For Huff Construction, being a successful company goes well beyond our daily operations. At Huff, we see great value in giving back, supporting and investing in the future of the communities in which we live and work. Our impact is even greater thanks to our employees who give the gift of their time to help a variety of organizations each year. With the year quickly coming to a close, we wanted to take a moment to highlight four local charities that hosted unique events this happy holiday season. We hope you enjoy learning more about these organizations that are doing important work here in our community.
The first organization is the Salvation Army and their Kettle Kick-Off event which occurred on November 17th. The Kettle Kick-Off was started in Modesto 24 years ago and it kicks off the start of the kettle season. During the kettle season, the Salvation Army raises funds throughout the community by ringing bells outside of businesses and collecting funds in their iconic red kettles. Huff was proud to be a sponsor at the Kettle Kick-off this year with Brad Ardis, the President of Huff Construction, leading the Huff team in his pink hard hat. The event this year raised $214,025 which will go toward funding the Salvation Army’s work in helping the homeless, children and families. Here in Modesto, the Salvation Army operates a 100-bed emergency shelter and the Red Shield Center which provides programs for children and seniors along with meals, food, and help with utility bills.
The second organization is the United Samaritans Foundation who hosted their 12th annual Legacy of Hope event on November 19th. Huff Construction was proud to participate in this event that helps to raise funds in support of their important programs. Our CEO, Gary Huff, proudly supports the mission of the United Samaritans as he is a member of the board of directors for the foundation. The mission of the United Samaritans is to deliver food to people in need in Stanislaus County and to facilitate the provision of services to assist them in a transition to a better quality of life. Currently, they operate four mobile food service trucks, delivering nutritious lunches to nine Stanislaus communities five days per week. Volunteers help staff their food pantry, clothes closet, and various other services. In Turlock, the foundation’s facility offers homeless services including a drop-in breakfast center, laundry and shower facilities, and the use of a phone number and address to aid in connectivity and job searches. In Hughson, the Community Center complex includes a county library, medical office and pharmacy.
Thirdly, we’d like to recognize the Community Hospice Foundation who hosted its annual Fantasy of Trees event on December 2nd and 3rd. December 2nd was a holiday luncheon and boutique during which beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, created by local designers, are part of a silent auction. The following morning is the Santa Share Breakfast during which community members come to enjoy breakfast, holiday crafts and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. To spread holiday cheer, tickets are given to local families in need who are served by various local charities. The Community Hospice Foundation raises funds and awareness for Community Hospice. Their commitment is to support the core hospice services provided by Community Hospice to patients, their families and the community including: charity care, bereavement support, education and additional resources. Huff is proud to sponsor this important local charity.
Lastly, we’d like to recognize the Letters to Santa Charity. The mission of Letters to Santa is simple: give hope to those who need it most and keep the magic of Christmas alive! Since their founding in 2008, they have done just that for 2,225 kids – so far. They start by raising funds through their golf tournament which took place at the beginning of November at which Huff was proud to sponsor. They rely on volunteers who come alongside and help shop for the hundreds of kids who they bless each year. They realize this is a community effort and believe that it takes a village to raise a child. Their focus is to work with those in need, those who are underprivileged and those who are underserved. As their website sums up beautifully, “Where there are children in need, we’ll be there lending a hand, a smile, and a little magic.” Seems like a wonderful sentiment for any time of the year but particularly relevant for this holiday season.
Huff Construction is proud to partner with these amazing organizations doing important work right here in our community. We are also proud of the work that our own employees do in the organizations that they support. We are committed to our communities not only through the projects that we build but also by giving back and supporting the work of our local nonprofit organizations.