Morristown businesses have an opportunity and a calling to support community initiatives. Now more than ever, our leadership is needed.
It’s almost September in Morristown which means it’s almost time for the United Way of Hamblen County campaign. Strate Insurance Group was asked to be a Pacesetter Company for the United Way campaign this year. We have been long-time supporters of United Way, and it also happens to be the 30th anniversary of Tom Strate’s chairmanship of the campaign in 1989.
We said yes.
Being a Pacesetter Company means we hold our fundraising campaign at our office before the larger community campaign kicks off. It’s our job to set the pace and build momentum for the campaign. We’re the pep rally cheerleaders.
Holding a United Way campaign at your company is something every employer should consider, and here’s why.
It can be fun. Asking people to donate money doesn’t have to be awkward. We created a competition in our office that gave employees points for completing United Way-related goals as well as fitness goals. We set a fundraising and participation goal as a team, and everyone got on board.
It is easy. United Way makes it very simple to fill out your pledge card. There are payroll deduction options and a suggested “fair share giving” option which equates to a pledge of one hour’s pay per month for the employee.
It is eye-opening. United Way offers agency tours throughout the campaign season, and they are worth doing. Our team took a tour of the Helen Ross McNabb Center and MATS on August 15. It was amazing to hear first-hand from agency employees and directors what a positive impact each of these organizations is making in Morristown. Give your employees a chance to take off work for a couple of hours and learn about their community.
If you are no longer in the workforce, consider donating to United Way to ensure the future of Morristown is a bright one. We believe with the help of these agencies it will shine brighter than ever before.
United Way is the best way to help the most people. Help us set the pace for this year’s campaign, and join us on Sept. 10 at 7:15 am for the kickoff breakfast.
