CHARLOTTE, NC (September 15, 2011) -- Compass Group aims to make positive contributions to the overall well-being of the communities in which its companies operate. To support this guiding principle, the Compass in the Community awards program annually recognizes accounts who best exhibit their positive impact through community outreach. This year, sector representation was as strong as ever. However, a handful of units rose to the top and with great enthusiasm, we announce the Compass in the Community North America Awards for 2011.
The 2011 Gold Award honors Chartwells Higher Education at the University of Albany in Albany, NY! Under the direction of Alisa Mathis-Peterson and with the support of almost 200 associates, the account successfully partnered with over a dozen charities in the Capital District.
On-campus, Chartwells joined with University Auxiliary Services to host several events benefiting students, faculty and staff. These included a St. Patrick’s Day Chili Cook-Off to raise funds for the Captain John J. McKenna Military Courtesy Room at the Albany International Airport, support for the Suicide Prevention Walk, donations to the student American Red Cross group, walking in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the annual Farmers’ Market from which funds were donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Chartwells also annually hosts two volunteer events at the food bank, as well as, other internal fundraisers.
Off-campus, Chartwells at University at Albany has established a strong and lasting relationship with the Parson’s Child and Family Center demonstrated through their annual hosting of the Parson’s Family prom night, Winter Carnival and participation in the Holiday Heroes initiative. Parson’s recognized these efforts by honoring Chartwells with the Parson Child and Family Center Humanitarian Award this past year.
In addition to their representation and recognition at the 2011 Be-A-Star Banquet, Compass Group will donate $8,000 dollars to non-profits on Chartwells at University at Albany’s behalf.
Silver Award recognition goes to the Field Accounting department located in Charlotte, NC. Lead by their Be-A-Star coordinating team, this team effectively partnered with 7 non-profits to assist in fundraising and by volunteering their time and expertise. Their charitable activities addressed many local concerns including homelessness, hunger, students with disabilities, premature birth and families of sick children. Field Accounting also annually hosts Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day® which this year included 130 children.
As part of being awarded this honor Compass Group will donate $6,000 dollars to non-profit(s) on Field Accounting’s behalf.
Operations receiving Bronze status acknowledgment are:
• Chartwells Higher Ed. – Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
• Morrison Healthcare – UVA Health System, Charlottesville, VA
• Chartwells Schools – St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis, MO
Bronze winners will have donations made to their chosen community organizations in the amount of $2,000 dollars.
The judging members for this year were: Vince Berkeley-Chief Diversity Officer; Amy Knepp, Senior VP Business Development; Stephanie Luck, Engagement & Recognition Analyst; Carlos Witherspoon, Manager, IT; Tami Hechtel, VP Corporate/Foodbuy Human Resources; and Hillary Dye, Director of Development, Freedom School Partners, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage, educate and empower children to succeed in school and life through quality, year-round educational enrichment programs. They are also a sponsor of the Children’s Defense Fund, Freedom Schools summer programming.