Normally at this time of year, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge hosts its annual holiday party. The firm has recognized, however, that these are not normal times. For some time now, its clients, friends, community, and state have witnessed unprecedented economic circumstances. While the firm and its members are optimistic about the future, they continue to notice the on-going, difficult stories of job losses, businesses struggling, and charities in distress.
"In light of these tough economic times, we have reassessed how we might allocate our resources, and do a little bit more to help those who are in need," says Smith Haughey CEO, Patrick F. Geary. "And so, we have decided, at least for this year, to put our holiday party in hiatus and instead direct resources that would have been expended on the party to charitable endeavors in the Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City communities."
The firm selected charities such as food pantries, job assistance programs, and shelters, to name a few, to receive these funds.
"The Smith Haughey holiday party has been one of our favorite ways, for about 20 years, to thank our clients and friends for their loyalty. While many will miss gathering together, we were proud to receive so many positive responses from our clients who support our decision to put the party on hold this year," says Geary.
Giving Throughout the Year
The decision to cancel the holiday party in support of charitable organizations is just one of many ways the firm has stepped up its commitment to community engagement this year. Membership on boards has approximately doubled this year. The firm has also increased direct donations of goods by holding a food drive for Mel Trotter Ministries, school supply drive for St. John's home, juice box drive for Kids Food Basket, and holiday present drive for the Salvation Army Angel Tree, just to name a few.
"Hardly a week goes by that there isn't some way our staff and attorneys are giving back to the community," says Geary. "For instance, on the final Friday of each month, we all pay $5 to wear jeans and then donate the money collected to charity. It's just a simple demonstration of the social responsibility each member of our firm feels to our community."