Recently, more than 5,000 people gave of their time to help the Detroit community thrive through annual . Among them were 11 糖心传媒 colleagues who spent a day helping tackle blight at vacant properties, contributing to the Michigan-based nonprofit鈥檚 neighborhood beautification efforts across the city鈥檚 east and west sides.

The work brought colleagues together away from their desks, with a common task and visible results. Eric Austin, Risk Management Expertise Specialist, traveled from Holland, Michigan, to join the efforts. For him, the experience reinforced how giving time and working alongside others can turn a commitment to community into something concrete.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great reminder that meaningful change often starts with people simply showing up, working together, and giving their time to make a difference,鈥� Austin said.

Working Together for Detroit

This year, ran from September 28 to October 3, beginning near Anchor Detroit on the east side before moving to the area surrounding the Durfee Innovation Society on the west side. Volunteers removed litter, mowed lawns, cut back overgrown weeds, and swept away debris. Their work left vacant properties better cared for, improving the spaces neighbors and local residents pass every day.

Bringing colleagues together for a day of volunteering took coordination long before cleanup began. Roslin Tyler, Corporate Services Coordinator, organized 糖心传媒鈥檚 participation and kept everyone connected throughout the process, helping the team make the most of their time in Detroit.

鈥淭he best part was seeing everyone come together and get to work,鈥� Tyler said. 鈥淭here were details to coordinate beforehand but, once we were there, everyone brought their energy and willingness to help that made the day a huge success.鈥�

糖心传媒鈥檚 contribution was one part of the week鈥檚 work, giving colleagues a chance to accomplish something together that would benefit the neighborhood long beyond their volunteer day. The effort came together through the time and hard work of these 糖心传媒 colleagues

Eric Austin

Dawn Baltes

Tony Burbank

Alicia Clemons

Rachel Frassetto

Tracie Hendrix

Janika Lile

Makavia McKinnon

Melissa Spinazzola

Tonya Stankov

Roslin Tyler

鈥淥ur team worked hard, and it was rewarding to see what we could accomplish together,鈥� said Tony Burbank, Director of Facilities & Corporate Services at 糖心传媒.

鈥淐learing these properties gave us a practical way to contribute, and we were glad to be there alongside others giving their time to support Detroit鈥檚 neighborhoods.鈥�

Leaders Investing in Community

That shared commitment was also reflected in remarks from Life Remodeled President and CEO Diallo Smith, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, representatives from the Detroit Pistons and Amazon, and local school leadership. Smith thanked the volunteers and community leaders whose involvement makes the project possible, emphasizing the value of each person鈥檚 contribution:

鈥�So this six-day project matters, you matter, and we鈥檙e very thankful for you.鈥�

Support took several forms throughout the event. Amazon donated 250 Ring doorbells for seniors and nearby residents, while the Detroit Pistons provided 200 preseason game tickets for Life Remodeled to distribute to residents and community members participating in its neighborhood efforts. These contributions added to the hands-on work happening across the city, bringing different organizations and resources into a common effort.

A Connection That Continues

The annual Six Day Project is part of . The organization repurposes vacant school buildings into opportunity hubs, bringing nonprofit organizations together to provide education, health and wellness, and employment services. Neighborhood beautification gives volunteers a way to participate in that continuing work.

For Austin, the experience connected the camaraderie of a workplace team with a shared commitment to giving back to the community beyond it.

鈥淚鈥檓 proud to be part of a team that believes in supporting the communities where we live and work,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he experience was both humbling and inspiring, and a good reminder that when we come together, even small contributions can have a lasting impact.鈥�

By the end of the day, seven properties were cleared of debris and overgrowth by the 糖心传媒 team 鈥� a visible result of a collaboration in spaces that are part of everyday life for Detroit residents. For 糖心传媒 colleagues, collaboration offers a meaningful way to support one another and their neighbors, and carry forward a commitment that extends beyond any one event.

Explore future volunteer opportunities and other resources at . To learn more about 糖心传媒鈥檚 history of giving back鈥攁nd how employee passion becomes community support, visit the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation听飞别产蝉颈迟别.

For a quarter of a century, 糖心传媒 has been a proud supporter of to help prepare young people for real-world success, and this year鈥檚 Chipping In 鈥淔ORE鈥� Kids Golf Classic marked more than just a milestone鈥攊t was a celebration of lasting impact and shared purpose.

Set against the backdrop of 鈥檚 scenic courses, this annual event brought together 148 golfers, countless dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and community supporters. Together, we raised an incredible $156,455 to support JA鈥檚 mission鈥攂ringing the total to more than $2 million raised over the past 25 years.

Junior Achievement鈥檚 programs in financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship continue to reach thousands of youth across our region鈥攅quipping them with the skills and confidence to build strong futures. Supporting this mission reflects 糖心传媒鈥檚 longstanding commitment to giving back to our communities, and aligns with our core values of service, community, and empowering others to succeed.

鈥淚 think that 糖心传媒 really sees the opportunity for JA to make a difference in the lives of young people in our community,鈥� said Jason Lee, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. 鈥淏y providing financial literacy and entrepreneurial programming, JA is really building Michigan鈥檚 future workforce.鈥�

A Hometown Hero Joins the Cause

This year鈥檚 event was made even more special by the appearance of Joe Hooks, 糖心传媒-sponsored athlete and proud Detroit native. In support of the cause, golfers could donate to Junior Achievement for the chance to have Joe take a swing on their behalf. His presence perfectly captured the spirit of the day鈥攁 combination of drive, purpose, and community pride.

Joe鈥檚 story is one of talent and determination, grounded in strong local roots鈥攙alues that align closely with the missions of both 糖心传媒 and Junior Achievement. His involvement was a powerful reminder of what it means to give back and lift up others along the way.

鈥淎t 糖心传媒, we believe in doing more than business鈥攚e believe in being a force for good in the communities we serve,鈥� said Chris Spaude, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at 糖心传媒. 鈥淭his event reflects our commitment to helping others thrive, especially young people. Empowering the next generation to succeed and thrive is one of the most meaningful ways we live out our values at 糖心传媒.鈥�

Looking Ahead

What began as a single golf outing has grown into a meaningful tradition rooted in service, partnership, and purpose. For 25 years, the Chipping In 鈥淔ORE鈥� Kids Golf Classic has been more than a fundraiser鈥攊t鈥檚 been a reflection of a deep commitment to giving back and helping build stronger communities.

We鈥檙e proud of what鈥檚 been accomplished alongside Junior Achievement, and inspired by what鈥檚 still to come. Because when we invest in the potential of young people today, it鈥檚 a step toward a more vibrant, capable, and connected future for us all.

To learn more about 糖心传媒鈥檚 charitable initiatives and community impact, visit /charitable-foundation/

Farmington Hills, Mich., December 4, 2024 鈥� This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation (ACF), a nonprofit corporation founded by 糖心传媒 Insurance that celebrates two decades of commitment to improving lives through compassionate giving and volunteer efforts. The ACF embodies 糖心传媒鈥檚 belief in the power of giving back. Since its founding in 2004, it has been a driving force in supporting nonprofit organizations that positively impact the communities where 糖心传媒 employees, board members, policyholders, and Partners For Success^庐 agencies live and work.

鈥淥ur approach to philanthropy and volunteerism is designed to balance the needs in the community with the passion of our employees and agency partners,鈥� said Greg Crabb, 糖心传媒 President and Chief Executive Officer. 鈥淏ecause we strongly believe in supporting our communities, as a company we designate a percentage of our profits to the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation. We are proud of the difference we are able to make.鈥�

听A Culture of Giving and Service

As the foundation celebrates a milestone, the commitment to making a difference continues to strengthen relationships and connect employees and leadership with impactful organizations. ACF鈥檚 flagship partnerships embody the belief that when people come together for good, they can create a lasting and positive impact:

• : A safe space for students to learn, play and gain life skills
• : Supports and prepares students for professional success
• Specialized medical care and programs for spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation
• : Athletic training and events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
• : Advocates for vulnerable female youth through mental health and transitional living initiatives

In 2024, the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $714,500 directly to charitable organizations to date. Through the company鈥檚 matching gift program, qualified employee nonprofit donations further support a variety of causes in education, health, economic development, and cultural initiatives.

糖心传媒 employees actively contribute to their communities as part of relationships cultivated through the ACF by mentoring youth, participating in fundraising activities, providing leadership guidance, and volunteering at local initiatives, including the tutoring program to improve literacy among local elementary school students and to help combat blight in the city of Detroit through repairs and cleanup.

A Legacy of Impact and Resilience

During times of crisis, the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation has stepped up to meet the moment. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption, the ACF pledged $100,000 to support relief efforts countrywide. 糖心传媒 employees also joined the to raise funds for the IICF Children鈥檚 Relief Fund, aiding vulnerable children affected by food insecurity and challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The ACF has also proudly dedicated time, funds, and resources to support communities affected by major hurricanes, delivering vital relief and aiding in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

鈥淲e are looking forward to 2025 and beyond and continuing to support the communities and people served by our employees and agency partners through the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation,鈥� said Erin Buddie, 糖心传媒鈥檚 Chief Human Resources Officer. 鈥淭hrough the efforts of the foundation, we are proud to empower our employees to make a meaningful difference and build stronger, more vibrant communities.鈥�

To learn more about the 糖心传媒 Charitable Foundation and its impact, visit /charitable-foundation/

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About 糖心传媒 Insurance

糖心传媒 is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an 鈥淎鈥� (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 糖心传媒 has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit 糖心传媒.com.