Some may say “Spreading kindness has a ripple effect” is just a cliché, but it’s a belief that holds true for the people at Technology Management Concepts. As a people-first organization, it’s no surprise that we are big on philanthropy.
Jennifer Harris, the founder and glue of TMC created a work culture based on the ideals of family, respect and generosity. These values are the reasons why we’ve been in business for over 35 years and are the foundation of how we run our business, collaborate with our partners and onboard our team members.
We are proud to have a team of people who share a devotion to community service. We know that we can collectively expand our ability to make a difference by supporting our employees’ philanthropy and helping them execute their full potential as a change-maker. We take initiatives to show our support by highlighting our TMC Employee Philanthropy of the Month and participating in volunteer work that we hold close to our hearts.
Highlights of our employee philanthropic projects:
Hope Renewed & Cross Catholic Outreach Mission to Fight Poverty in Guatemala
Every year since 2010, our Client Account Manager, Jim, travels to Guatemala to help fight poverty. From building a playground for children to providing food and water, Jim explains the importance of his involvement:
“The thought that it is better to give than receive really rings true on these trips. People who are literally living day to day are so full of joy. They appreciate everything that we can do for and with them to help them improve their community including stepping in and getting their hands dirty working side by side with us. It is inspiring and really makes me appreciate the blessings in my life.”
Long Beach Rescue Mission
One of the ways our Account Manager, Matt, likes to give back to his community is through feeding the homeless in Long Beach. When we asked him why this philanthropy is important to him, he says:
“I chose it because it is close to my heart. I feel as if feeding people is the most basic thing you can do for another person. And because it’s a Christian organization, they give the folks that come in a clear understanding of their value and how God sees them. It’s really incredible. Also, they do more with less. This year the thanksgiving meal costs basically $2.20/per person!”
Heart and Stroke | Crohns and Colitis
The Heart and Stro
ke and Crohn’s and Colitis philanthropies hold a deep significance for our Developer, Todd Jeffrey, and his family because of their personal experience with these diseases. Todd had a triple bypass surgery in 2013, and The Heart and Stroke Association’s research and funding for medical advancements saved his life, which allowed him to complete his mission of running 5k that same year.
Todd’s participation in the Crohns and Colitis’s Gutsy Walk started when his wife was diagnosed with the Crohn’s disease. They’ve been participating in this walk annually for 6-7 years.
Gateway Center of Monterey | Ventura County Rescue Mission | The Rescue Train
Known to be the woman who can do it all, Eron, our VP of Consulting, participates in not one, not two, but three different philanthropy projects that are deeply meaningful to her. Eron’s grandfather founded the Gateway Center in Monterey because her uncle had Down Syndrome. Because of this, her family works closely with the organization to raise funds to provide adults with intellectual disabilities the best environment to live and work.
In addition, she donates to the Ventura County Rescue Mission’s Lighthouse for Women and Children Recovery Program to help with recovery, homelessness, and hunger in her hometown. As an animal lover, Eron also donates to the Rescue Train to help save animals from abuse, neglect, and euthanasia.
Make a Wish Foundation
TMC’s involvement with the Make-a-Wish Foundation was inspired by our VP of Sales and Marketing, Brett Hensley. The Make the Wish Foundation grants a wish to children diagnosed with a critical illness. Their mission is to help children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight against their illnesses.
Brett’s passion for helping others began when he was just a young man. He became the VP of Philanthropy in his college fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and he’s been giving back to his community ever since. When he moved to Los Angeles in 2012, he became a Wish Granter for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Since then, Brett has granted dozens of wishes for amazing kids.
When we asked him why he loves doing this work, this is what he had to say:
“Each time I get to meet a kid that has gone through so much and their families, it brings me inconceivable joy and lights a fire inside of me to do anything I can to make them have a special wish…..and want to continue to do the same granting wishes for others. I also love participating in the Annual Walk for Wishes each year at the USC Coliseum – every year I get to dress up as the Frigo Cheesehead Mascot!”
Children International
TMC’s Project Manager, Dale Schlagel, and his wife have a heart for children and have been involved with The Children International for over 25 years. Children International is a philanthropy that fights to end poverty by investing in children and helping to create long-lasting change for families and their communities.
Dale and his wife participate in sponsoring a child every year, and so far they’ve helped 5 children. When we asked Dale what his favorite memory of his involvement is, this is what he said:
“We love getting handwritten letters, drawings and pictures from our sponsored child a couple times a year. I have been to Haiti twice on mission trips and have seen extreme levels of poverty. It is a great feeling to know you’re helping make someone’s life better and making a lasting difference.”
Walk & Roll for Hope
For over a decade, our business analyst, Sergios, has been actively participating in the Walk and Roll for Hope fundraiser. This event aims to raise funds for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Alaska. Despite relocating, Sergios has made it his mission to continue supporting this cause, knowing the significant impact it has on the lives of Alaskans. Having lived there for ten years, he understands the importance of giving back to the community.
My favorite memory was the first year when I got my family and friends to join me in a fundraising team for the Walk & Roll for Hope. Everyone got really into it, and we ended up being the #1 fundraising team among over 50 teams.
