With another challenging year coming to an end, it’s time for us all to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we have to be grateful for. For many, this has been the chance to spend time with our families and loved ones and the opportunities afforded to us that have had a positive impact on both our non-working lives and careers.
In addition to reflecting on the fruits of our personal lives, we’d also like to take the opportunity to express our gratitude for all our clients and partners who have continued to support us in 2021 – and we sincerely appreciate your collaboration and cooperation throughout the year. We’re also grateful for our employees, who have worked tirelessly to improve our products and services, delivering the best possible experience for all our clients. Without them, we would not be here today.
However, the time for us to reflect is also a chance for us to give back. While Siepe has had a strong and successful year, many organizations and individuals haven’t been given the same privileges and have faced immense hardship.
It is Siepe’s annual tradition for our employees to graciously accept a donation from our CEO, Michael Pusateri, to pass along to a cause, community, charity and /or person that their heart is drawn to. Every employee receives a randomly selected dollar amount to give back to those who are less fortunate.
This year, our team chose to donate to:
“I donated to Cypress Assistance Ministries, a faith-based organization that serves individuals and families in financial crisis such as those who are on the brink of homelessness, the elderly, the unemployed and anyone that needs hope for a better future.” – Lauri Pool, Relationship Manager, Loan Settlements
“This year I decided to donate locally in the area I grew up in, South Jersey. My parents do routine donations to a select group of charities and the one that my mother appreciates the most is the NJ Food Bank, based in South Jersey.” – Avery Fortunato, IT Support Engineer
“This year I decided to give to Uderam. When I was a kid, he used to work for my dad. He is 80 years old and recently lost his job due to COVID-19. He thanks Michael and Siepe for the donation.” – Parul Jaiswal, Sr. Business Analyst
“I chose to give to the American Cancer Society. Unfortunately, cancer has been a big part of my life as my mom, dad and myself have all battled this disease.” – Mike Hughes, Data Analyst
“I am taking my gift and purchasing grocery gift cards to distribute to folks that may be struggling to make ends meet.” – Kevin Phelan, Director, User Experience
“I was inspired by the direct impact this organization has on the youth in Dallas. In particular, those who are smart and eager to pursue higher education but have been faced with challenges in their personal lives that could serve as a roadblock along the way. EdOp not only provides financial assistance but mentorship as well as throughout their college career, resulting in a 90% graduation rate.” – Amy Theriot, Director, Human Resources
“Our Daughter Sarah is receiving incredible care at the Mercy Hospital in Cork so we see first-hand the benefits of these donations. It really does make a big difference to the care and comfort of patients and families. Funds raised through Mercy University Hospital Foundation are used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment and to help hospital staff in providing world-class service in a world-class hospital.” – Darren Burke, Director, Cloud Infrastructure
“I chose to donate to Christian Community Action. They always provide value to the local community and have served 11,000 individuals this past year despite the difficulties of COVID-19.” – Christian Louey, Data Analyst
“This year, my family donated to 6 Stones in Arlington. Not only is this a partner that my church is aligned with, but our donation is able to support two families with food provisions for an entire month. We give annually to this group through our church, but this direct donation is able to go above and beyond this year.” – Jason Kramer, IT Sales Representative
“I chose to donate to the Khalsa Aid organization because of its mission and the leadership set by the founder. Khalsa Aid provides humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world.” – Manvir Rai, Software Developer
“Bonton Farms has set out to prove that an urban farm can redefine a community. They aim to transform lives by disrupting the systems of inequity, laying a foundation where change yields health, wholeness and opportunity as the norm.” – Andrew Hibbs, Senior Cloud Solutions Engineer
“At OurCalling, the friends we meet under bridges, in shelters and on the street, find more than the basics they need to get by for another day or another week. They find friendship, encouragement and motivation to take their first steps toward a new, more sustainable way of living – one guided by the light of Christ.” – Nick Massie, Staff Accountant
“Family Gateway uses a two-generation approach to support our families by concurrently working with the adults and the children in the family to provide housing and employment for adults and on education stabilization for children.” – Garrett Clampitt, Software Developer
“This year I made my donation to the Magdalen House, a non-profit organization helping women achieve sobriety and sustain recovery from alcoholism. I have seen first-hand the impact Maggies has had on women suffering from alcoholism, and I am honored to contribute to the cause.” – Ashley Hug, Business Analyst
“The Wounded Warrior Project changes the lives of over 1 million injured warriors, caregivers and family members. Donations help bring independence back to our nation’s most severely wounded veterans.” – Pearce Blend, Data Analyst
“I decided to donate to the Dog Ranch Rescue for the second year in a row. This is a wonderful organization that disrupts the puppy mill system and rescues and rehabilitates dogs trapped in the abuse.” – Robin Bellingham, Office Manager
“I chose to donate to Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite as they offer jobs, training and riding lessons to special needs individuals. My friend’s son is involved in the programs and is grateful for the therapeutic community.” – Kelli Maltsbarger, Relationship Manager, Asset Administrator
“We chose to donate to the North Texas Foodbank. For almost 40 years, they have collected and distributed donations of surplus food and grocery products to help create a hunger-free and healthy North Texas.” – Jacob Faulks, Software Developer, Lauren McKeen, UX Designer, Willy Chan, Sr. DBA
“I donated to the American Heart Association and participated in the walk. I also donated to the 4th Annual Blessing Box Project, which goes to an apartment complex that houses families in need.” – Chondrea Matthews, Sr. Loan Settlements Closer
“The Oregon Food Bank fosters community connections to help people access nutritious food today and build community power to eliminate the root cause of hunger for good.” – Ben Cooper, IT Support Engineer Lead
“I chose to give to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child this year, which shares the Good News of Jesus Christ with millions of boys and girls in more than 100 countries each year. Many of these children have never before received a present or heard the true meaning of Christmas – until they open a gift-filled shoebox.” – Stephen Gloria, Director, Middle Office
“This year, my family provided Christmas presents to four children (ages 15, 9, 8 and 2) in the foster care system in Tarrant County. We did this through Angelheart Kids which provides a setting that meets the physical, emotional and assessment needs of the children placed in their care.” – Chris Doty, CFO
“This year we gave to the family of Christopher, a 14-year-old boy in El Salvador, that we have sponsored through Compassion International.” – Michael Pusateri, CEO
As Siepe continues to grow, it gives us a wonderful opportunity to spread our reach and share our blessings through new avenues each year. We invite you all to join us – and help make a difference for those in need.
