8th Annual Open Arms October
By Beth Johnson Executive Assistant & Open Arms Representative
Open Arms is the heart of MAA every month, but especially each October. The annual Open Arms October event has the goal of promoting awareness for the Open Arms Foundation and offering fun ways for MAA associates, residents, friends, and family to get involved with our corporate charity. This year’s event marked our 8th Annual, and it was the best yet!
During the first week of October, an emphasis was placed on Open Arms awareness and where to find program presence online through the www.maaopenarms.com website, Open Arms Facebook page and the online giving site. Information was also provided to associates about the importance of associate payroll contributions. By the end of the month, nearly 450 associates were supporting Open Arms with payroll contributions, providing great sustainer support for the program.
During the second week of October, many MAA vendors and residents contributed by donating support “pumpkins” that adorned the walls of leasing offices everywhere. MAA community teams had fun growing their “pumpkin patches”, knowing that each pumpkin represents additional funding for the program, as well as an opportunity to start a conversation about Open Arms and the homes we provide to those who must travel for medical treatment. Week 3 included a 2nd Annual Online Silent Auction for the Corporate Division that raised nearly $4,000, and hundreds of community fundraisers, including donut drives, harvest festivals, bake sales, spaghetti dinners and much, much more! During the last week of October, MAA associates and residents were informed about all the ways Open Arms collects “passive” fundraising dollars, including Kroger Community Rewards®, SparkGood from Walmart.com, GotSneakers campaigns, ShopRaise, Benevity and the PayPal Giving Fund. Associates were additionally provided a banner graphic to post on their own social media pages in support of Open Arms.
Throughout October, combined efforts raised just over $91,000, making it the most successful Open Arms October in the history of the event!
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