VMLY&R unites for good on its foundation day

In an attempt of raising awareness about global illiteracy on its foundation day, VMLY&R has launched an innovative initiative ‘Read-A-Thon’, which is live now.

The VMLY&R Foundation exists to support and celebrate the charitable causes that are important to their employees and their families. As an employee-funded and employee-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the VMLY&R Foundation is a tangible expression of the agency’s core values. By facilitating and amplifying the widest range of charitable efforts — including volunteer service, pro bono work, community leadership roles and financial contributions — VMLY&R is able to have a positive impact in our immediate communities and beyond.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, VMLY&R will close its more than 55 offices across the globe for normal business on Thursday, Sept. 30, to give over 12,000 employees the opportunity to support worthy causes and nonprofit organizations of their choice through volunteer projects.

This year’s theme for VMLY&R’s Worldwide Foundation Day is “Unite for Good,” which highlights the collective impact of all employees rolling up their sleeves to give back in meaningful ways over the same 24-hour period. Considering the ongoing pandemic, employees have the option to volunteer individually — in-person or virtually, with family members, or with agency-organized local small-group projects.

“Without a doubt, Foundation Day is the most connected day of the year for our entire agency family,” said Jon Cook, VMLY&R global CEO. “While each of us volunteers locally, we’re connected in purpose and spirit around our entire world.”

VMLY&R Worldwide Foundation Day is a signature feature of the agency’s overall community outreach program. In the U.S., the VMLY&R Foundation is an employee-funded and employee-led organization held under 501(c)(3) status that recently surpassed $2.5 million in charitable donations. Employees are invited to financially support the Foundation through payroll deduction contributions. Foundation members receive tangible benefits, including the ability to secure charitable grants and participate in a $2 to $1 Matching Gifts program.

“The variety and breadth of projects is astounding,” said Lauren Ziegler, VMLY&R senior  manager of community outreach. “We’re inspired by the fact that the impact of Foundation Day has grown stronger and more widespread during the pandemic.”

Additionally, the VMLY&R Foundation supports an array of pro bono services for nonprofits. Each employee also has 16 hours each year of paid volunteer hours — over and above Foundation Day — to utilize however they see fit to improve their community.