serving something delicious has the potential to make someone’s whole day better, and that is motivation enough. If he can play a small role in making the lives of those going through medical treatment and those trying to make healthy choices better, that’s enough.