AmeriPride Gets Award from United Way

AmeriPride Services Inc., Minnetonka, MN, recently announced that it received its second ‘Best in Show’ Award from the Greater Twin Cities United Way for its 2015 campaign. The award recognizes companies that successfully incorporate best practices, employee engagement and innovation into their campaigns and was presented to AmeriPride on April 14 at the ‘Night to Unite’ community celebration in St. Paul, MN, according to a news release.

“AmeriPride is very deserving of this award for their ongoing dedication to the organization and their innovative approach to fundraising,” said Sarah Caruso, president and CEO of Greater Twin Cities United Way. “They are not afraid to try new things and continue to raise the bar in their annual campaigns.”

The 2015 campaign included the annual AmeriPride Golf Tournament and other fundraising events, as well as corporate, vendor and employee contributions. The company raised more than $150,000 for United Way, increasing its donation by 20 percent from the previous year and 225 percent since 2010. In addition, individual employee donations also increased by 25 percent this year.

“Our company is absolutely committed to giving back to the communities that we live and work,” said Wiz Wyatt, vice president of strategic partnerships at AmeriPride. “Our longstanding partnership with United Way has been beneficial to both organizations and has had a positive impact on many organizations in the communities we serve.”

In addition to its campaign efforts, the company also coordinated a variety of volunteer opportunities in conjunction with United Way’s pilot Connect with a Cause initiative. Employees volunteered at Second Harvest Heartland, Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, Free Bikes for Kids, and many other organizations and events throughout the region. Wyatt believes these volunteer activities helped employees recognize the impact and importance of their United Way contributions and increased engagement and participation in the fundraising efforts.

In addition to these local efforts, AmeriPride’s 46 production facilities across the U.S. and Canada each participate in their own individual charitable giving and community service programs. Last year more than 940 employees contributed more than 4,300 hours of community service and the company donated more than $450,000 in monetary and product donations.

“Supporting charitable organizations helps strengthen the ties with our local communities,” Wyatt said. “In addition, it helps build employee engagement, attract and retain customers, and maintain strong relationships with reputable business partners. People just like working with a company that demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy and core values.”

This was AmeriPride’s second ‘Best in Show’ Award from United Way. More information on this and other community efforts can be found in the company’s most recent Corporate Responsibility Report.