On September 24, Wipfli associates came together for our 22nd annual Community Day, dedicating their time, talents and energy to causes that strengthen the communities where we live and work.
What began more than two decades ago as a commitment to giving back has become one of Wipfli's most meaningful traditions. This year, 660 associates volunteered with 64 nonprofit organizations, contributing a combined 2,298 hours of service. From packing meals and supporting food banks to building homes and advancing community programs, associates made a difference in communities across the country while demonstrating the power of One Wipfli.
“What makes Community Day special isn’t the projects we complete,” said Kurt Gresens, CEO of Wipfli. “It’s seeing our people step away from their daily work and invest their time, energy and heart into the communities they call home. I’m proud of the difference our associates make every day, and especially proud of what we accomplish together on Community Day.”
By the numbers
- 660 volunteers
- 2,298 volunteer hours
- 64 nonprofit organizations supported
- More than $106,000 in expected Community Support Program donations through the Wipfli Foundation
Community impact in action
For many associates, Community Day provides an opportunity to see firsthand how small actions can create meaningful change.
In Rockford, Illinois, associates volunteered with Northern Illinois Food Bank, helping provide fresh food to local families in need.
“Our team spent Community Day volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, helping provide fresh food to families across our community in Rockford, IL,” said Jason Smith, partner. “Working alongside fellow volunteers and knowing we helped support more than 500 neighborhood families made the experience incredibly rewarding. Community Day reflects one of the things I value most about Wipfli: A commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
Other teams focused on addressing housing needs in their communities. Dean Roder, director of alliance management, spent the day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.
“Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity gave me the opportunity to help build a home that will soon belong to a young family, potentially becoming the first homeowners in their family’s history,” said Dean Roder, director, alliance management. “What resonates most with me is that Habitat’s impact extends far beyond just a house. By investing in neighborhoods over time, they’re helping create stronger communities with lasting benefits for families, schools and local residents. It is meaningful to me to contribute in a small way to bringing more affordable, safe and high-quality housing to this great city. Community Day is one-way Wipfli puts its values into action, rather than leaving them as words on a conference room wall.”
In Schaumburg, Illinois, volunteers partnered with Feed My Starving Children, where their efforts resulted in 36,936 meals packed, enough to provide 101 children with a daily meal for an entire year.
“What resonates with me about the organization is how clearly you can see the impact,” said Rusty Planert, senior manager. “As an auditor, I appreciate how effectively they measure results and turn volunteer hours into meaningful outcomes for children facing hunger. Community Day is one of my favorite days of the year and it’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we bring the same teamwork and dedication we use for our clients to a cause that benefits others.”
Extending our impact beyond Community Day
The impact of Community Day continues long after the volunteer work is complete.
Through the Wipfli Foundation’s Community Support Program, associates receive charitable giving credits they can direct to eligible nonprofit organizations they care about most. This year, the foundation expects to contribute more than $106,000 through the program, helping associates further support causes that are making a difference in their communities.
Community Day is one example of Wipfli’s ongoing commitment to community involvement, service and creating meaningful impact where our associates live and work.
To learn more about the Wipfli Foundation and community involvement initiatives, visit our community involvement page.