Grow a Company by Aligning Philanthropic Participation to Valued Missions

A terrific way to gain credibility in the market place and gain traction in a region is to demonstrate dedicated and consistent giving and participation in a community over time. These efforts can be most impactful when missions of a company and the organizations it wishes to serve have alignment. It becomes even more impactful as employees’ life experiences and common causes sync with these missions. This formula becomes a recipe for success and enrichment all around. True reciprocity!

Companies can legitimately coattail and leverage credibility by delivering over time to a particular mission. Associations with these valued institutions enhance their brands. Employers can help to facilitate an increase in job satisfaction by deepening their employees’ held sense of efficacy beyond the “four walls” of the workplace environment.

The company I am privileged to be a partner at is “in the business of keeping businesses in business” and has, for nearly a decade, been a supporter in time, talent, and treasure to an organization that is “in the businesses of keeping everyone in business” — the American Red Cross.

That organization’s mission of disaster preparedness and blood services has at one time or another personally or professionally touched all of us. This symbiotic relationship has allowed our employees to unify and inspire a sense of team and family by our longtime delivery to its mission.

The American Red Cross aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. At our company, we have found ways to sponsor, serve, donate and provide resources and leadership to the organization consistently and ongoing.

In 2003 I was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma. The time I spent battling this devastating illness taught me many important lessons. Aside from being active in our business community, I encouraged those around me to become involved in causes that help those facing the same daunting challenges I did. One of these causes is blood donation through the American Red Cross. Prior to my diagnosis, I was a regular blood donor. As a result of my treatment I am not able to donate blood at this time. Yet I realize that many individuals who are fighting cancer, for example, depend on the generosity of volunteer blood donors.

More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. The Northern Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross needs to collect 900 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients in 57 local hospitals. Historically, during the summer months, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need.

This summer the Red Cross is launching the Summer of Stories campaign to share the personal impact donors can have on patients in need and to help ensure a sufficient blood supply is available. Like me, many individuals have a story about how they learned the importance of blood and platelet donors.

The Red Cross wants to hear from you too. Share why you donate, how you became a donor or how the need for blood impacted your own life. You can share your story at redcrossblood.org/summer. Help inspire others to give and ensure that blood is available whenever and wherever needed. There are many ways for your company to engage with agencies like the Red Cross. Join us this summer in supporting The Red Cross Blood Services. Inquire how your company can get involved!

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Hilton Garden Inn

1100 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland

On Monday, July 29, from noon to 6 p.m., donate blood and receive a Red Cross-recycled tote and a free gift from the Cleveland Clinic. Appointments are recommended. Visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code hiltongardendt or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule yours today!

Link to CBC Magazine: http://cbcmagazine.com/2013/06/01/grow-a-company-by-aligning-philanthropic-participation-to-valued-missions/