William Blair was among the most charitable companies in Massachusetts honored by the Boston Business Journal at its 2020 Corporate Citizenship Awards Celebration on September 10.
The annual event showcased companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities — a feat that is even more important during times of turmoil and crisis like we have experienced this year. This was the first time William Blair received the award.
"We are honored to be recognized," William Blair President and CEO John Ettelson said. "Engaging in the communities where William Blair has employees that work and live has always been a core value of the firm. This is especially important today where so many communities are struggling."
Employees at William Blair's Boston office volunteered their time and financially supported a variety of charities in 2019, including Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit helping children living in poverty; Nativity Prep Boys School, which serves low-income Boston families; One Mission, a pediatric cancer charity; and the Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation. Additionally, Crossroads for Kids was selected by William Blair as a community partner to help the nonprofit develop a new leadership program for youth.
"Our Boston office is pleased to be involved with so many outstanding organizations in our community," said C.J. Young, a managing director with William Blair's Boston wealth management team. "We take great pride in being active participants, helping these groups to successfully meet their missions."
The team is continuing its philanthropic work in 2020, supporting additional organizations such as Boston's Pine Street Inn and Greater Food Bank. Both groups serve those hit hardest by COVID-19.
A record 107 companies qualified for the BBJ citizenship award by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities and social-service nonprofits last year. The honorees included companies from health care, technology, financial and professional services, retail, professional sports and more.
"We are in a time when giving back and helping one another is more important than ever," said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. "These philanthropic companies prioritize the welfare of our communities, and we are excited to be able to honor them."