BigPanda top performers donate to worthy charities
This year we honored 10 of our top performers by giving back to their communities. We asked each of our Panda Award Winners to choose an organization that we could give a donation to on their behalf. Our top 10 selected 12 amazing organizations. We were able to give $10,000 to our Pandas communities through non-profits and charities ranging from Military Family Support, Education, LBGT Health Services, Fighting Hunger and Animal Rescue. Hear from a few of our Pandas in their own words on why the organizations they chose are special to them.
Matt Peloso, AVP of East Sales, donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
The organization, founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children’s catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. St. Jude treats infants, children, teens, and young adults up to age 21 and for some conditions, age 25. The hospital was founded on the premise that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
“There are some things in life that may not make sense to us and are hard to truly comprehend. One of these instances is when a precious child is diagnosed with cancer. I contributed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital because they focus on finding a cure, share their research freely, and ensure that no family is given a bill for their services. They’re also recognized annually as one of the top charities in transparency and accountability.” – Matt Peloso
Jackie Wells, Marketing Campaign Manager, donated to East Bay SPCA and Lyon Martin Health Services
The East Bay SPCA has helped injured, lost and abandoned animals since 1874. They strive to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals in the East San Francisco Bay Area.
“I chose the East Bay SPCA because I love animals, especially dogs. It breaks my heart to hear that loving and kind dogs don’t have homes, and since I can’t adopt a dog right now, I thought this was my next best option!” – Jackie Wells
Lyon-Martin Health Services and Women’s Community Clinic provides primary medical care, sexual and reproductive health care, and mental health services for women, gender non-conforming people, and transgender people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. They treat people regardless of ability to pay and assist people with enrollment into a variety of health coverage programs.
“Lyon Martin health services is well known for their work with at-risk minority communities. I’m one of multiple LGBT members in my family, and we are all very lucky that our extended family has been so accepting. The Lyon Martin clinic has an amazing track record of supporting and taking in LGBT youth whose families have not supported them, so I want to pay it forward.” – Jackie Wells
Josh Sigler, RVP of Professional Services East, donated to St. Joseph’s Health Foundation
St. Joseph’s Health Foundation is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve, and supports the work of St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab Center, and their many outpatient facilities located across Northern New Jersey. The foundation supports the healthcare needs of their patients through innovative research, cutting-edge technology, and impactful programs.
“My wife and I have been involved in the Young Professionals Committee of St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, fundraising to support the hospital in Paterson, NJ. We are very excited to partner with BigPanda on this generous gift, to support hospital operations and healthcare, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.” – Josh Sigler
Yoram Pollack, Director of Product Marketing, donated to Elem/Youth in Distress in Israel
ELEM/Youth in Distress in Israel is Israel’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to treating and transforming the lives of troubled youth. The organization has 78 programs in 43 cities that provide counseling, mentoring, vocational training and a safe space for Israeli youth to envision a positive future and become productive members of Israeli society.
I chose ELEM/Youth in Distress in Israel, as I have been following their activity and contributing small donations for many years now. I think they are doing God’s work – helping hard-hit youths, without judgment and with true acceptance, giving them a place where they can find a bit of belonging and care, in what is otherwise a very cruel and abusive world for them. I am in awe of the courage of these kids, and the goodness and selflessness of the volunteers who work with them in very difficult situations.” – Yoram Pollack
Andreas Wieder, VP Finance, donated to San Francisco LBGT Center
The mission of the SF LGBT Center is to connect our diverse community to opportunities, resources and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and our allies.
“In San Francisco there are still a lot of LGBT youth that are struggling with who they are. They need support in being okay with who they are and making a living in San Francisco. The SF LGBT Center provides programs and services for the entire LGBT community, including employment and small business services.” – Andreas Wieder
Yifat Aharoni, Director of Israel Recruiting, donated to Yuval 4 Pit
For 17 years Yuval has maintained this unique shelter in Israel. Dogs deemed “dangerous” by Israel’s government come to the shelter through the organization’s search and rescue team. The dogs undergo a rehabilitation process on the farm and are put up for adoption. More than 5,000 dogs have been helped by his work.
“I have followed Yuval Mandelovitzch for a long time and admire him and his organization. His search and rescue team helps save dogs from cruel and vicious dog fights, quarantine pounds, abuse, negligent homes. He started with one dog and now has more than 130 dogs at his farm. His activity is one of a kind in Israel.” – Yifat Aharoni
If you would like to help any of these organizations, we have provided links to their websites below. BigPanda does not endorse or promote any specific organization.
East Bay SPCA, Lyon Martin Health Services, St Judes Research Hospital, St Joseph’s Health Foundation, Fisher House Military House Foundation, Vickery Creek Middle School, San Francisco LBGT Center, Zakat, Youth in Distress, and Yuval4pit.
