Ouachita Children's Center received a $6,038 donation from Triumph Airborne Structures last week courtesy of the company's employees.
The funds have been raised since October 2018 through donations made by employees of the company, located at 115 Centennial Drive, during monthly food fundraising events. Employees can pay a small fee for the food, or choose to donate more, with 100 percent of all donations benefiting the center.
"Yesterday (May 23) we had people buying bratwursts for $4, and they would give $40. So that kind of generosity is rare and it's incredible. I can say that the culture we have here and the folks that work for us are truly world class," Triumph President Alex Emme said.
Fundraising for the children's center was something everyone at Triumph could get on board with, said Francene Pierce, Triumph's executive administrator.
"The leadership got together, and they were looking for some nonprofit around here that dealt with children. And when Alex and I were talking, I said that I like Ouachita Children's Center. They've been here for years and years and years and they've always done a really good job for children and their families. And he presented it to the leadership and they ran with it. Many have mentioned that they have a special place in their heart for OCC because they had previously been there or they knew people there. That just added to it," Pierce said.
In October 2018, the company raised $1,032; in November, $1,042; in December, $640; in January, $675; in February, $675; in March, $690; in April, $767; and in May, $726.
"They really get a kick out of not only their employers providing this opportunity for them to have the delicious food, and then the ability for them to donate, but they really enjoy each other's company, and it's really fun to witness," said Ashley Thompson, OCC resource development director.
"It's for basic needs. If we can't meet their basic needs, then the help that we give only matters so much if we can't make sure that they have their shampoos, their conditioners, their soaps, their toothbrushes. So donations like we just saw today, they all are dispersed throughout all of our programs. But money of this value can go towards big projects, like lawn maintenance at our domestic violence shelter, or playground equipment for the children who come there, after-school programs for the summer and enrichment so that the youth shelter kids can get out of the shelter and experience things out in the community. So it really goes towards a lot of different areas," Thompson said.
Triumph's fundraising efforts not only benefit the OCC in terms of funds but also provide food for those receiving assistance.
"If there's any food left over, then that goes back to our shelters. Usually, there's enough food left over plus all of the donations, that we can give it to our youth shelter and our domestic violence shelter, and that makes them feel so good," Thompson said.
To thank Triumph for their assistance, the OCC presented the company with a trophy naming them an Outstanding Corporate Partner of 2019 at the OCC's Friends of the Children Banquet held in January.
"We are so blessed by the generosity of Triumph, and especially the employees and the management that makes this possible. It makes it a lot easier to do what we do, and we couldn't do it without people like them to make it happen," OCC Executive Director Mark Howard said.
However, Triumph has not been alone in its efforts to assist the children's center.
For February's event, Smokin' In Style BBQ donated sauces and coleslaw to top pulled pork sandwiches, and Harps Food Store at 146 Thornton Ferry Road donated hamburger patties, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and other toppings for March's event.
"We were really lucky because in this community we have places like Harps and Smokin' In Style," Pierce said.
Emme credits Triumph's employees for the success of the fundraising program.
"What we do is we provide funds that allow OCC to buy the resources they need to help make that difference. So it's rewarding for all of us. But I have to hand it to our employees. They are truly a generous bunch of folks. They truly care about what is going on in our community. And they see themselves as enablers to help do good within the community," he said.
Not only does Triumph plan to continue its monthly fundraising events for OCC, but hope to expand them and challenge other businesses nearby to do the same.
"Hopefully what we can do is raise more awareness. One of the ideas is to try to create a competition here at Mid-America Park between the different companies," Emme said.
Local on 05/30/2019