Community Philanthropy Awards: Moss Adams, North Bay
“As a active, long-time supporter of many nonprofits and charitable causes in the North Bay, Moss Adams utilizes a local Donations Committee to review contribution requests and to ensure that they align with the firm’s mission and values,” said Chris Paris, partner in charge.
The list of financial recipients is lengthy and includes Canine Companions, Social Advocates for Youth, American Heart Association, Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, Boys & Girls Club, Make a Wish Foundation, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, Charles M. Schulz Museum and Sonoma County Regional Parks.
“Three years ago we joined the efforts of the BuildOn Trek campaign, an organization with a mission to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations of some in our community through service and education,” Paris said. “We also send several individuals each year to impoverished countries to help build schools. We are very proud of the impact we have been able to make by engaging in these efforts.”
Beyond monetary contributions, Moss Adams encourages volunteerism on both an individual and group basis. Helping Hands Day each year is dedicated to volunteering for a cause. Also, some of the organizations benefiting from employee time include the Napa Senior Center, The Children’s Village of Sonoma County, Forget Me Not Farm Children’s Services, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue and Redwood Empire Food Bank.
Moss Adams also started a voluntary weekly donations day - Fridays - when employees can contribute to the charity of the month. The firm matches the contributions before a donation is made to that organization.
“It’s not uncommon for our partners to also make personal donations to the many charitable groups we support,” said Marketing Manager Kathe Guglielmetti.
As an example of jumping into action quickly with volunteerism occurred during the weekend of the big Valley fire last Fall. The Moss Adams North Bay office arranged for collections of needed items for victims, and employees volunteered to transport those donations to drop off centers.
“We give back in several other ways,” said Tiffany Coln-Smith, regional human resources and recruiting manager. “We have a donations box in our office where we collect hotel toiletries that employees acquire during business travel and give them to the homeless.”
Employees speak at local schools on career days, helping students to consider future career choices. There also is an office Christmas giving tree with tags for gift items to be given to underprivileged people in the area.
