Martin County nonprofit leaders express their appreciation of the year-around generosity of the local business community
The days are shorter. The nights are longer. And the deadline pressures during December to decorate, shop, gift wrap, bake cookies, plan feasts, host parties, attend parties—and still meet the daily demands of doing business (whew)—are intense enough to sap the holiday spirit from even the jolliest among us.
Nevertheless, fortunately for Martin County nonprofits and charities, the generosity of the local business community glows brightly during the giving season—and through contributions of time as well as treasure—faithfully shines all throughout the year.
“One of the best things about the BDB is we have the privilege of talking to the owners and employees of a wide range of businesses across our community,” says William Corbin, executive director. “They speak to us about many issues—which vary accordingly. But no matter how diverse their industry or expertise, all overwhelmingly share a common denominator—they all love Martin County and place a high priority on giving back to the community.”
This special edition of Martinomics hopes to spotlight the positive difference local businesses make in Martin County. Fortunately for all of us, there are far too many supportive companies to single out individually, so we sought to showcase their kindness by sharing the perspectives of some of the charities and nonprofits they support.
Elizabeth Barbella, President and CEO, The Community Foundation Martin St. Lucie
With the majority of its businesses composed of relatively small numbers of employees, Martin County lacks an abundance of large corporations with the means to make sizable philanthropic gifts. Fortunately, the small business community steps up in a big way, says Elizabeth Barbella, president and CEO of The Community Foundation Martin St. Lucie.
President and CEO
The Community Foundation Martin St. Lucie
“We live in what would be considered Smalltown, America—not in a big metro where there are a lot of large corporations and foundations,” she says. “So, our small- to midsize- businesses that are consistently generous in supporting the nonprofit community become the lifeblood. They’re reliable and provide a tremendous amount of volunteerism. These folks come out when help is really needed.”
Such volunteerism certainly includes providing manpower at nonprofit events but also extends well beyond it.
“I’ve seen them do peer monitoring and mentorship, and I’ve seen that kind of investment and that time is valuable,” she says. “Nonprofits are employers as well, and they’re a part of the economic engine of our area. So yes, we rely on the business community for manpower, but we also try to mirror them in the ways how we manage ourselves.”
Whether serving customers or donors, both businesses and nonprofits share vital traits in common.
“Trust and transparency. Just like any business that you go to and buy a product, nonprofits want the same thing you want in a business,” Barbella says. “(The contributions of the business community) are so much bigger than, yes, ‘tis the season and time to give.’ Their support is critical.”
Rob Ranieri, House of Hope, CEO
Alongside supporting individuals and families in need by meeting such basic needs as food, clothing and financial assistance, House of Hope aims to empower its clients by equipping them with skills essential to securing independence.
A key House of Hope facility is its Growing Hope Farm and packing house in Palm City, which not only provides fresh fruits and vegetables to people in need, but serves as great place for company team building.
“Every nonprofit needs dollars and we do well with the business community with those,” says Rob Ranieri, CEO. “But we also get a lot of businesses that do team-building projects with us—spending half a day at our farm or at our warehouse packing food. That certainly impacts our ability to serve the community.”
Ranieri walked through how companies engage with the House of Hope.
“Based on how many people they think they’ll be able to bring and any of them have preferences or physical limitations the group may have, our volunteer coordinator will develop projects to allow that company to connect—and in a way that’s meaningful for us but also valuable to them.”
Some companies show up monthly and help pack hundreds of boxed lunches, says Ranieri. Other businesses help House of Hope save money for its mission by taking on service tasks such as “putting together desks, painting and do some light repair work,” says Ranieri. “If we had to pay to have that work done, it would cost a pretty penny.”
Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County
Right now, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is preparing for “Operation Merry & Bright,” a major undertaking in which volunteers assist the nonprofit its effort to provide and prepare toys, clothing, food and other essentials for the families of the more than 1,000 children who make up the membership of its five clubs.
President and CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County
The undertaking commands significant manpower and draws a lot of support from local businesses, says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC.
“We’re grateful for the businesses that help with the toys and the food that we give as that support provides a really big lift to ensure that everyone in need gets to experience the magic of the season—but it isn’t just limited to ‘the season’,” he says. “There’s a commitment here that really makes Martin County special. It’s hyper-realized during the giving season, but it plays out over the course of the year.”
For any nonprofit to successfully execute a largescale charitable relief effort they must first inspire people to embrace the cause and give of themselves, says Fletcher, and time and talent are indispensable contributions. Plus, as natural leaders, the involvement of local businesses prompts other companies to act, sparking a force-multiplier effect with natural organizational characteristics that can create widespread positive impact.
“Human capital is something everyone struggles to acquire, maintain and motivate,” says Fletcher. “So, when companies lend their expertise, it makes all the difference. Businesses also help drive a large, collective impact agenda and can forge partnerships across nonprofits.
“There are plenty of in-kind ways you can move nonprofits forward,” he adds, “and there’s an undercurrent in Martin County that we can best honor the American Dream by moving everyone forward.”
