Each week at our CSS Huddles, we look at our collective business performance culminating in the “profit” or “net income” we have produced so far this year. One of the rewarding aspects of all the hard work each of you contributes to our “bottom line” is the charitable contributions it generates. If you remember the pie graph we have distributed showing all the uses for CSS profits including taxes and employee bonuses, we donate at least 1% of those profits to select charitable causes.
Over the years, I identified two categories for our charitable donations: (1) Charities that help those underserved and in need in Traverse City and Cleveland; and (2) Charities that help make Traverse City the unique place to live that it is. The Traverse City focus helps recognize and give back to the community where our company was founded. And, we try to consolidate our gifts to make a bigger impact on those charities receiving our donations. We usually divide our donations between mid-year and year end.
So far this year, your hard work has generated the following charitable donations:
- Annual Traverse City Veterans Cup = $200
- Great Cleveland Habitat for Humanity = $440
- Northern Michigan Drive for Dignity (housing for those with mental illness) = $150
- Greater Cleveland Food Bank = $1,000
- Safe Harbor of Traverse City (homeless shelter) = $1,000
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Michigan = $1,500
We hope to be able to donate another $3,500 or so to the last three charities listed before the end of the year. Congratulations to all of you for making a meaningful difference to those supported by these charities!
