Giving Back

In 2008, RMI celebrated our 15th year in business. When Jim (our founder and CEO) and I explored ways to make the company anniversary meaningful, we thought about charitable giving. While we liked the idea of giving back to our community, we didn't want it to be the usual "write a check" kind of experience. So, we engaged in a series of partnership retreats where we paired a representative from a local charity with a group of our employees. We gave each team a budget and asked them to stretch themselves and the dollars to do the most for their partner organization -- in 3 hours. Then we met up to share dinner and the stories of our afternoons. The outcomes of these retreats were so rewarding.

One particular event sticks in my mind: A mental health charity brought us the immediate need of a struggling family. These four people had been through so much and were trying so hard to improve their lives. Both parents still held jobs and their apartment, but they were having difficulty affording basics like food and medicine. Helping them was simple -- we went shopping! When my team's money ran out, we each reached into our own pocketbooks to make a difference. It felt so good to help that family, and it was moving to see their appreciation.

As I look back on the past year, this event made an impression on me -- an impression of the power we have to change our lives and to positively impact those around us. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you this year. I look forward to sharing more great experiences in 2009! Happy Holidays!