Upholding a long-standing tradition, VMLY&R will close its extensive network of more than 80 offices across the globe for normal business on Thursday, Sept. 28, to give over 13,000 employees the opportunity to champion worthy causes and nonprofit organizations of their choice through volunteer service.
This year’s theme for VMLY&R’s Worldwide Foundation Day is “Connected Threads,” reminding employees that regardless of whether they engage virtually or in person, individually or with a small group, or with family members — giving back is the thread that connects us. The global effort aims to highlight the collective impact of all employees rolling up their sleeves to contribute in meaningful ways, spanning the 24-hour period.
“Giving back has been core to VMLY&R since day one,” said Jon Cook, VMLY&R global CEO. “It’s important for us to support the communities that nurture our business success. Our employees consider it the ultimate responsibility to advocate for important causes in all our office locations and beyond.”
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 charitable entity operating under 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Employees are invited to financially support the Foundation through payroll deduction contributions ($5 or more per pay period). Foundation members receive tangible financial benefits, including the ability to secure charitable grants and participate in a $2 to $1 matching gift program.
Earlier this year, the VMLY&R Foundation celebrated a wonderful milestone, surpassing the $3 million mark in collective charitable contributions since its inception in 2005. This achievement was made possible thanks to the abundant generosity of VMLY&R employees who participate in the U.S. employee giving program through payroll giving.
“We have seen how purposeful moments of togetherness can make a positive impact — both in the communities where we operate and in a shared employee experience,” said Lauren Ziegler, VMLY&R Foundation associate director. “Over the years, Foundation Day has enabled us to support literally hundreds and hundreds of worthy causes and nonprofit organizations around the globe championed by our team members.”
Additionally, the VMLY&R Foundation supports an array of pro bono services for nonprofit organizations. Each employee also has 16 hours of paid volunteer hours annually — beyond Foundation Day — to engage in community betterment.
To learn more about the Foundation, please visit vmlyr.com/foundation.
Follow VMLY&R Foundation Day activities via hashtag #WeAreVMLYR and foundationday.vmlyr.com.
