Netgain’s Casual for a Cause Raises nearly $1,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters
January 9, 2012, St. Cloud, MN — Netgain, a healthcare information technology company based in St. Cloud, MN, has chosen Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN (BBBS) as the recipient of their Casual for a Cause funds this quarter. Together, Netgain and their employees will donate nearly $1,000 to BBBS.
In an effort to raise money for their charitable causes of choice, Netgain’s employees implemented “Causal for a Cause” where, for a $25 donation to the employee-chosen charity, Netgain employees may wear jeans every Friday during that quarter. To show support and encourage participation, Netgain matches the funds that employees raise each quarter.
“Netgain has always valued philanthropy. But even greater than that, Netgain values it’s employees. It really means a lot to work for a company that supports what their employees are passionate about,” said Kayla Welle-Schoenberg, Netgain’s Marketing Manager, who raised over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society last year through Casual for a Cause.
This quarter, Charles Killmer, Netgain’s Security Officer has chosen Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN as this quarter’s recipient of Casual for a Cause funds.
Killmer states, “I am a Big and have been for seven years. My last match ended last January when my Little turned 18. He and I still talk and I believe his life is better because of my involvement, I know my life is. Children have a way of looking at the world that adults lose. By becoming a Big, I was reintroduced to an innocent view of the world.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters strives to make a stronger community by building futures and raising standards for children facing adversity. This association pairs a child, a “Little”, (ages range from 5-14) with an adult, a “Big”. Throughout their relationship, the Big mentors the Little through diversity, responsibility, school, and anything that life may throw their way. For just a few hours a month, the two participate in activities that they enjoy doing together—this may include, going to the park, helping with homework, or even just giving advice. Every relationship is different, and therefore, every relationship’s activities vary.
The Little benefits in many ways through building this relationship with their Big; the child gains a trustworthy relationship, greater confidence, a reliable, positive influence, and a mentor that supports their dreams, ambitions, goals, and future.
“We are very grateful to Netgain for supporting our program and helping us meet the growing needs of youth in central Minnesota,” said Shari Wahlin, Development Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN, “Since we charge no fees for our service, we rely on community support to carefully make mentoring matches and provide ongoing support to mentors, mentees and their families, helping sustain the long-term, successful relationships unique to our program. We know these matches between kids and caring, guiding adult mentors can be life-changing, as we help create a path to lifelong success for these young people.”
For nearly two years, employees at Netgain have been enthusiastically raising money through Casual for a Cause to contribute to local charities. Together with Netgain’s match, they have raised over $8,000 for local organizations like the American Cancer Society, Anna Maries Alliance, United Way, St. Cloud Sexual Assault Center, Friendship Ventures, and other great causes throughout the community.
“It’s touching to see how many of our employees lead and donate to Casual for a Cause. We have a compassionate and generous team at Netgain, and we’re ready to support the charitable causes our employees support,” said Scott Warzecha, Netgain’s Founder and President.
Netgain is proud to donate funding and support to Big Brothers Big Sisters this quarter, and supports their mission of a a strong community, stable futures, and successful educations for local youth.
About Netgain
Netgain, an eHealth solutions provider based in Minnesota, works to improve the patient experience by managing the IT operations of healthcare providers nationwide. Netgain’s comprehensive IT solutions benefit healthcare organizations of all sizes and specialties, at all stages of eHealth adoption. By identifying the specific needs of the organizations, Netgain creates a customized IT infrastructure solution with HIPAA-level security, five nines availability and the flexibility to be hosted at Netgain or at the organization’s site. Netgain manages the infrastructure securely and remotely. This approach simplifies the healthcare IT environment while improving efficiencies and increasing security. www.NetgainHosting.com www.facebook.com/netgainhosting @NetgainHosting
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota helps youth to realize their potential by providing positive growth experiences through one-to-one mentoring relationships. For more than 43 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As a member of the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through 14 (once matched the match can continue until the child turns 18), in communities across Benton, Morrison, Stearns, the northern tier of Wright & Sherburne Counties. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. www.bbbscentralmn.org. www.facebook.com/bigbrothersbigsisterscentralmn.