Welcome to “The Good Stuff”, where we highlight positive news and ways that NAED employees and 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, find out how below.
Today we’re looking at an employee from City Electric Supply in Gainesville, Florida.
GAINESVILLE, Florida — Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States armed forces. Hosting a regional HERO100 Golf Marathon for the second year in Orlando, Florida, City Electric Supply (CES) Sales Representative Keith Tate decided to participate in the HERO100 Golf Marathon for the first time to help raise funds for the organization. With two months to fundraise, Keith called upon his friends and family to help him. The result? Nearly $3,000 was raised for Folds of Honor and its scholarship fund in one day.
“We are grateful to proud patriots like Keith who continue to serve. This is truly a community effort of patriots who understand the needs of the military and first responders’ families we serve and want to help,” said Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer Jessica Everett.
“I just want to say thank you. This is not about me. It’s about bringing awareness to an incredible organization,” said Keith. “I appreciate everyone who donated and helped support Folds of Honor. I appreciate what everyone did to help me.”
With a two-month window to raise money leading up to the big marathon day, Keith reached out to customers, who are also close friends of his, fellow CES team members, and family to help out and see if anyone wanted to get involved. His efforts resulted in over $2,700 raised for Folds of Honor’s scholarship programs. Vendors, customers, and community members rallied around Keith, donating to him and the golf challenge.
“Two CES vendor partners gave back directly through my donation link. It was awesome because I didn’t even know them personally. It was really cool to have people donate for a great cause, no matter where they’re located,” said Keith. “Several CES team members and customers contributed, and I truly can’t thank everyone enough for their support.”
“Keith is the perfect representation of CES team members,” said Social Impact Manager Karen Gray. “We’re proud to see Keith and others across the country go above and beyond for causes they are passionate about in their communities.”
Keith’s favorite part of the fundraising process? It was being able to share information about the organization and why it’s important to him. He is the uncle of a U.S. Army member, and his son-in-law is also active in law enforcement.
“Getting to share the mission of Folds of Honor throughout this process has meant so much to me,” said Keith. “Getting to share what they do and how important they are to so many was the most meaningful part.”
And the donations from family, friends, and customers continued to flow in, even on the day of the golf marathon.
“I had a customer call me while I was playing on the golf course. He said, ‘I’m doing my donation right now! I didn’t forget!’” Keith laughed.
Keith was up bright and early to begin his day on the course before 7 a.m. Playing a few holes with Army veterans and family, Keith completed 90 holes of golf and wrapped up his day at 5 p.m. One of the most memorable moments of the day included meeting people who traveled to participate in the tournament.
“Meeting people from the organization was the coolest part of the day,” said Keith. “Getting to hang out with people from around the southeast and see the impact Folds of Honor has on so many people. It was a great moment to experience.”
While his first time participating was one to remember, Keith is already looking forward to next year. His message for others in the meantime? See how you can get involved with the organization to give back.
“I’m already looking forward to participating next year! If anyone hears of a HERO100 Golf Marathon in their area, I challenge them to get involved. Not only by making donations but participating in a challenge near them.”
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.
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