Non-profits benefit from Casual for a Cause
PRESQUE ISLE — Employees at TAMC are known for being involved in their local communities. Many volunteer with local organizations, at area events, and donate to support numerous causes.
In recent months, the organization has revamped a program that allows TAMC employees to dress casually on occasion and collectively contribute to worthwhile causes, both within the medical center and throughout The County. TAMC is looking for area non-profit organizations with worthwhile projects to consider for funding through its Casual for a Cause effort in the coming calendar year.
“Our employees both enjoy the opportunity to come to work dressed more casually and appreciate knowing they are supporting a good cause through our Casual for a Cause program,” said Tom Umphrey, vice president of employee services. “There are many wonderful non-profit organizations within our county community with worthwhile projects that we want to learn about and consider for funding through our ongoing effort. We look forward to hearing about the great work of many of these groups as we consider which organizations to support in the coming year.”
The Casual for a Cause program is open to all TAMC employees who elect to enroll. Those who sign up donate $1 per pay period. Over the course of the year, 14 days are designated at TAMC as “Casual for a Cause.” On those days, participating employees are allowed to dress in jeans or other more casual attire. Cumulative proceeds from the most recent payroll period ($2 per participating employee) are allocated to the designated cause.
Twelve of the 14 days set aside under the Casual for a Cause program are held on the last Friday of each month. One of the two remaining days is set to coincide with National Wear Red Day on the first Friday in February. Accordingly, proceeds from that Casual for a Cause day are designated to support women’s heart health.
The final Casual for a Cause day set aside annually is on Oct. 31. On that date, employees can choose to either dress casually or in a Halloween costume. Unlike the other designated dates, on Halloween participating employees are asked to bring in a donated item needed to kickoff an annual donation drive to benefit animals in area shelters.
In 2013, area non-profit organizations receiving funds through the program included Homeless Services of Aroostook, March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Hospice of Aroostook, C-A-N-C-E-R, and the Hospice House of Comfort (Presque Isle Rotary Special Project).
Additionally, several TAMC causes also received support through the program. They were TAMC’s Brain Injury Program, Aroostook Cancer Care, Live Safe, County Dialysis Turkey Basket Project, and the holiday gift program for residents at the Aroostook Health Center in Mars Hill.
For more information on the program, contact Jason Parent in the TAMC communication and development office at jparent@tamc.org or by calling 768-4044.
