While the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is all the rage these days, there’s another challenge for a good cause that is building momentum in Detroit. Corporate donor Magna International has issued a challenge to other companies participating in the 40th annual Focus: HOPE “Eleanor’s Walk for Hope,” presented by Plastic Omnium, on Sunday, October 12th. The company with the most employees participating in the event will take home the Corporate Cup, a trophy that will become the prize for this new annual challenge.
“We are challenging the other corporations that support Focus: HOPE to try to beat us! Our goal is to win the Corporate Cup,” said Jim Tobin, chief marketing officer and president of Magna Asia and chair of Focus: HOPE’s Advisory Board. “We are extremely proud to support Focus: HOPE and help bring attention to the positive, valuable things the organization does for the Detroit area.”
Each year, many of Focus: HOPE’s corporate partners take part in the walk. Last year’s event was one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, thanks in part to the increased contributions and participation of sponsors such as Plastic Omnium, Magna, Detroit Media Partnership, Ford
Motor Company, General Motors, Chrysler, DENSO, Carrier & Gable, The Suburban Collection, and many more.
Although companies have always participated in “Eleanor’s Walk for Hope,” Plastic Omnium really upped the ante last year when they made a $100,000 presenting sponsor gift and made the Walk a centerpiece of their community outreach. “Focus: HOPE is our premier community partner, and our employees do a number of things throughout the year to raise money for the organization,” said Mikel Slater, Plastic Omnium’s vice president of human resources. “That’s why we are pleased to be the lead sponsor for the walk again this year, and we encourage our workers to attend.”
Companies can help make this year’s walk the biggest ever by taking on Magna’s challenge. Corporate teams can register online at www.focushope.edu/walk. Participants are encouraged to
Magna issues Corporate Challenge for Walk Page 2
collect sponsorships of at least $25 from family, friends and colleagues. This year, for the first time, “Eleanor’s Walk for Hope” will include a 4-mile run. Runners can register for $25 at www.focushope.edu/run.
“Focus: HOPE’s annual event is a great fundraiser and friend raiser for our organization. It brings people of all backgrounds together for a good cause,” said Steve Ragan, Focus: HOPE chief development and external relations officer. “We’re excited about Magna’s corporate challenge and the potential to increase the number of people who are aware of — and support — our mission in the community.”
The October 12th event takes place on Focus: HOPE’s
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