Parallel Technologies Employees Give Back to Their Communities Through Personal Initiatives
Parallel Technologies is a company whose employees pride themselves in community involvement. The team’s generosity, passion, and commitment to helping others is demonstrated in countless initiatives. From fundraisers and participation in events aimed at benefitting local causes, to employees’ involvement in annual holiday giving and employees even creating charitable organizations that support causes that are dear to their hearts, Parallel is devoted to facilitating employees’ participation in giving back to the community. Below are just a few of the many employee-driven initiatives that Parallel proudly supports:
|
Bridgeway Academy (formerly Helping Hands Center)
Parallel Technologies employee Ashleigh Walsh leads the charge in support of Bridgeway Academy, a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit organization with a mission to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Ashleigh has organized Parallel’s support of “Raise Your Glass to Raise Awareness”, an annual event consisting of food and wine tastings, as well as entertainment and silent and live auctions. |
Ashleigh Walsh, second from right, and Parallel employees on their way to the Bridgeway Academy’s Raise Your Glass to Raise Awareness event.This past year, Parallel Technologies employees filled two tables at the event, contributing $2,000. All of the $73,441 raised from the event are used to support the programs and operation of Bridgeway Academy, where Ashleigh’s son has attended for several years. “We love the therapists and staff at Bridgeway, and their programs have had such a positive impact on our son, Elliott,” says Walsh. “Having Parallel take an interest in helping support an organization that has greatly influenced our personal life is touching beyond words.”
| Youth for Christ
Parallel’s Marlene Eymann has been involved with Youth for Christ and their City Life Center in Franklinton since it began, with her husband, John, even donating his architectural design services when the new center was built. Marlene and several of her Parallel colleagues recently gave back by serving food at the Center’s City Life Club, where at-risk teens can go to play games, eat a meal, and listen to a short Bible teaching. “The City Life Club gives these kids a place to go and have fun in a safe environment,” said Eymann. “It feels great to have my colleagues join me in volunteering at an organization that I personally know is positively affecting so many kids in our community.” |
|
|
Strides for Sobriety
Laurie Penland, of Parallel Technologies, and her sister Ramona Penland-Coyle, started Strides for Sobriety in 2014 after her nephew suffered a serious football injury and succumbed to addiction as an early teen. Penland’s nephew entered an inpatient program and successfully recovered, but he and his family were moved by the fact that many teens who needed help were unable to recover due to lack of funds. |
Laurie Penland, bottom center, and fellow Parallel employees at Strides’ 2016 5K run.Strides for Sobriety hosts numerous fundraising events, the largest being their annual 5k run, which recently raised over $22,000 – with all profits used for teenage recovery and education. “There is always a team of fellow Parallel employees that participate in the run each year,” says Penland. Fellow colleagues also help to coordinate additional fundraising efforts throughout the year, including an upcoming NSA Co-Ed Softball game to be held August 20th. “The support we receive from everyone at Parallel has been amazing, and is a big part of our ability to raise funds for such an important cause,” Penland says.
| Fighting Chance
It was an unlikely friendship at a boxing gym between Parallel’s Megan Schmittauer and three young men that led to the founding of Fighting Chance in 2015. Fighting Chance offers mentoring, structure, tutoring, and a positive environment for Cincinnati youth to spend time after school. What originally began as a coaching and mentorship program for three boys has since grown to include 60 volunteers raising $25,000 and serving over 200 kids through health and recreation, academics, college and career preparation, and social and leadership development. The next step for the organization is to hire an executive director to handle the daily operations. “I think Parallel wants me back selling,” jokes Schmittauer. “Joking aside, the company has been so supportive of me in this effort. I’m extremely grateful to work for an employer who not only supports community participation, but encourages it.” |
Megan Schmittauer, far right, is joined by Parallel colleages as well as professional boxers Jamontay Clark and Jamel Herring for Fighting Chance’s happy hour fundraiser. |
“As a company, we have many opportunities to give back to our local communities – and for us at Parallel, that is a direct result of the dedication of our own employees, who are passionately involved in their own heartfelt initiatives,” stated Joe Redman, Parallel’s President. “We are proud to support them in their ongoing charitable efforts – whether it be through donations, time off from work to volunteer, or raising money for their organizations as part of the silent auction at our annual holiday party.”
For more information about the organizations highlighted here, visit:
Bridgeway Academy www.bridgewayohio.org
Youth for Christ www.coyfc.org
Strides for Sobriety www.stridesforsobriety.com
Fighting Chance www.givingkidsafightingchance.org
