Welcome to “The Good Stuff”, where we highlight positive news and ways that employees of NAED-member companies go above and beyond to give back to their communities! If you have some “Good Stuff” that you would like to share with tED magazine, find out how below.
In this issue, we’re looking at City Electric Supply.
GAINESVILLE, Georgia — A City Electric Supply (CES) store in Gainesville decided to lend a helping hand to families in need this holiday season. CES Gainesville recently concluded its fifth annual car show, raising money for Christmas presents to donate through the Lanier Shrine Club. Together, the six CES team members prepared for a year leading up to the event to make it the biggest car show yet. The result? Hundreds of people came to the show and donated over $6,700 to purchase Christmas gifts for children.
“Everybody who works here at this branch wants to make sure kids get to have that Christmas magic each holiday season,” said Branch Manager Jerry Gordon. “The team wants to do their part to help make that a reality and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. We’re really fortunate to be able to put on an event that has become this big here at CES.”
This year, the store donated to the Lanier Shrine Club. CES Gainesville Outside Salesman Jimmy Harris has been a Shriner since 2006 and was president of the Lanier fraternity in 2016. Shriners is a fraternity based on fellowship, fun and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, truth, and relief. Today, Shriners International has nearly 200 chapters in several countries and thousands of clubs around the world. Shriners members are committed to serving mankind through the resources of its philanthropy by being the premier fraternal organization for men of good character and fostering self-improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values, and community involvement.
“All the toys purchased from the car show went to Shriners Christmas Kids,” said Jimmy. “Our branch discussed which organization we were going to send the toys to before the event, and choosing Shriners meant a lot to me. It’s great to host an event that helped another cause close to my heart.”
Attendees from across Georgia were present. Some people drove over four hours for the big event. Twenty vendors got in on the fun, donating things to create goodie bags and larger items to make raffle prizes.
“The group I work with here at CES Gainesville is just phenomenal. They are fully invested in planning and putting on the event,” said Jerry. “Jimmy Harris, our sales representative, does BBQ competitions, so he cooks all the food for the event. We almost ran out this year!” said Jerry with a laugh.
Although a one-day event, the donations didn’t stop when the event ended. Customers who missed the event were still donating in the following weeks after.
“Even after the event wrapped up, people were dropping by the branch and donating to the cause,” said Jerry. “Some people couldn’t make it the day of, but they still want to give.”
What inspired this team to start doing the car show? Jerry’s wife, who also works at CES, and her family have always been involved in the community through causes close to them. Jerry wanted to tie his passions into something that could allow him to give back as well. With several cars he takes to various shows around the state that are also fundraisers, it was the perfect fit.
“The first year we organized this car show, the event raised about $1,500. At the time, we thought that was so much!” Jerry said with a laugh. “Each year we’ve done it, we look at how we could improve the event and make it better than before. Now, it’s grown so much. My team and I never saw this being a possibility.”
As the CES Gainesville team already begins preparations for the next big car show, Jerry has some words of wisdom for others who want to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Find something you believe in and a cause you want to give back to. There are so many options to choose from, locally to nationally,” said Jerry. “There is a huge variety of ways to help people, big or small. Everybody can help somebody every day.”
Find more “Good Stuff” articles here on tEDmag.com.
tED wants to know about your “Good Stuff”. If you work with someone who is helping other people, or a group of co-workers that’s creating better outcomes, we want to know about it.
Please send your “Good Stuff” to Editorial & Web Assistant, Marie Jakle at mjakle@naed.org and Online Editor, Nicky Herron at nherron@naed.org. Send us details, names, and photos if you have them.
Tagged with City Electric Supply, Good Stuff