Firms giving back: Mazars USA holds Days of Service

Canton, Massachusetts-based accounting firm Gray, Gray & Gray has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester for a back-to-school “backpack challenge,” providing underprivileged families with backpacks filled with essential school items.

Through the Gray, Gray & Gray Charitable Foundation, the firm has set a goal of filling 50 backpacks with items donated from clients, friends and staff members to be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester.

From now through August 26, visitors to the Gray, Gray & Gray offices in Canton can donate backpacks at their “Back to School” lobby display.

“The Gray, Gray & Gray Charitable Foundation is committed to making a difference by actively supporting causes impacting the health and wellness of our community,” stated Jackie Linehan, president of the Charitable Foundation. “We are particularly gratified to be working with the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester to support their vital work in helping young people get a good start in life.”

Santa Monica-based accounting firm Gumbiner Savett saw tax senior manager Tara Wilson start serving on the board of Fostering Media Connections as a treasurer, contributing her accounting skills to help the organization develop its internal accounting processes and to maximize funding. FMC is a nonprofit news organization that aims to drive reform within systems that serve at-risk children, youth and their families.

Wilson's philanthropic efforts stem from her college sorority days, when she helped raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. Her first experience working with a nonprofit board was in 2010, when she joined the board of the Atlanta Women’s Network as a treasurer and as a member of its Programming Committee.

“Most small to midsize nonprofit organizations don’t have the internal resources or funds available to allocate to finances and/or tax compliance,” said Wilson in a statement. “Volunteering my time and services alleviates that burden and allows the organization to focus its resources on achieving its core mission.”

Top 100 Firm Mazars USA held its fifth annual Days of Service on May 29, June 7 and June 18. The annual volunteer effort devotes a full work day to assisting local service organizations. The Days of Service initiative is part of the firm's "We Are Mazars" philanthropy program.

More than 500 staff members and partners spent full days at more than 30 community and nonprofit programs across New York City, Long Island, New Jersey,
Maryland, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Los Angeles and Chicago.

"Every year, our Days of Service demonstrates the dedication of our Mazars teams to helping others by supporting local charities and other organizations," stated Victor Wahba, chairman and CEO of Mazars USA. "It's a great privilege to be able to make a difference in the communities where we live and work, and I am grateful that so many of our team members take part in this program."

This year's Days of Service activities included:

• Working with New York City school children, including participating in a dance exploration workshop with PS 230K, exploring science with students from PS 196K, building inventions with students from PS/IS 366 M, and participating in PS 196K's field day.
• Working with Children's Specialized Hospital, NJ Community Food Bank and West Lake School in New Jersey.
• Volunteering at the National Greyhound Adoption Program in Pennsylvania.
• Assisting Cradles to Crayons by inspecting, sorting and packaging donations.
• Partnering with the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island to prepare meals for families staying at the House.