ASU Foundation adopts giving spirit of the season

Those who work at the ASU Foundation for A New American University are passionately committed to supporting Arizona State University and its vision of a New American University. Their commitment to community service is no less passionate as they volunteer to dig in and assist those in need throughout the year. Most recently, in November and December, foundation employees embodied the giving spirit of the holiday season by giving back to several charitable Valley organizations.

The foundation concluded its December food drive challenge to collect donations for the Phoenix chapter of the Salvation Army, which provides food, necessities and other services for hundreds of families throughout the Phoenix-metro area each week. For the competition, employees were divided into teams within the Fulton Center, vying for a catered breakfast complete with pancakes cooked by foundation CEO Rick Shangraw.

In a short timeframe, employees donated 16,184 food items, an average of more than 95 donated items per person. Twenty-four employees expanded their involvement by volunteering at the Salvation Army community center in downtown Phoenix, helping sort toys and deliver gift bags for needy families.

Foundation employees “helped the community in a way that is sure to have brought many smiles to those needing a little extra help with their groceries,” Shangraw says. “[They] made a difference in people’s lives and served as a shining example of what can be accomplished when people work together for the community good.”

The foundation also joined in ASU’s 2011 United Way Campaign. During the two-month fundraising effort, employees donated more than $32,000, exceeding its contributions from the previous year and supporting the Valley of the Sun United Way as it provides assistance to more than 100 health and human service programs. 

Additionally, the foundation partnered with ASU's "Adopt an ASU Family" outreach program, which targets ASU students who face financial hardship but have displayed determination to get their degrees. Employees donated 15 gift cards of varying amounts totaling close to $400, which allows these needy students to purchase food, textbooks and other necessities for the upcoming semester.

By giving money, food and time to help the less fortunate in the community, ASU Foundation employees make a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow Arizonans.  Their generosity and commitment to caring about those in need changes lives and builds a stronger community for all.

“We’re proud of the support we provide,” says Shangraw. “We’re proud of the positive impact we have and the way our employees serve as a reflection of the foundation.”