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PAR's Annual United Way Week: A Testament to Community Spirit

PAR (Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.) recently celebrated its annual United Way Week, concluding with remarkable achievements in community engagement and fundraising efforts. Held in Tampa, Florida, this event showcases PAR's commitment to service, volunteerism, and partnership with the United Way Suncoast.

For over 25 years, PAR has collaborated with United Way Suncoast, an organization dedicated to uplifting local communities through educational, financial, and social initiatives. This year's campaign focused on mobilizing individuals to address pressing issues such as hunger and poverty. United Way Suncoast has facilitated various programs ranging from early literacy to financial coaching, directly impacting the lives of families across the Tampa Bay region. In fact, PAR has raised an impressive total of over $2.7 million to support these invaluable programs.

Cathy Smith, PAR's Vice President of Community Relations Emeritus, emphasizes the significance of collective action: "Each year, we're reminded of the power of collective action. United Way Week is more than a campaign—it's a celebration of our values and our people." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of PAR's mission and its drive to make a positive change in the community.

One of the standout moments during this year’s United Way Week was the team volunteer day at Feeding Tampa Bay. Here, employees of PAR actively contributed by sorting an astonishing 16,000 pounds of food, helping those struggling with food insecurity—a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed.

"Volunteering through PAR for United Way and Feeding Tampa Bay was a truly eye-opening experience," shares Danny Collado, Digital Marketing Manager at PAR. "It gave me a firsthand look at the reality of food insecurity, something that affects countless individuals and families. Being part of the effort to provide meals and support was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me how powerful community action can be, and how important it is to show up for others with compassion and purpose." This perspective reiterates the impact of community service on personal growth and social responsibility.

The campaign also culminated in a celebratory breakfast where leadership expressed their gratitude and shared reflections on the week’s accomplishments. During this event, PAR proudly announced they raised an outstanding sum of $163,257.32 for United Way Suncoast, encompassing contributions from both employees and corporate donations. The presentation of this check was made by PAR's CEO, Kristin Greco, marking another milestone of successful employee participation, achieving an impressive 100% involvement from the staff.

As PAR looks back at another successful United Way Week, it reinforces its core values of ‘Be Kind. Do Good.’ These principles reflect the company's ongoing mission to improve lives through scientifically validated assessments and deep-rooted community engagement.

In conclusion, PAR's commitment to giving back and creating a meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay area is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. As the company continues to nurture this legacy, both employees and community members can look forward to future initiatives aiming to support those in need and promote community resilience. PAR remains a beacon of hope in fostering a culture of care and social responsibility, proving once again that real change starts from collective action.