As we reflect on the year that was, WedbushCares takes pride in the meaningful contributions made to support, educate, and sustain our communities. In 2023, our corporate giving program embarked on a journey marked by diverse charitable activities, embodying the spirit of compassion and social responsibility. Join us as we revisit the highlights that shaped our year and reinforced our commitment to making a positive impact.
- Scholastic Book Fairs: Nurturing a Love for Learning
WedbushCares hosted Scholastic Book Fairs at Para Los Ninos-Gratts Primary Center in Los Angeles, Kozminski Community Academy in Chicago, and Thomas Warren Field School in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Through these colleague volunteer events, over 3,000 free books were donated to students and teachers which aimed to nurture a love for learning and literacy, showcasing our dedication to educational empowerment.
Los Angeles colleagues at Para Los Niños – Gratts Primary School
- NAMI Partnership: Match Sponsor for Mental Health Awareness Month
In May, WedbushCares proudly partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a match sponsor for Mental Health Awareness Month. This collaboration underscored our commitment to mental well-being, contributing to NAMI’s efforts in raising awareness, combating stigma, and supporting mental health education and advocacy.
Care package essentials ready to be bagged
- National Volunteer Week: A Week of Giving Back
April brought National Volunteer Week, featuring Wedbush Trading Commission Day, where 100% of net proceeds from brokerage commissions across all business lines were donated. Additionally, a Family Promise volunteer event saw Los Angeles colleagues preparing Welcome Home Kits for families in need.
- Family Promise: Gold Sponsor for Family Promise’s GivingDay
In April, WedbushCares proudly sponsored Family Promise’s Giving Day, a 24-hour online campaign supporting families experiencing homelessness across America. As Gold Sponsors, we engaged the community, providing vital resources to uplift vulnerable families during these critical times. Our commitment to impactful initiatives remains strong, ensuring a more compassionate and supportive world for those in need.
- World Central Kitchen for Maui Wildfire Relief: Dollar-for-Dollar Match Campaign
In response to the Maui wildfires, WedbushCares initiated a dollar-for-dollar single match campaign in partnership with World Central Kitchen. This collaboration allowed us to provide crucial support to those affected by the disaster, showcasing our commitment to responding urgently to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.
- Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver: Building Homes and Brighter Futures
Colleagues from our Denver, CO office joined hands with Habitat for Humanity for a day of service, shutting down operations to help build homes for eight hard-working families. This partnership goes beyond collaboration; it’s a commitment to building stronger communities and brighter futures, embodying the essence of social responsibility.
Rolling our sleeves up with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
- Susan G. Komen Walk and Fundraiser: 19 Years of Dedication
Each October, WedbushCares dedicates time to increase cancer awareness and raise funds to combat the lethal disease. This year marked our 19th year of fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a cause initiated and championed by our colleague, Virginia Planellas. The breast cancer awareness walks in Los Angeles and Denver united people to remember loved ones, honor survivors, and support breast cancer research, education, and patient support programs.
- Covenant House: Active Engagement in Los Angeles and Chicago
WedbushCares reaffirmed its commitment to addressing youth homelessness through a continued partnership with Covenant House in Los Angeles and Chicago. Los Angeles colleagues, including Karl Pettijohn, Adam Pettijohn, and Shivan Somaratne, played a pivotal role in this year’s fundraising efforts and actively participated in Covenant House’s annual sleep out. Bob Fitzsimmons serves on the charity’s Illinois board and led a local donation campaign drive, further amplifying our impact.
- GivingTuesday: A Double Boost to College Donations
WedbushCares supported GivingTuesday by double-matching college donations to causes that inspire them. This initiative not only amplified the impact of individual contributions but also demonstrated our commitment to fostering a culture of giving and philanthropy within our community.
- Rapunzl Partnership: Empowering Future Investors at HBCUs
Through our new core partner, Rapunzl, Wedbush is kicking off the school year by investing in the next generation of leaders. This initiative focuses on educating and inspiring students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) about the importance of taking charge of their personal finances and pursuing careers in financial services. This strategic partnership emphasizes Wedbush’s commitment to empowering young minds and fostering a generation of informed and inspired investors.
- Community Impact Grants: Colleague-Driven Change
Enabling colleagues to apply for funding supporting local volunteer events or fundraisers, WedbushCares initiated Community Impact Grants. Aligned with the mission to support, educate, and sustain communities, these grants facilitated notable projects such as Metro Denver’s Habitat for Humanity collaboration, TRIO Senior Recognition Day at Mt. San Jacinto College focusing on financial literacy and scholarships, and support for Penny Lane’s Summer Carnival benefiting youth and families.
Group photo at Mt. San Jacinto College’s TRIO Senior Recognition Day
- Deed Platform: Enhancing Community Engagement
The WedbushCares team also introduced Deed, our new community engagement platform. This user-friendly platform not only automates processes like matching gift requests but also enables individuals to explore and sign up for local volunteer activities. Deed makes participating in employee resource group initiatives even easier, which empowers colleagues to enhance their social impact and make a difference in their communities.
As we wrap up WedbushCares’ 2023 journey, we’re thrilled about the positive impact we’ve made. With joy and anticipation, we look forward to building on our efforts, giving back, and making an even greater difference in the year ahead. Here’s to more meaningful moments and positive change in 2024!