Community Connections
GAFRI considers involvement in the work of nonprofit charitable organizations a demonstration of our
core values. We support our associates' efforts to support the community
through a variety of programs and initiatives.
GAFRI's Community Support and Contributions program is an expression of our
corporate culture in that associates direct our support for community
organizations. Through this program, associates apply for monetary grants and
other support (such as surplus office supplies) on behalf of nonprofit
organizations and their efforts. An associate Community Support Team reviews
all grant applications and approves requests based on certain criteria. In
2008, 37 organizations – including food pantries, animal shelters, and soup
kitchens in the inner city – received grants through this GAFRI program.
Our associates participate in a variety of other volunteer activities as well.
For the past few years, we have launched in-house fundraising initiatives for the United Way and The
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk, and holiday gift campaigns
to benefit a local orphanage and various community centers.
When needs arise, again and again, GAFRI associates lend their helping hands
through company-supported efforts.
Light The Night Walk
The Light The Night Walk, which is The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society's nationwide evening walk, was created to build awareness of blood
cancers and raise funds for cures. During this annual fundraiser, walkers carry
illuminated balloons (white for survivors and red for supporters) to celebrate
and commemorate those lives who have been touched by cancer.
Chuck Scheper, Chief Operating Officer at GAFRI, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin
lymphoma in March 1992 and knows how vital Light The Night fundraising is for
supporting cancer research: "The treatment I received in my battle with cancer
was considered experimental. Without funding for research from groups such as
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, that treatment might not have become
available." Cancer free for nearly 15 years, Chuck knows firsthand that
becoming involved sends ripples of positive impact to those striving to achieve
wellness.
Serving America's Educators
GAFRI subsidiaries have been providing retirement solutions to educators for more than 30 years,
so it is fitting that the Company has a major focus on supporting teachers in their
work and improving education through a variety of programs.
USA TODAY Financial Literacy Initiative
GAFRI has partnered with USA TODAY to create Money Matters 101, a series of
free lesson plans for educators to use in the classroom. Each of these lessons will be
posted online for unlimited use and discussion in the classroom. Based on actual articles
from USA TODAY, lesson topics include saving for now and for later, being prepared
for a financial crisis, using credit cards, protecting yourself from online scams and much
more. The lessons will enable educators to use real-world examples to help teach students
about finances and planning for the future.
The Ron Clark Academy
GAFRI is proud to partner with the Ron Clark Academy,
based in Atlanta, Georgia. The innovative, nonprofit school serves students in grades 5-8 who are from low-wealth areas. It is being funded primarily through donations from individuals, foundations and corporate gifts. Ron Clark, the school's cofounder and a former Disney American Teacher of the Year, has been recognized for his tireless work and dedication to making a difference in the lives of children.
Through our partnership, GAFRI supports two major initiatives to honor educators and provide valuable teaching resources.
The Great American Teacher Awards is a national award program to recognize and honor exemplary teaching that is challenging, innovative and creative. Through a nomination and application process, five finalists receive prizes and national recognition, including a trip to the Ron Clark Academy National Educators' Conference where the Great American Teacher of the Year is announced.
The Great American Teachers' Club is a subscription site that provides members access to ideas, inspiration, training and more with Ron Clark and the award-winning faculty at the Ron Clark Academy. With live webcasts, videos and downloadable lesson plans, it's a valuable resource for fresh ideas for the classroom.
The Lunch Buddies and Playground Pals
Each Wednesday, during the past two school years, GAFRI associates visited the John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington, Kentucky, to spend quality time with its students. (Covington is right across the Ohio River from GAFRI's Home Office.) These volunteers engaged in positive play and dialogue with the children during the lunch and recess period. The goal of the program is to help students overcome barriers that interfere with academic success.
Carol Dedischew, Industry Relations Director at GAFRI, is one of the enthusiastic volunteers who visited the school this past year: "I really enjoyed being involved with the kids. I'd recommend the experience to anyone sincerely interested in having a positive impact on a child – however small it might seem. Having someone take time to just 'talk' and ask what's important to them can make a difference. They feel valued and important. You can see how much it means to them by the looks in their eyes and the smiles on their faces – their 'Buddy' is there."
Through their dynamic interactions, these GAFRI role models shared a piece of their day with young people facing a variety of challenges. According to the mentoring project coordinator, "The kids really enjoyed it." So did we!
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