United Way Salt Lake recently announced the winners of its first annual “Raising the Bar” fundraising campaign, which ran from April 23 through 27. In total, eight law firms participated, with three firms competing in the “large firm” category. Parsons Behle & Latimer (PB&L) was the first firm to join the campaign and was announced the winner in the large firm category, contributing more than all other firms in the campaign combined. PB&L’s long-standing partnership with United Way of Salt Lake dates back more than 35 years.
Raising the Bar donations support United Way's community partnerships that help those struggling in Salt Lake to overcome barriers and provide opportunities for success. Donations provide low-income children with academic support, basic needs, like food and school supplies as well as mentoring and after-school programs.
Together with its employees, PB&L raised more than $73,500. PB&L employees also donated many hours at the food pantry and participated in an on-site community service project, packing after-school healthy snack kits for young students after which, employees were treated to a complimentary lunch from PB&L.
Bill Crim, United Way Salt Lake president and CEO says, “The long-standing partnership between Parsons Behle & Latimer and United Way of Salt Lake has made a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families. This year, they doubled down and became the first law firm to join our inaugural Raising the Bar competition – and as usual showed incredible commitment and success."
To maximize employee involvement in the Raising the Bar campaign, PB&L launched its own internal campaign called “Destination Donation” which included a Parsons Café cash coffee bar each morning featuring different coffees, drinks and snacks from around the world, donated by downtown vendors. Lunches from different global regions were offered for sale daily. An “International Airport Code Bingo” tournament was held as well as an international cook-off; bake sale; “Wonders of the World” photo contest and a Parsons “Amazing Race” event, featuring PB&L employee teams.
“We are honored to support United Way of Salt Lake,” says Michael P. Petrogeorge, PB&L vice president and shareholder. “This organization makes a meaningful difference to so many in our community in many different ways. We appreciate the outstanding efforts of Parsons Behle & Latimer employees who enthusiastically supported the campaign this year and went out of their way to help us reach our goals.”
