We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. ~ Sir Winston Churchill
At T&T Materials, Inc., what defines a company as a responsible corporate citizen is not a few well intentioned paragraphs in the employee manual or a lofty sounding statement posted on the website. To be a truly outstanding corporate citizen, the commitment and dedication to helping others who are less fortunate, who suffer and who are the most vulnerable must be embedded in your corporate culture and in your personal character. And, perhaps most importantly, that commitment and dedication must translate into ongoing actions and deeds, not merely hibernate as good intentions unfulfilled.
We understand what it takes to be a good corporate citizen and we put that understanding into practice for the benefit of our neighbors, our community and our nation.
The Al Sigl Community WalkAbout is a free event that brings individuals and teams from each Al Sigl Member Agency. Al Sigl Community of Agencies is a collaborative community network of independent nonprofits that serve children and adults with special needs. Funds raised from this event help to support the 55,000 children and adults with special needs in our community that they support every day. The WalkAbout includes family-friendly, Halloween-themed fun along the indoor route at Eastview Mall and the grand finale – a costume contest! A generous donation has allowed Al Sigl to offer a free costume to all registered participants to wear at WalkAbout and take home to enjoy again.
While NAMIWalks Rochester is the major fundraiser for NAMI Rochester, there is also an emphasis on promoting the services of the organization and raising awareness of the overall mental health support system in our community. T&T Materials' commitment to this organization is expressed through donating both financial and physical support to this event. “Everyone is aware of the reality that not-for-profit organizations need financial support from companies and individuals, and we do what we can to help fulfill that need,” Jim Terhune, Sr. (President/CEO) explains. “What is often overlooked is the fact that these organizations are volunteer-driven. NAMI Rochester has an extraordinary group of volunteers who support the organization’s day-to-day operations, but major events such as this require an investment from the community that goes beyond opening the check book.” Terhune, James Mossgraber (Vice President / General Manager), Ron Karker (Sales) and Sarah Mossgraber (Quality Compliance Coordinator) are all involved in the event; volunteering their time on walk day every year and walking with family and friends. In 2015, T&T Materials directed their sponsorship donation to their own team, "Where the Sidewalk Ends", which was one of the largest teams that year.
Corporate sponsor sign along the route
Team "Where the Sidewalk Ends"
Sarah Mossgraber (Quality Compliance) volunteers
Far Left: James Terhune (President & CEO) Far Right: James Mossgraber (Vice President & GM)
In the spring of 2016, NAMI Rochester was recognized as an outstanding “small giant” among Rochester’s nonprofit organizations by winning the 2016 Causewave Community Partners’ Annual Matchstick Award, which included a $5,000 cash grant and $25,000 media grant. Mossgraber helped write the nomination proposal for this award.
NAMI Rochester is more than deserving of this award. The monetary aspect of the prize is significant and will surely be influential in fulfilling the organization’s mission to provide support, education and advocacy to the community. Although the focus on media funding is perhaps the most valuable aspect of this award. It is time to change the conversation about mental illness and the conversation needs to travel beyond the walls of NAMI’s board room and offices, to support individuals and families striving for mental wellness.~ James Mossgraber
James Mossgraber (far right) joins NAMI Rochester staff and Causewave President & CEO, Todd Butler (far left) at award presentation ceremony.
As a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), T&T Materials staff are acutely mindful of the importance of supporting organizations that provide services for military personnel and their families. Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club (RIAWC), is one of these extraordinary community organizations that supports the Quad Cities Area of Illinois.Our President/CEO, James Terhune, is a veteran of the US Army and truly appreciates the efforts that are made by RIAWC, and other similar groups around the country, that support military communities. “I keep returning to participate in this event, because I believe in what RIAWC does for the Quad Cities area.” explains Terhune.