A few dollars from every paycheck may not sound like much, but each year, it means about $2 million for City of Hope.
Hundreds of companies support City of Hope through individual employee contributions, whether they are one-time donations or regular payroll deductions. But now some companies have taken a creative approach: They encourage employee participation by creating matching gift programs and organizing fundraising events for City of Hope.
 UPS employees raise money through special events. (Photo by John Dean) |
United Stationers, a member of the National Office Products Industry, has supported City of Hope through employee giving since 2000 — raising $2.25 million. In 2008, United’s foundation committed to matching dollar for dollar all money contributed through payroll deductions. That year its 5,600 associates raised more than $800,000.
AEG, a member of the Music and Entertainment Industry group, introduced an employee giving program to its associates earlier this year. The company matched each employee gift up to $100,000, and within just a few months, City of Hope has received more than $96,000.
“Employee contributions are integral to our fundraising efforts. Each gift, big or small, helps City of Hope continue to fund valuable research, treatment and education programs,” said Mary Koenig, director of City of Hope’s employee giving program. “We are so lucky to have such generous supporters from so many different companies nationwide.”
Corporate employees support City of Hope in other ways, too. Since 2007, employees from UPS’ Baldwin Park facility formed a fundraising group called “Team up – Driven to make a difference.” Besides contributing to City of Hope through the company’s United Way program, the group has held several events in support of City of Hope, including bake sales and softball tournaments. Employees also hosted a last-minute, two-day blood drive and gave more than 50 units of blood earlier this year when they heard City of Hope had a shortfall of donations.
The donations add to critical dollars raised by City of Hope’s own employees. More than one in two City of Hope staff members make personal donations through biweekly payroll deductions or one-time gifts. In 2009, these employee donations accounted for more than $200,000.
“This number has doubled over the past three years, sending an important message to the community that as proud participants of our own employee giving program, we believe that City of Hope is worth supporting,” Koenig said.
To find out more or to sign up for employee giving, contact Mary Koenig at ext. 26347 or mkkoenig@coh.org. City of Hope staff also may visit www.coh.org/employee-giving.
