Acuity’s Sheri Murphy and Ben Salzmann present a check for nearly $84,000 to Safe Harbor’s Britta West, Courtney Stewart, and Vanessa VanderWeele. The donation was one of six year-end donations made to charitable organizations for a total of $350,000.
Dana Bear, Julie Preder, and Kristal Klemme from Mental Health America accept a check for nearly $70,000 from Acuity’s Adam Norlander and Ben Salzmann.
Dave Wiemer from Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, accepts a check for over $63,000 from Acuity’s Alissa Burgos and Ben Salzmann.
Lee Mitchler and Charmaine Conrad from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice accept a check for nearly $57,000 from Acuity’s Shane Paltzer and Ben Salzmann.
Kelly Anderson from Fresh Meals on Wheels accepts a check for nearly $43,000 from Acuity’s Wally Waldhart and Ben Salzmann.
Carrye Jo Cony and Major Jay Davis of The Salvation Army accept a check for almost $34,000 from Acuity’s Wendy Schuler and Ben Salzmann.
Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation: Dave Wiemer, Senior Philanthropic Officer
Fresh Meals on Wheels: Kelly Anderson, CEO
Mental Health America: Kristal Klemme, Board President Elect
Safe Harbor: Britta West, Sexual Assault Specialist; Vanessa VanderWeele, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator; Courtney Stewart, Youth Services Specialist
Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice: Lee Mitchler, Manager of Psychosocial Services
The Salvation Army: Carrye Jo Cony, Development Director
At a December 2021 Town Hall meeting, Acuity employees determined the distribution of $350,000 among six different charitable organizations. Those organizations included Conquer Cancer,® the ASCO Foundation; Fresh Meals on Wheels; Mental Health America; Safe Harbor; The Salvation Army; and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Based on employee votes, Safe Harbor received the largest allocation of nearly $84,000. The other five groups each received donations ranging from nearly $34,000 to almost $70,000.
“Our advocates support adults, children, and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and homelessness. We help them achieve safe and stable lives. We’ve seen a steep decline in donations due to the pandemic, which is why we want to thank Acuity for supporting Safe Harbor,” said Vanessa VanderWeele, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator.
Additionally, each of Acuity’s 1,500 employees was invited to choose any qualifying charity to receive a $100 donation from Acuity, for a total of $150,000.
“Acuity’s common purpose begins with the statement, ‘With kind hearts, we dare to care,’ and supporting our community is one way we show that care,” said Ben Salzmann, Acuity President and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to charitable organizations in our community now and throughout every year.”
This is the ninth consecutive year that Acuity employees have directed a special year-end charitable contribution, which adds to the company’s longstanding tradition of philanthropy.
Acuity Insurance, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, insures over 125,000 businesses, including 300,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly a half million homes and private passenger autos across 30 states. Rated A+ by A.M. Best and S&P, Acuity employs over 1,500 people.