Freelin-Wade's Employees Raise $13,062 for Give A Little Foundation
Today, employees at Freelin-Wade (www.freelin-wade.com) presented a check for $13,062 to the Give A Little Foundation. The money was the result of a year's worth of fundraising by the employees. On behalf of the foundation, the check was accepted by Give A Little's president, Dr. Ellen Summerfield.
Each year, Freelin-Wade employees host dozens of fundraising events for area charities. Among the 2010 events were monthly lunches, the popular Civil War Chili Cook-Off, a middle school dance, three silent auctions and a Hot Wheels® tournament. The employee group calls themselves the Freelin-Wade Force. Over the past several years the employees have supported a number of causes. For 2010, the group focused their efforts on the Give A Little Foundation. Give A Little provides emergency grants to families in Yamhill County facing financial crisis.
The $13,000 donation represents a record amount raised by the Freelin-Wade Force. In 2008, the employee group raised more than $11,000 and in 2009 they raised $10,000, both awarded to Relay for Life.
Matt Schaffner was the 2010 Freelin-Wade Force team captain. When asked about the year he said, "Last December, when we kicked the year off, we said that our goals were to raise money and raise awareness for Give A Little. I think we achieved both. I'm also pleased that we had a great time doing it. We held some fun events and virtually all of the employees and many in the community got involved." Matt went on to add, "This should serve as a challenge to employees at other companies. Nothing should stop you from doing something great for the community."
Dr. Summerfield said of the partnership, "This was a great year. Freelin-Wade exceeded all of my expectations and the money raised is going to have a big impact in our county." She added, "We enjoyed every event, especially the popular monthly lunches! It was great to meet people and join together for a good cause."
Freelin-Wade Company
Founded in 1980, Freelin-Wade is North America's largest independent manufacturer of plastic tubing and hoses for industries as diverse as pneumatics, dental and promotions. The company employs more than 100 people at its McMinnville, Oregon plant. Privately held Freelin-Wade is a subsidiary of Coilhose Pneumatics. Worry-Free Freelin-Wade tubing fits and arrives on time.
Give A Little Foundation
The foundation was established in 2008 by Summerfield, her husband, Dr. Phillip Pirages, and Tricia Crawford. The foundation awards grants averaging $250 each. Each grant goes to an individual or family facing a crisis. Sometimes one month's rent is all it takes to help a family overcome their crisis and avoid homelessness. Sometimes a monthly bus pass means a person can keep a job. Give A Little Foundation can be contacted at givealittle@onlinemac.com or through their website at www.givealittlefoundation.org
