From elementary school students to entrepreneurs, it’s an innate behavior to feel good from helping others. So charitable events and fundraisers become part of the culture we live and work in. For a business, participating in these events is a good opportunity to make a contribution to the community – but it’s also a good opportunity to advance employees’ experience in philanthropy.
With that said, I have always sought out opportunities where I can be involved. When I accepted my position at Energy Swing Windows as the Marketing Specialist, my Aunt was just completing her radiation treatment from breast cancer. Her fight with cancer increased my eagerness to become involved with a local group that held events to raise money for treatment of the disease. I participated in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure event in Pittsburgh on Mother’s Day – and that really jump-started my goals. Now, I am preparing for The Relay for Life of Pittsburgh East event scheduled for July 12-13 at the Penn Hills High School Stadium.
The Relay for Life event is one I have heard of in the past, but never really researched. It wasn’t until I came to Energy Swing, and was looking for fundraising events to participate in as a company, that I realized this event was more important, especially in my current position, than I had imagined. I looked through old files and found paperwork from a previous Relay for Life event the company had participated in the previous year. I saw a pop bottle filled with dimes on the lunch table with a sticker wrapped around it that said this money was being donated to the Relay for Life/American Cancer Society. Soon, I realized I wasn’t the only one with the giving spirit.
It was then I found out that one of our employees, Steve Ainsworth, held the cause very close to his heart. In fact, he was intimately involved with the event – and his wife was the Chairperson. This is when I was also told that Connie Ainsworth, Steve’s wife, has battled cancer herself – twice. Two different kinds of cancer, two battles, the worst fear coming true twice – all for the same woman. Suddenly, there was no hesitation. The registration forms were signed, the check sent, and the stretch of road ahead to try and collect as much money as possible for this cause.
An event was held in May to raise money for the Pittsburgh East team as plans continued to be made for July. It was called a Jazzercise Marathon. Yes, try telling a team of co-workers consisting of a dozen contractors that this is a good opportunity and they should think about participating. Regardless, Energy Swing was there as a vendor – and I was there in my tennis shoes. The event raised $4,000 – in just a few hours. And it was a blast! Many of the women who participated were survivors themselves – and Connie was right in the front.
Energy Swing Windows will be participating in the final event on July 12-13, but is planning a fundraiser to contribute donations even afterwards. For this fundraiser following the Relay, I am planning a Car Wash to be coordinated with our Summer Open House. The Open House is an event held every quarter during which we open our facility doors to anyone who has an interest or need for replacement windows or doors. Energy Swing employees will be on hand, not only to answer questions, but to wash cars in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The Car Wash will be held July 26, 2008 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Energy Swing Windows on Route 22 in Murrysville. Please stop by – we will have refreshments available and the Murrysville Marble Slab Creamery will be serving their famous ice-cream creations all afternoon as well. All proceeds from the Car Wash will be donated to the American Cancer Society through the Energy Swing Windows Team, who will be at the Relay for Life event on July 12-13 as a vendor. I will be there too, again, in my tennis shoes.
