“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~Winston Churchill
The old adage “It’s better to give than to receive” has been around for ages, but the holidays seem to be the perfect time to reflect on how generosity and giving back to the community rewards us all. As we wrap up 2017 and look ahead to the New Year, Let’s Pave is thankful for the community outreach we’ve participated in.
At the beginning of the year, our team contributed funds to Sertoma – a civic service organization with a national mission of hearing health. The money we donated provides life-changing hearing devices for individuals in need.
This summer we had the special privilege of helping some of our youngest citizens excel. From June-August, Let’s Pave served as the lead corporate sponsor for the children’s Summer Fun Club at the Jones Center. Program participants enjoy computer classes, recreational activities, life skills, and field trips.
As part of our contribution, we provided t-shirts and backpacks, sponsored field trips, and sent a team of employee volunteers to coordinate face painting, relay races, and video games at the end-of-summer party. The children got a big kick out of interacting once again with our president, C.B. Kuzlik, who made a huge impression last December when he hosted a series of three classes on financial goal setting as part of the Center’s After School Program. Since we enjoy helping out as much as the kids love participating, we’ve already solidified plans to assist again in 2018.
Also this year, our team had fun getting active and engaging in friendly competition. First in June, when we sponsored and participated in the Take Steps 5K followed by the 7th Annual Chicagoland Poker Tournament, with both events benefiting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Then, in September, we hit the golf course to sponsor the El Dorado Shootout to help our client and title sponsor Murphy USA raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado, Arkansas. A week later, we were sinking holes again at the Bloomingdale Golf Club in support of A Better Life for Kids which helps provide for children and families living in Ghana, Africa.
More recently, Let’s Pave helped individuals and families in underserved communities throughout Cook County, Illinois, by donating to Open Access. In September, we sponsored the annual “Greens and Grills” Golf Outing, which helps fund health nutrition programs, job training, and enrichment activities. And, last month our donation to the annual Turkey Giveaway ensured that 1000 families had food for their Thanksgiving meal.
At year-end, we will direct a percentage of profits to each of these organizations. And, it will be our company-wide goal to give double in both time and donations in 2018. After all, giving back not only helps those in need, it also deepens our appreciation for the many blessings we have.
