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United Way of Northern Arizona — Nestle Purina and Joy Cone Lead the Way for United Way

by Community Contributor • October 24, 2024 • Comments Off

HNestle Purina and Joy Baking Group recently completed impressive Pacesetter campaigns on behalf of United Way of Northern Arizona, demonstrating the power of workplace giving.

Through creative campaigns, team spirit, and dedication, these companies raised significant funds to support UWNA efforts to step up for our youth and our communities.

We wanted to get their insights on how they did it and hope this can inspire other upcoming workplace-based campaigns.

If you are interested in hosting a workplace fundraising effort to support our annual campaign, please give us a call at 928-773-9813 or email us.

From the desk of: Liz Archuleta President & CEO

Nestle Purina: Empowering Employees to Give Back

Co-coordinators Robin Ayers, HR Manager, and Michelle Brown, Senior HR Coordinator, led Nestle Purina’s campaign this year with a mission of engaging employees and inspiring community support.

“When we can step up and make a difference, it is recognizable to others, which can encourage other agencies and individuals to do the same,” said Michelle. “We’re proud of our employees who are involved in community outreach.”

Nestle Purina introduced their workplace campaign during quarterly business meetings, combining informational presentations on the work of UWNA with opportunities to donate. Raffles were held for anyone completing a pledge form with additional prize opportunities for staff members who met specified donation goals.

To drive even more engagement, additional paid time off was offered through a tiered system for higher donations, motivating generous participation.

The result? In just three weeks, the campaign raised more than $46,000, including a $15,000 corporate pledge from the Flagstaff plant. Almost 40 employees contributed and HR is still receiving inquiries from additional staff about making donations.

We are incredibly grateful for the efforts of Nestle Purina.

Joy Baking Group: Sweet Success as a Pacesetter

Joy Baking Group had a multi-faceted three-week campaign that included promotional signs, emails to workers, giveaways, and a full day of having UWNA at the Joy Baking Group site to talk with workers.

“We believe in supporting our community and feel that United Way does a great job of bringing valuable programs to Northern Arizona residents,” said Michelle Raban, HR Manager at the Flagstaff plant, who led the campaign with Administrative Assistant Megan Norks with support from General Manager Joe Pozar Jr.

Some of the workers had participated in UWNA programs, including having children who received free books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library or disaster relief efforts.

Joy Baking Group kicked off their campaign with a full-day visit by UWNA team members. Employees enjoyed company-paid meals from a food truck onsite and workers who donated were entered into a raffle that includes more than 40 prizes. With 51 donors, the campaign raised just under $11,500.

Many thanks to Joy Baking Group for helping us kick off our annual campaign with this amazing effort.