Toy Foundation, CSI DMC and ASI Spread Holiday Cheer
December 17, 2019
‘Tis the season for giving, and several event organizations have been doing their part to bring a little holiday cheer to women and children in need this season.
The Toy Foundation Brings Joy to Underprivileged Kids
What child doesn’t want a new toy at Christmas? Earlier this month, The Toy Foundation, the charitable arm of The Toy Association, teamed up with volunteers from Michigan-based toy companies and nonprofits Delivering Good and Variety – The Children’s Charity of Detroit to provide 350 children with toys and fun at a special event held at the Southfield Parks and Recreation Center in Southfield, Michigan.
Children with unique and special needs and those in underserved communities enjoyed appearances by Santa Claus and Paws, the Detroit Tigers mascot, as well as activities like face-painting, bouncy houses and carnival games, and refreshments. The organization also gave away 150 bikes, and each child received new toys and games, from action figures, collectibles and role-play toys to craft kits, remote control vehicles and construction sets.
“The memorable evening encapsulated the true spirit of the holiday season – giving back to those in need and lighting up children’s faces with the gift of toys and play,” said Jean Butler, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We are so thankful to the toy companies who pitched in by sending toys and volunteers and made this event a huge success – and to all those who help us bring play to millions of children in need throughout the year.”
More than 1,000 toys were donated for this cause to The Toy Foundation’s Toy Bank by companies including American Plastic Toys, Ann Williams Group, Hasbro, Magformers and New Bright. Volunteers from American Plastic Toys, Ann Williams Group and Magformers helped animate activities and hand out the toys at the event.
While primarily local Michigan toy companies donated for this cause, The Toy Foundation conducts multiple industry toy drives throughout the year, including at the annual Toy Fair in New York City, to help supply these special giveaway events.
The toy giveaway in Southfield represented the culmination of The Toy Foundation’s 2019 “Holiday Toys Across America” initiative in partnership with Delivering Good. Through this program, the Foundation has impacted thousands of children-in-need throughout the U.S.
“For more than 20 years, this special evening has continued to bring our community together as Variety provides deserving children with the gift of mobility,” said David King, president of Variety. “We are so grateful to our sponsors, partners and supporters for their dedication to making holiday magic with bikes and toys for hundreds of children.”
CSI DMC Donates More Than 100 Professional Outfits for Women in Need
As part of their annual giveback programs, Falls Church, Va.-based event management company CSI DMC recently collected more than 100 professional outfits for Suited for Change, which supplies professional attire, mentoring and job-readiness education at no cost to women in-need looking to increase their employment potential. Through these services, the Washington, D.C.-based organization, which has served 28,000 local women since its founding in 1992, helps enable women to achieve financial independence.
“As a female entrepreneur, I’m a big advocate for supporting and championing women in the workforce,” said Amberlee Huggins, CSI DMC president and CMO. “I’m so appreciative of my staff and colleagues who came together to give back to Suited for Change.”
ASI Raises Thousands for Homeless Families and Sick Children
Employees of Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) raised a record $9,000 during the company’s annual holiday gift drive to purchase toys and other gifts for families living in, or recently departed from, a local homeless shelter.
Using donated funds, team leaders bought gifts that were delivered to the Family Services Associated of Bucks County, Penn., where people could then “shop” for their own families. This was the 15th year that ASI has participated in the gift drive.
In addition, employees raised $1,600 during the company’s 14th annual Photo With Santa fundraiser, which helps the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia provide housing for families with sick children in area hospitals.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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