Ingenuity Magazine Spring 2019

10 Pond | www.pondco.com Compas A s we create the fabric of a community through our work, we see ways to help beyond our project scope. Pond is proud to be involved in the communities we serve through personal passion and corporate support. Pond’s “Compassion in Action” is how we touch the lives of those around us who are in need. Our four pillars of philanthropic pursuits define our spirit of giving. End Hunger Pond’s employees help raise awareness about the fight against hunger by volunteering at local food banks and through fundraising activities across multiple cities. For the past several years, Pond membe r s have pa r t i c i pa t ed i n Canstruction, volunteering their engineering and creative skills to build sculptures from canned foods. These large structures are put on public display and are judged in several categories. After the exhibit, all of the food is donated to local hunger foundations. Staff members also volunteer their time at the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Houston Food Bank, sorting through hundreds of pounds of donations that are then distributed throughout the community. Throughout the year, Pond also participates in events to raise funds to purchase all of the canned goods. For this year’s Canstruction efforts, Pond has raised over $23,500! Defeat Addiction Pond is providing pro bono services for No Longer Bound, a non-profit organization whose mission is to rescue, repair and restore men suffering from addiction. Pond has been furnishing the program with design services for architecture, building systems and site design. Projects currently underway on the campus in north Georgia include a new 11,000sf, 56-bed dormitory facility which will house program residents and provide much-needed classroom space. Pond is also honored to sponsor Miles for Meier, whose mission is to “raise awareness of the opioid epidemic sweeping our land and raise money to help those who are affected.” Funds raised from this annual 5k run supports organizations that serve as resources for addiction awareness and change. This past year, $28,679 was raised toward this cause. Shelter Families Having a place to call “home” is important to build confidence, strengthen families, and inspire pride. Pond partners with Habitat for Humanity to make a difference in communities. Through Pond’s support and sponsorship, we raised $7,500 in 2018. Passion for this organization has led staff members to achieve the status of Master Builder and Skilled Supervisor, leading small groups of volunteers on construction-related tasks and serving as an ambassador for the organization. Pond also partners with Transitions to engage and equip homeless adults with the means to transition into stability and permanent housing. Transitions offers a unique mix of resources and services to help clients rebuild their lives to become productive people who reenter their communities. Meals are donated by several resources, prepared by The Salvation Army, and served by volunteers. Honor Service Members Pond takes pride not only in delivering high quality projects to members of our Armed Forces, but also in the fact that we have many employees who have previously served our country. Pond gratefully embraces the duty to honor and care for active duty service members, veterans, and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Organizations that Pond has supported include the Wounded Warrior Project, Folds of Honor, Wreaths Across America, Hope for the Warriors, and the Fisher House. This past year, Pond raised over $29,000 for service member organizations.  Staff writer