Taking Time FORE a Good Cause

May 3, 2008

And what better way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning in Queen Creek, Arizona than teeing off for charity at the Bella Vista 4-H Club Tee Time Tournament.

Knowing that all proceeds from this May 3rd outing went to the Bella Vista 4H Club and The East Valley Child Crisis Center, ABcom signed up as one of the sponsors. Participating at the benefit were ABcom's Matt Valentine, VP, and BJ Grifhorst, Sales Executive.

4-H is a community of young people across America who learn leadership, citizenship and life skills. In 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities. Arizona 4-H builds upon a century of experience as it fosters positive youth development that is based on the needs and strengths of youth, their families and communities.

For more information about the 4-H Club:



Founded in 1981 by Mahnah Club, Inc of Mesa, AZ, the Child Crisis Center has extended a helping hand to children and families in need. Committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, the shelter and programs have provided aid and comfort to over 11,800 children.

For more information on The East Valley Child Crisis Center:

Link to Child Crisis Center

Volunteering at the 'House that Love Built'

March 29, 2008

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix cares for the families of severely ill or injured children by providing them with temporary housing and respite services; enabling the families to be close by when their children need them the most. Some families must travel great distances to get medical attention for their children and in-hospital treatment may last anywhere from one day, to one year or longer.

The idea behind the Ronald McDonald House program is simple: Provide a home away from home for families of these seriously ill and injured children. While the overall concept is simple, keeping the house running requires many volunteer efforts from members of the community. Multiple chores are necessary to create and maintain an atmosphere of comfort and support in this 45-bedroom house.

So, chores it was. The staff in our Phoenix office rolled up their sleeves and volunteered to clean apartments at the 'house that love built'. They spent a Saturday getting a little dirty, and in return received a whole lot of satisfaction knowing they contributed a small part in this community effort. When asked for their feedback on this experience, Matt, Blaine, BJ and Ivana all replied with the same comment; "We are looking forward to volunteering there again soon."

Ronald McDonald House Charities in our communities:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix
Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas

Ronald McDonald House Charities

December 14, 2007

One of our neighbors in our local Saint Paul community is the Ronald McDonald House Charities, aptly referred to as the 'House that love built.'

Since 1979 Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest, and their cornerstone program, Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities, have provided a home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving medical treatment in the Twin Cities for cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

In addition to providing lodging for 48 families on any given night, innovative programs create a sense of community and encouragement for these families facing critical pediatric illness. Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest also extends support to children and families who do not live at the Ronald McDonald House though various outreach programs.

ABcom makes it an annual tradition to remember those staying at the Ronald McDonald House during the holidays by delivering gifts and toys for the children. It is our way of making a small difference to those families dealing with serious illnesses by helping to brighten their holidays.

To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities:
Ronald McDonald House

Toys for Tots Program

December 14, 2007

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children.

While Toys for Tots coordinators organize, coordinate and manage the campaign, the ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people who donate toys.

ABcom in Saint Paul, Minnesota joined efforts to collect donations from our employees, shop for toys and deliver the packages to the marines at the local news station, KARE11. It was our first year participating in the Toys for Tots program, but it was such a success among our staff, it is guaranteed not to be the last.

To learn more about the Toys for Tots Program:
Link to Toys for Tots