When it comes to philanthropy, corporations give in various ways. But does your company think outside of the box? RSM US LLP, the top accounting firm focused on the middle market, got creative during an employee-driven campaign to raise funds for Genesis – turning out over $30,000 from employees in just months. RSM is passionate about serving organizations committed to providing stable environments for families. The firm’s national leadership was so impressed with Team Dallas’ resourceful campaign and the great support Genesis provides for women and children in the community, that its RSM US Foundation donated an additional $10,000 to bring the fundraising effort to over $40,000.

RSM used various vehicles to raise funds, but the silent auction is where the bulk of the dollars were raised. There were a number of generous items donated by various vendors and sports events typical of a silent auction. But this is also where the generosity of the RSM Dallas leadership came in.

Ty Beasley, Office Managing Partner and member of the Genesis HeROs Board, kicked things off by “selling” two weeks in his corner office, which drew bids from every level of local employee. One partner donated $25,000 worth of Southwest Airlines miles, and another donated one month of executive parking in RSM’s garage. An evening at a Director’s house on Lake Texoma, including an afternoon on a sailboat, dinner and breakfast at the home, was utilized by the winning employee to entertain clients.

A hot ticket item was the partner-donated Cork Pull. RSM partners donated 40 bottles of wines of various price points. The first 40 employees paid $15 each to draw a numbered cork from a bowl and find their numbered and wrapped bottle of wine on a designated table.

Money was also raised through Kendra Scott and Scout and Cellar wine Pop Up Shops, as well as a partnership with CycleBar, where all proceeds from a ride went to raise money for Genesis. Special breakfasts, lunches and a bake sale were also utilized to raise funds. Employees were also encouraged to make monthly donations through automatic payroll deductions, allowing the team to donate in small amounts that total large amounts over time.

“Stewardship is a core value at RSM, and our people are passionate about the collective impact we can have in our community with our commitment to stewardship,” said Beasley. “When we were presented with the opportunity to align our stewardship efforts with Genesis, we were impassioned by its mission to provide safety, shelter and support to women and families affected by domestic abuse. We are proud to partner with Genesis, and we’re also proud to see members of our team become personally involved with the mission of Genesis on many levels with the organization.”

RSM would love to help other companies raise funds for Genesis! For a complete list of fundraising events used to raise money, please email Christian.Wright@rsmus.com.

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