Fun fundraising activities are the key to JacksonWhite, P.C., strengthening its support for Mesa United Way

Faced with unprecedented needs and stagnant donations the previous two years, Mesa United Way last year overhauled its fundraising strategy to meet an aggressive increase in its Community Chest goal. In addition to asking traditional donors to give more, we reached out to individuals, businesses and community organizations that haven’t given in the past. The strategy was successful and has been carried forward to this year's pledge campaign.

“We understand that just about everyone is struggling right now,” said Claudia Walters, Mesa United Way’s vice president. “So we’re not just going around with our hands out. Instead, we’re spreading the word in the business community that organizing a company pledge drive not only brings employees together around a worthy cause, but can boost your image in the community.”

Walters pointed to the downtown law firm of JacksonWhite, P.C., as one example among many businesses throughout Mesa that have sustained and even grown their commitment despite the down economy. JacksonWhite officials say the key is to make the pledge campaign a positive and even fun experience for employees.

"We engage our employees in activities they enjoy, like office luncheons, games, raffles and sports,” said Julie Boyster, director of client services for JacksonWhite and coordinator of the firm’s pledge drive the past four years. By organizing several large events and many smaller activities, she explained, the office’s 70 employees are eager to participate and have managed to boost the company’s Mesa United Way contribution every year.

“It’s really part of our corporate culture,” said Richard White, who heads the firm along with Eric Jackson. “We like to give back to the community. You just feel better when you’re helping others; you always get back more than you give.”

White said that philosophy extends far beyond monetary donations. Many of the firm’s employees also do volunteer work for agencies that partner with Mesa United Way, including A New Leaf, the Area Agency on Aging, United Food Bank and the Save the Family Foundation. Several of the firm’s family-law attorneys are involved with emergency shelters and domestic-violence prevention programs, he said.

Boyster said she and several coworkers enjoy coming up with new activities every year. This year’s activities include weekend softball games, a Halloween party for families and regular office potluck luncheons that include games and raffles, with participants paying a nominal fee. “We try to involve a lot of people in a lot of different things,” she said. “We even have coin jars around the office for people to drop their loose change into. Every little bit helps.”

JacksonWhite’s employees also are motivated by a realization that misfortune can strike anyone at any time, Boyster said. Some employees whose spouses have been laid off have sought help from the Food Bank while several single moms have benefited from after-school programs supported by Mesa United Way. One employee who was temporarily flooded out of her home by a monsoon storm several years ago was offered shelter with a Mesa United Way partner agency.

“JacksonWhite is an office that is filled with all-stars,” said Walters. “They have seen that there are many people in need in the community and they have found fun ways to engage their employees to help meet those needs. They are proof that you don’t have to have a huge company to run a successful United Way campaign. I hope others who are not currently running a campaign will call us so we can help them tailor one to their particular company.”

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