In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, Executive Service Corps (ESC) released volunteer figures for its professional network of consultants – 22,000 hours in 2011, with an estimated overall impact on services affecting more than 3,700,000 Chicago area men, women children, and families.

The 300 experienced professionals, CEOS and other executives who contribute their time and put their career experience to work for Chicago area nonprofits and public agencies represent a growing trend among Baby Boomers toward social commitment and volunteerism.

Pam Wilcox, President and CEO of the Chicago-based ESC, says they come to the Executive Corps of Chicago to serve in a professional consulting role because they know they can make “a significant and lasting difference, helping nonprofits and public agencies to keep their doors open, find new ways to collaborate and consolidate programs and operation, locate alternative sources of revenue and provide critical services to people and communities in need.

ESC believes a diverse and vibrant nonprofit environment provides vital services to people in need, creates strong communities and fuels economic health and growth.”

When RJ retired in 2006, he had served as chief strategy officer and chairman of multiple business units for one of the nation’s largest Fortune 500 companies. After nine months of retirement, he became restless for something more. A friend told him about ESC, a volunteer corps of nearly 300 men and women who use their skills and knowledge from long and successful careers, to help other non-profits thrive.

“I was ready to start re-engaging my brain and ‘giving back’ to the community seemed like a good way to do just that,” says RJ. Since 2007, he has worked with 12 different nonprofits, assisting in strategic planning, board development, and marketing. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, doing all we can to help make a difference in people’s lives.”

A nonprofit in crisis was referred to ESC as they faced closing their doors after 38 years of providing bilingual early childhood programs to the underserved. An ESC consulting team with more than 80 cumulative years of leadership and management experience in the Chicago corporate sector was engaged. Using the team’s experience in financial management, human resources, strategic and business planning, this vital agency is now on the right track to continue their service to the community.

“ESC is such a deep resource; we never would have survived this transition without them. We had been working on this for two years and ESC was able to help us through it in two months,” wrote the nonprofit’s Board chair.

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The Detroit Pistons have announced a unique community program called “Come Together” aimed at celebrating community champions from cities across the State of Michigan.

Working with local political, business and community leaders from cities throughout the state, each municipality is eligible to receive up to 100 tickets to a Detroit Pistons home game for the purpose of recognizing individuals and groups for outstanding achievement, service to the community and leadership through volunteerism.

“The ‘Come Together’ program is a new platform that we are eager to share with our fans and community difference makers both locally and throughout the state,” said Dennis Mannion, President of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons.

“Tom Gores has made no secret about his desire to make an impact on the lives of people in Michigan by using the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment as a community asset.  This program allows us to recognize, entertain and say thank you to individuals making a difference in their communities.”

Throughout the season-long program, city groups and participants will be acknowledged in-arena at each game and video features highlighting the participating towns will be shown on Palacevision.  Individuals in attendance will receive a parking, merchandise and food and beverage package for the game along with a certificate from Tom Gores thanking them for their participation.

Cities and groups can also use their game as a fundraising opportunity by purchasing additional tickets at a discounted rate with $5.00 from each ticket purchased going back to a community initiative of their choice.

Community groups and civic leaders from more than 15 municipalities including Allen Park, Attica,Commerce, Fenton, Fort Gratiot, Laingsburg, New Lothrop, Rives Junction, Saint Clair, Sylvan Lake,Romeo, Montrose and Hamtramck will be in attendance beginning Wednesday, January 25 when the Pistons host the Miami HEAT at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/detroitpistons

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