KeyCorp has built a great partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure since getting involved with the cause in 2010, and a big reason why is the engagement of its employees in community service.
Beth E. Mooney, Key’s chairman and CEO, has challenged her employees and others in the community to “think about what you can do, individually or corporately, to step up and join in this important cause to fight for the cure.”
Mooney recognizes that while corporations can use their brand awareness to take a visible stand on particular causes, it’s the employees and their willingness to take action and get involved that truly makes the most difference.
When you can get your employees to say, “What else can I do to help?” you’re on the right path. This is what has taken place at KeyCorp, a company that has quickly become a role model for other participants in the annual Northeast Ohio Race for the Cure.
Key initially sought to raise $30,000 in pledges and was able to more than triple that goal, reaching $100,000 raised to support breast cancer research. This was done through a number of employee fundraising activities that were bolstered by matching donations from the bank.
The leadership team charged with coordinating KeyCorp’s efforts developed a state-of-the-art internal communication system with a Race for the Cure mailbox, an entire intranet section with a landing page, stories from employees and survivors, on-site registration and shirt distribution and mailings to all Northeast Ohio branches about fundraising activities and the sale of pink ribbons to customers.
And in March 2011, KeyCorp issued a $1 million grant to the national Komen organization to provide education and outreach to more than 100,000 medically underserved women and men in 17 KeyCorp communities.
HOW TO REACH: KeyCorp, (800) 539-2968 or www.key.com
