Cresa Cares: Highlights from 2022
At Cresa, we pride ourselves on our collaborative culture and desire to enhance the communities where we live and work. In 2013 we formed our own 501c3 organization, Cresa Cares, with the purpose of impacting communities across the globe through volunteer initiatives and financial donations. Cresa Cares raises funds through a wide variety of events and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. Those funds are then distributed to non-profit organizations identified by fellow employees and clients. In addition, we hold a company-wide Impact Week where each office is encouraged to donate time to a charity that is making a difference in their local neighborhoods. At Cresa, people are at the core of everything we do. Through Cresa Cares’ initiatives, we support our external community while elevating our individual and collective commitments.
We are proud to report that in 2022 Cresa Cares raised and donated more than $160,000. We would like to thank all of our Cresa teammates for their continued leadership and generosity.
This past year was a challenging one, as our own Cresa Cares Executive Committee Chair, Liz Roberts, found herself a victim during the devastating Highland Park shooting, forever impacting Liz’s family, community and our Cresa team.
Through Liz’s determination, grit and resolve we welcomed her back to the office in September 2022. In concert with Liz’s return, Cresa Cares donated to both the Highland Park July 4th Victims Compensation Fund and Jewish Child and Family Services (earmarked to help adult Highland Park victims) to honor the victims and help bridge a path forward in healing.
In addition to contributing to Highland Park victims, the Cresa Cares board made an immediate effort to get aid directly to the victim’s families following the Uvalde tragedy. A donation of $20,000 was made to the San Antonio Area Foundation - Uvalde Strong Survivors Fund.
The board also elected to give $35,000 to CARE an organization providing relief to families in Ukraine as they flee violence. The donation will provide lifesaving emergency aid, including food, water, shelter and more.
Below is a list of organizations that received volunteer time, financial contributions or both, from either the Cresa Cares fund or directly from the local Cresa team. We are proud of the contributions made and look forward to continuing our effort to make a positive impact in the communities we serve in 2023.
Albany, New York
United Way of the Greater Capital Region
United Way of the Greater Capital Region (dba The Blake Annex) is a nonprofit shared services community in downtown Albany, NY, bringing flexible office space, co-working, and community to the Capital Region’s rich, diverse, and inspiring non-profit sector. The Blake builds capacity for organizations and promotes thought leadership in driving innovative solutions to our society’s most entrenched issues.
Atlanta, Georgia
The mission of the Brockport Foundation is to seek, secure, and steward philanthropic support to advance SUNY Brockport in its commitment to student success. This includes supporting the Camp Abilities program run on the Brockport campus.
Junior Achievement arms students with the confidence and understanding to take control of their futures and equips them to achieve their dreams.
To kick off the holiday season, this week our office had the opportunity to pack toiletry bags for MUST Ministries. MUST is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping homeless and struggling individuals and families with food, clothing, housing, employment, and other basic needs.
Boston, Massachusetts
Good Sports drives equitable access in youth sports and physical activity, by supporting children in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential, on the field and in life. The benefits of sports and physical activity in a child’s life are well documented -- Good Sports exists to make sure cost doesn’t keep kids on the bench.
Led by Nate Heilbron and Jess Colwell, the Cresa Boston team raised over $6,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. Members of the team also participated in the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Andover, MA.
Cresa's Boston team sponsored and participated in unified basketball tournament and skills and drills competition to benefit the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.
Life Sciences Cares - Mini Golf for Good
The Boston team sponsored and participated in golf tournament to benefit local branch of Life Sciences Cares, an industry charity that makes impactful grants to community nonprofits that are implementing solutions in the areas of survival, education, and economic sustainability.
Massachusetts Special Olympics - Cornhole Tournament
The Special Olympics' mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Hyde Park Food Bank - Thanksgiving Food Drive & Donation
The Cresa Boston team raised money and collected food items for the Hyde Park Food Bank, part of the Greater Boston Food Bank, to support their Thanksgiving food distribution efforts.
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.
Project Bethlehem via Lazarus House
The team collected and wrapped gifts for Project Bethlehem, a charity program that supplies families in the Greater Lawrence area with gifts for the holiday season.
Junior Achievement of New England
Cresa Boston is proud to support Junior Achievement of Northern New England. The team had a fantastic time at the Spirit of JA Celebration! Congrats to all the awardees that were recognized for truly embodying the spirit of Junior Achievement in their accomplishments and commitment to the JA mission.
Charlotte, North Carolina
6 on 6 Volleyball Classic - Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction
This year Cresa Carolinas participated in the Volleyball Tournament as a sponsor. The beneficiary of this event is The Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction program (“The ROC”), a North Carolina state certified Youth Apprenticeship program, with the mission to educate and mentor high school students for technical education and employment opportunities in the construction industry. Embedded within this mission is for The ROC to be an integral part of a Charlotte community-wide upward mobility solution for at-risk minority teenagers. The 2022 tournament included 40 teams from the CRE community and raised $200,000. Since 2008, the Charlotte RE community has raised $1,430,000 with this event.
Children’s Home Society of North Carolina
This organization serves the most vulnerable within our community including children at risk of abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness across North Carolina through one of the most comprehensive and seamless offerings of child welfare and family support services in the state – providing programs in parenting education, family preservation, teen pregnancy prevention, foster care, and adoption – all from one agency. Through these programs the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (“CHSNC”) aids well over 22,000 families each year, with a statewide staff and offices in ten cities across North Carolina. Scott Dumler has been involved with this organization for 13 years and served as a former board member of the predecessor organization. In 2022, Cresa Cares matched a monetary donation from Cresa Carolinas to assist with CHSNC’s annual fundraising efforts.
Poker for Preemies - Family Support Network of Central Carolina
Annually the Family Support Network of Central Carolinas (“FSNCC”) in partnership with Cone Health Society, hold a Poker for Preemies event as their main fundraising effort. Due to the pandemic along with involvement with higher risk communities the event has been cancelled the last two years so this was an important return year for the organization. Cresa Carolinas with a contribution match from Cresa Cares participated as a High Roller Event Sponsor. The proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefits and strengthens the programs of the FSNCC and Cone Health Pediatrics. Cone Health is committed to providing exceptional care to NICU and Pediatric patients and families. FSNCC provides support, education, and caring connections to those who have a child with special needs or who have experienced a NICU stay. Studies show that families who face an unexpected diagnosis experience high level of distress and often feel isolated from their communities. Now more than ever, families need support in navigating the challenges so they can emerge feeling confident and empowered, and raise children with a range of abilities in communities of inclusion.
I AM 24/7 creates teams, academic support, mentorship programs and leadership development for the Charlotte area. This organization has a unique model of ministry that targets youth on sports teams to become leaders of the next generation. The I AM 24/7 Leadership Development Program engages, equips, empowers, and then employs these young men to be the next generation of life influencers in their own communities. These high school students own their role as leaders in the community and are employed part-time as coaches for I AM 24/7’s younger sports teams and participate in tutoring and mentoring activities for these boys as well. Cresa Carolinas participated this year as a Corporate Sponsor for a cornhole tournament fundraising event.
Roof Above – Men’s Shelter Food Service Volunteers
Roof Above began as a merger between the Urban Ministry Center and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, combining services with the mission to end homelessness, one life at a time. Roof Above currently provides comprehensive homeless service to 1,200 people per day through services ranging from outreach, meal services, emergency shelter and support to find permanent housing solutions. Chuck Stauffer, who previously served on the Board of the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, prompted the office's on-going involvement in this organization. This November, Cresa Carolinas volunteered to assist with the Shelter Meal Services.
Christianna Williams serves on the Grants Committee for environmental programs where she and the other committee members evaluate and award grant applications for local nonprofit organizations. Collectively, the Women’s Impact Fund has given more than 100 grants to 96 unique organizations, totaling more than $7.2 million. Through these grants to community organizations, the Women’s Impact Fund is addressing keys needs of the Charlotte Mecklenburg region, resulting in a healthier, better educated and supported, culturally rich and dynamic community.
Christianna Williams contributes to this organization by volunteering as a math tutor for elementary school students who are behind grade level in math to give them additional one on one time to build their basic math skills and confidence.
In Charlotte, Congregations for Kids (”CFK”) equips and empowers the community to be champions for children, families, and social workers within the foster care system. Christianna Williams volunteers in a program called “Socialight,” where she “adopts” a social worker that she supports and encourages throughout the year. The purpose of this Socialight program is to support and encourage the front-line child welfare workers through radical hospitality including sending encouraging texts, letters, and small gifts.
Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Fire Foundation P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program is committed to enhancing the academic performance and development of key social and emotional (SEL) skills of elementary school students through a sports based curriculum.
The Economic Awareness Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to prepare students and families for the economic and financial decisions they will make both today and tomorrow. Meeting the needs of families and youth with limited resources is emphasized. Objectives include educating students and families about the basics of saving, budgeting, banking, credit, investing and business as well as advocating for high-quality, youth-friendly bank account access and payroll policies that encourage banking, saving and direct deposit.
Elevated Films Chicago is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness for independent film and create opportunities for youth arts in Chicago, by hosting independent film events showcasing today’s strongest filmmakers and their work, and youth arts mentorship & outreach programs bringing up the next generation of filmmakers.
Jewish Children & Family Services of Chicago
To provide help, healing, and caring services infused with Jewish values to strengthen lives in our community.
Kristensen Scholarship of Service Boxing tournament to support a scholarship fund through SICP in honor of Erik Kristensen who was a seal that died in the line of duty in 2005.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit that connects people with trusted information and a community of support.
Dallas, Texas
Salvation Army Coat Drive
Texas endured a major winter storm that our local neighbors were not prepared for so we sprang into action and gathered coats for them.
The need to care for animals in our area was heard and the Cresa Dallas team answered the call.
Managing Principal Darren Woodson supports this non-profit. The Dallas team came together to set these underserved students up for success in the new school year with much-needed supplies. CEO Tod Lickerman attended as a special guest.
Talk about lifting our neighbors in need! The Cresa Dallas team participated in a build day by literally building walls that would be lifted to create future homes.
In one hour, Cresa's Dallas team built 416 Hope Kits that would be distributed throughout our area to comfort their neighbors undergoing breast cancer.
In two hours, the Dallas team lifted over 21,000 lbs. of food to create over 12,000 bags which would make 17,000 meals to feed their neighbors.
Denver, Colorado
Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado
Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado (BIAC) was founded in 1980 by a group of individuals whose family members had suffered brain injuries. They discovered that resources for brain injury survivors in Colorado were nonexistent, but a highly recognized need in the state. In response, they created BIAC as a support group to share pertinent information and resources and facilitate the creation of a caring, supportive community. Since then, the organization has become Colorado’s go-to resource for help, navigation, and services for survivors of brain injuries, their families, and providers. Through guidance, resources, support, and education, BIAC seeks to engage w/ Coloradans in the lifelong growth of those affected by brain injuries. Paul Herzog is a board member of the BIAC. He puts on the annual Cathleen’s Cause Golf Tournament which has raised over $200,000 for the organization since it's inaugural event.
Denver Children's Home (DCH) restores hope and health to traumatized children and families through a comprehensive array of therapeutic, educational, and community-based services. DCH is the oldest non-profit in the state of Colorado – originally founded in the 1800’s as the Denver Orphan’s Home – and serves as both a residence and day-school for severely neglected and abused children suffering from serious mental health issues'. Rob Anderson sits on the executive committee as the Vice President.
East Bay, California
Antioch Rotary Club is a leader and innovator with the “We Empower” Youth Programs. They have impacted over 10,000 students so far and have two programs that are fantastic for the development of young adults. With 72 percent of Antioch students socioeconomically disadvantaged these programs become super important to the community.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Feed My Starving Children – Chanhassen Chapter
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children worldwide. FMSC meals are hand-packed by volunteers and sent to an incredible network of partner organizations that distribute them to those in need. More than 1.3 million volunteers packed more than 368 million FMSC meals in 2019. Eighty-six percent of total donations go directly to feed kids.
The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors
The foundation provides adventures to unite, reward, and inspire those that have served together to heal together.
Open Arms services Minnesotans with life-threatening illnesses for nearly four decades by cooking, packing and delivering meals tailored to individual medical needs. Our team packed over 500 meals. Open Arms has grown rapidly in recent years and will be opening a second kitchen in St. Paul, MN allowing them to expand into Wisconsin and double the number of meals delivered per week from 16,000 to 30,000. Cresa has been proud to partner with them for their transaction and project management needs for that project.
The Cresa team volunteered at Bridging MN which provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. Since its founding in 1987, Bridging has served over 100,000 households (300,000+ individuals). The Cresa Minneapolis team joined the cause and spent a day sorting and folding sheets.
New York, New York
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Long Island
The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Ottawa, Ontario
Fight for the Cure – Ottawa
Fight for the Cure is a local charity event where individual competitors raise money for the Regional Cancer Foundation by competing in a sanctioned boxing match. All Proceeds go towards the Regional Cancer Foundation.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cresa Philadelphia adopted two families (8 individuals total) for the holidays in partnership with Bringing Hope Home, a non-profit organization that provides financial support for individuals and families battling cancer.
The Cresa Philadelphia team helped to prepare meals to support Manna, who provides meals and nutrition to the local Philadelphia community. Alex Grove and Gladys Hartey organized our team event.
Cresa was a sponsor and participant in the Annual Garden State Unified Golf Classic. Gladys Hartey volunteered as well.
CAARSEA (Colonial Area Anti-Racism Social Equity Alliance)
CAARSEA is an organization that work to advance anti-racism and social justice in the Colonial area. The Philadelphia team helped to collect coats, luggage, clothing and toiletries to benefit the area’s homeless population.
UUARC (Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc.)
Cresa Philadelphia collected money and donations for the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc. Tony Juliano and Chris Aitken pictured below helped pack and transport donations from the team.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Children's Cancer Network supports children and families throughout their cancer journey with programs and services designed to provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create an awareness of issues they face related to childhood cancer.
Project C.U.R.E is the world’s largest distributor of donated medical relief—touching the lives of children and families in more than 135 countries. On average, each week Project C.U.R.E. delivers three to five semi-truck-sized containers packed with the medical equipment and supplies so desperately needed by local hospitals and clinics.
The Cresa Phoenix team volunteered at the Christmas Angel Distribution warehouse. Ashley Snyder has been doing this for over 8 years! Parents who can’t afford gifts sign up through the website, and people from all over AZ buy gifts that the children request. The bag of gifts are then funneled to their distribution warehouse where the parents come pick them up for the two weeks prior to Christmas. We did everything from fill bags for children from a HUGE warehouse of gifts, take the presents to the cars when the parents showed up, unloaded trucks, etc.
Portland, Oregon
The Portland Cresa office participated in build day with Habitat for Humanity.
Each year the Portland team participates in the adopt-a-family project, buy and wrapping Christmas presents for the whole family.
Rutherford, New Jersey
Family & Children's Association
FCA's mission is to protect and strengthen Long Island’s most vulnerable children, families, seniors, and communities.
San Francisco Bay Area, California
This organization exists to inspire young audiences with imaginative productions, introduce children of all backgrounds to the excitement of live theatre, and create an engaging, entertaining, and educational environment in which children and their families can explore and enjoy the arts.
Challenged Athlete Foundation’s mission is to help people with disabilities to live active, athletic lifestyles. For much hard work it is for a challenged athlete to overcome the physical obstacles to being an athlete, it is extra heartbreaking that the financial obstacles are a whole separate endeavor. CAF helps people to afford athletic prosthetics, therapy, and coaching for adaptive sports, which is rarely covered by normal insurance.
In 2001, childhood friends Zander and Leah had an innovative vision for how to serve kids affected by serious illness inside OR outside of children’s hospitals. CoachArt was founded to match kids affected by serious illness with volunteers who can teach them arts or athletics skills.
Washington, D.C.
Community-Word Project’s activities is the empowerment through the arts of students annually in schools, libraries and transitional housing shelters. They operate in NYC neighborhoods where 70% of residents live in poverty and students struggle with the effects of underperforming schools; unstable households; and the linguistic challenges of recent immigration.
Washington National Philanthropies’ - Mushball Classic
The event proceeds benefit the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. Participation in the Mushball Classic provides critical support for year-round programming at the Academy, imparting a lasting impact on the lives of school-age children living in Wards 7 and 8.
Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy
Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the charitable arm of the Washington Nationals, uses the galvanizing brand of the baseball team to champion opportunities for all residents of the Greater Washington region to thrive. Through the signature program, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, they use baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement, and improved health among youth living in underserved communities.
KEEN provides one to one exercise & recreational opportunities for children & young adults with developmental & physical disabilities.
This organization provides life-changing activities that empower children with physical and developmental disabilities to unite with their peers and realize their potential.
Figuring out which colleges are a good fit, how to apply to them, and how to pay for it all can be overwhelming. CollegeTracks helps students manage the challenges of a postsecondary education experience so they thrive, graduate and find a path that allows them to achieve independence, support families and give back to the community. CollegeTracks staff members work full-time in five Montgomery County, MD high schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Watkins Mill, and Wheaton, where they serve juniors and seniors.
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