1. Periodically, the internet buzzes with a story that is
stunning and striking because of its selflessness. The
message will emerge on timelines alongside family
photos and celebrity gossip, rallying support and
conjuring up momentum in the form of retweets and
shares.
One of the most recent stories, circulating with a sudden
viral velocity and anchored humanitarian relief, is a
short, one and a half minute video clip that showcases
a well-dressed, elderly man with large glass frames,
perched on the front row of an auditorium, surrounded
by individuals who seem to be strangers. At the 51 sec.
mark, the auditorium swells as everyone in attendance
rises to their feet, and it’s revealed that the hundreds of
men and women standing are alive largely in part to the
efforts of the generous man seated on the front row.
The wide eyed man wearing the large spectacles
is Sir Nicholas Winston, and he is responsible for
orchestrating a rescue operation of hundreds of Jewish
Czechoslovakian children. His story is their story, and the
stories are united because of Sir Winton’s decision to
give.
Throughout the year, several First Rate employees
exchange briefcases for backpacks and computer
hardware for hammers and cinder blocks. They leave
their comfortable surroundings to build homes in
impoverished places, and as a result, give their time to
help enhance the lives of others. The four walls that are
constructed over the course of the three days represent
many tangible benefits to the families. The new
home is a stable place for children to study and grow
academically. It’s an inviting area to host and serve
friends and family, and it is a foundation to grow upon in
the midst of any obstacle the family may face.
Trips to San Jose, Costa Rica and Tijuana, Mexico are
ongoing opportunities that occur every year, but they
are just two outlets for First Rate employees to give
their time and resources. Others feel drawn to give to
organizations in our local community - Boys and Girls
Club of Arlington, Turner 12, Youth With a Mission and
much more. All these efforts are in line with First Rate’s
spirit of giving, fostered and nourished by the men and
women who work hard to help the company strive in the
market place.
So many years of our lives are devoted to our individual
wants and needs. What if we gave sacrificially, what if
we gave our time, what if we gave our money, what if we
gave our voice - how could the world be different?
It is truly a unique opportunity that binds the business
together and like The Giving Tree, it is a place that will
always make an effort to provide even when you think
there is nothing left.
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