Each quarter, ECS employees nominate their favorite charities for the ECS Engage program, a company-wide philanthropic effort where full-time employees can obtain grants supporting their favorite charities. In Q2 of 2024, eight remarkable organizations were selected to receive ECS Engage grants. These grants will aid a diverse array of initiatives, from cystic fibrosis and breast cancer support to assisting military veterans in their transition to civilian life.
Read about the causes our Q2 ECS Engage grants are supporting and the ECS employees who made it happen.
- Heals
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Unity Athletic Group
- Bike MS
- Warrior Rising
- Still Serving Veterans
- American Legion
- Pink Savvy
NOMINATED BY:
Yazmin Tome
Senior Technical Recruiter
HEALS, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Huntsville, Alabama, dedicated to providing accessible, quality, school-based health care for children through partnerships with local schools and the medical community. By offering on-site medical, dental, optometry care, and social services, HEALS, Inc. makes an immediate impact on children’s lives. Their mission is to keep children healthy and optimize their opportunities for success in school and society.
“Every year, HEALS hosts a Dancing With the Stars-style event that features members from the community dancing with local instructors. The charity event, which raises critical funds for the organization, is called Stars Dancing for HEALS and has run since 2007!” – Yazmin Tome
NOMINATED BY:
Patrick Elder
Director Data and AI CoE
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.
“My wife lost her stepsister to a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis and she continues to work diligently with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a board member. I have also lost a family member to this disease and have seen how devastating it can be. The charity hosts an annual tennis and golf event, and this year my fellow ECS employees joined me to support the cause!” – Patrick Elder
Unity Athletic Group believes community-based sports help student athletes discover their full potential. Their vision is to raise parity on the athletic field while eliminating some of the financial barriers young student athletes face. The organization hosts free leagues and clinics for young athletes and provides grants for club sport fees, training, and college recruiting mentorship.
NOMINATED BY:
Scott Bauman
Technical Data Developer
Bike MS is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world. Each year, nearly 50,000 cyclists and more than 5,000 teams ride together to change the world for people with MS. With the fundraising support of each cyclist, the National MS Society can continue their work of tackling the complex challenges of MS — from one-to-one “MS Navigator” advocacy to a network of resources and information that helps people affected by MS feel more in control and less alone.
“This is my fifth year riding in the Bike MS Oklahoma event. I’m riding for friends Estelle Canopy and LuAnn Kelly and in memory of Hillary Hawkins and Jerry Walker.” – Scott Bauman
NOMINATED BY:
Casey Van Camp
Director of Training
Founded in 2015, Warrior Rising is a nonprofit started by veterans, for veterans. Warrior Rising empowers U.S. military veterans and their immediate family members by providing them opportunities to create sustainable businesses, perpetuate the hiring of fellow American veterans, and earn their future.
“I’ve volunteered with Warrior Rising for the last five years — supporting the organization through training, coaching, and discussion on how to develop skills and manage stress.” – Casey Van Camp
NOMINATED BY:
John Solanto
Director, Justice Business Unit
Still Serving Veterans is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to help severely wounded veterans with the transition to civilian life and help them secure VA benefits. Founded in 2006, the organization empowers veterans to build meaningful lives by connecting them to careers, benefits, and services that proactively strengthen veteran communities.
“Working with veterans has been a deeply rewarding experience, allowing me to give back to those who have selflessly served our nation and to support their journey towards stability and success.” — John Solanto
NOMINATED BY:
Matthew Schellinger
ICAM Architect
The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service. Their mission statement: to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities through their devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Matthew has been an active member of the chapter for four years.
NOMINATED BY:
Regina Miller
System Analyst
Pink Savvy was started with the belief that every single one of us is resilient, and that our resilience can be fostered with the help and support of a community. The organization supports women of all ages who have been affected by cancer, by supporting them emotionally, psychologically, and educationally during and after treatment.
“This organization is near and dear to my heart because the founder and director, Latoya Melton-Dotson, was a fellow ECSer.” — Regina Miller
