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Aug 17, 2009
CompTIA Challenges its Employees for Foundation Fundraising
Team-Building Fundraiser Brings Out Employee Creativity & Raises $50,000
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., August 17, 2009 - CompTIA, the association for the information technology (IT) industry, challenged its employees to a staff fundraising contest for the CompTIA Educational Foundation, raising $50,000 to fund IT training and certification for people in need.
For three months, May through July, six teams composed of three to five employees each developed their own fundraising techniques in a heated competition to see which team could raise the most money for the Foundation’s Creating Futures program. Creating Futures provides free IT training and certification opportunities to populations who have historically been under-represented in the IT workforce, including U.S. veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, minorities, at-risk youth and dislocated workers.
CompTIA’s headquarters outside Chicago led the contest with approximately 85 employees in its office, but remote workers and regional offices across the U.S. and Canada jumped into the mix to support Creating Futures. Nearly every employee caught the competition’s excitement and donated money – some to multiple teams. In total the contest raised $25,000 which then was matched dollar for dollar by CompTIA.
“We have a number of new employees as well as a strong base of industry veterans at CompTIA. The contest allowed our employees to bond together across departments while at the same time, funding a cause that truly supports our industry and enables people to change their lives for the better,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA. “The creativity of our employees rang out loud and clear, while simultaneously building awareness for the Foundation inside and outside our association. I’m already looking forward to seeing what fundraisers the teams come up with next year.”
Employees could devise their own fundraisers with no limits on their ideas. Team creativity ran high with techniques ranging from a poker tournament, a bean bag toss, bake sales, candy bar sales and golf tournaments to financial seminars, errand services, and direct requests. One team held a daytime office party, inviting the employees in the three office buildings near CompTIA’s headquarters to partake in a vendor fest. The party included masseuse services, tarot card reader, aura reader, eyebrow threader, Mary Kay cosmetics, Melaluca organic products, Labriola Bakery treats, a raffle and a silent auction with gift certificates to area restaurants such as Braxton’s, Costa’s, Go Roma, Greek Islands and Weber Grill.
“To date more than 15,000 military veterans, disabled veterans, veteran spouses, youth at risk, and many more people in need have requested our services – we’re at an all time high,” said John Venator, president and CEO, CompTIA Educational Foundation. “Every dollar the contest raised helps us jumpstart IT careers for new industry entrants. Our industry has jobs available, but people need the training and certification to handle those jobs. Creating Futures matches job needs with job skills, and develops the training programs that fulfill that match. We can’t do this without funding, and we thank the entire CompTIA staff for its creativity and generosity to support Creating Futures.”
Beyond the fundraising campaign, CompTIA offers more philanthropic opportunities to its employees. For instance, employees can take one paid workday to offer their services to their favorite charity or community organization. CompTIA also matches an employee donation as high as $500 annually to their favorite charity. Some team members used their volunteer days this year for the Foundation fundraising contest.
Donations to the CompTIA Educational Foundation can be in cash, equipment or training seats. All gifts are 100 percent tax-deductible. Individuals and companies can make a donation to the program, and prospective participants can apply for training by visiting the Foundation’s Web site, http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About the CompTIA Educational Foundation
The CompTIA Educational Foundation provides career opportunities for individuals who historically have been under-represented in the IT workforce. Since its creation in 1998, the Foundation has helped more than 1,000 individuals enter the IT workforce, helping the industry alleviate its shortage of skilled workers. For more information or to make a donation to the CompTIA Educational Foundation, visit http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.CompTIA.org.
Media Contact:
Lisa Fasold
Communications
CompTIA Educational Foundation
703-509-1124
lfasold@gmail.com
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