Given the current state of the economy, it’s easy for businesses to turn inward, losing sight of the ongoing, even escalating, need for non-profits and other charitable organizations to communicate their message. While many companies may not have the time or resources to lend a hand, the ones that do should think of this as a way to not only help their community but also build skill sets.
As a company it is important to provide support for organizations that have little to no money for creative pursuits. By helping those in need, not only are you making a difference and broadening contacts, you are encouraging team members to give back as well.
There are additional benefits for team members. First of all, working on new projects will help keep them driven during what may be a slower time. Second, this allows some team members to learn new skills that will assist them in future projects, while giving others the opportunity to refine skills they may already have.
Recently I had the chance to discover what philanthropy is all about.
For the past five years, Quicksilver has been involved in the production of the Make-A-Wish “Wish Ball” here in Chicago. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children suffering from a wide range of serious illnesses. Our President, Diane MacWilliams, is one of the founding members of the Northern Illinois Chapter and has constantly contributed her time, as well as the rest of the teams’, in an effort to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.
Quicksilver is involved in the main program PowerPoint presentation. Realizing that PowerPoint really wasn’t one of my core competencies, I saw this as a good opportunity to learn new skills, while helping out a great charity. I was very interested in learning more about what PowerPoint is capable of, other than bullet points, and was able to spend a good deal of time creating this presentation.
I’ve since been able to apply my new found skills to sales support presentations, making my time invested benefit Quicksilver as well.
More than anything, it was an honor to contribute to an organization that means so much to our company and to so many around the country. I encourage everyone to consider how they can use the resources at their disposal to give back to those in the community.
To learn more about Quicksilver's philanthropic work, click here.
Tyler Uteg is an associate producer with Quicksilver Associates. He was delighted to aid in creative execution for the 2009 Make-A-Wish Ball.
