Riverside Research Employees Raise Over $6,500 for Wounded US Service Members
NEW YORK, NY – A grassroots effort led by employees of Riverside Research, a not-for-profit organization chartered to advance scientific research in the public interest and in support of the United States government, raised over $6,500 to benefit injured service members and their families.
A company-wide celebration of two major contract wins turned into a remarkably successful effort to raise money for injured service members and their families. Having won a significant Air Force contract and in pursuit of a second, Riverside Research senior leadership challenged the staff to deliver another win - the “icing on the cake.” To motivate the team for success, the senior leaders agreed to take a frosted cake in the face if the team secured a win. Upon announcement of the second contract win, Riverside Research employees organized a creative way to hold the senior leaders to their end of the bargain - the Icing on the Cake Challenge. The social media and donation-based contest allowed employees across the company and the Board of Trustees to fundraise for a worthy cause while voting for the senior leader they most wanted to see “caked.” Facebook and Twitter interactions counted as one vote each, while charity donations earned ten votes for every dollar donated.
The senior leadership candidates included President Richard Annas, Chief Operating Officer T.I. Weintraub, Chief Financial Officer Mike Cade, Vice President for Research & Engineering Dr. Frank Falco, and Vice President for Programs Joel Rieman.
To raise the stakes, all five candidates would be “caked” if the contest banked over $2,500.
In a display of overwhelming generosity and support to those who serve our nation, employees at all levels, including family members and trustees, worked together over a two-week period to conquer the Icing on the Cake Challenge. Far exceeding the $2,500 goal, Riverside Research stakeholders raised $6,537 in just 14 days. As a result, all five leaders received their cake in the face! Because of the philanthropic efforts of all company stakeholders, Riverside Research will make impressive donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Wounded Airman Program, and Fisher House.
Video footage is available on the Riverside Research Facebook page.