Yes, I'd like $1,000,000.00 in small bills please

Writeup sent up the chain in my company to be printed in the monthly newsletter as a subsection...possibly: NOTE: I like my company much, but the views here shouldn't be construed as endorsed whatsoever.

A little over a decade ago, my wife and I began involvement with a handful of non profit organizations that assist families. Little did we know we'd become more closely involved not only as consumers, but advocates as well.

Recently Mark; my supervisor in Jacksonville; asked me if I'd checked into [my company's] charitable giving program. I hadn't, and I'm glad he directed me to.

After talking it over with him; and getting input from our Facility Manager, Dave; to get his perspective; I contacted Cory in Human Resources. Cory was able to give me information about both [HQ City's name]'s committee for local outreach and gift-giving, as well as [company name] Foundation that's provided literally tens of millions of dollars over the years.

Cory asked me how much I was looking for. I told him a million. He chuckled. Granted, I didn't think it'd be that easy, but it was a good ice breaker reply that got more warmth into the conversation.

I later went to [company name]'s website and pulled up the information for the Foundation, and the criteria involved when requesting funding for charitable purposes. Much of what's needed was best handled and prepared by the organization I advocate for, so I forwarded the information to their Vice President of Development. It's since been handed and being worked by the person who's involved with Grant Requests.

This September, my entire family will be taking center stage at the prestigious Florida Theatre; located in Jacksonville, Florida; for the I.M. Sulzbacher's annual 'Transformations' Program and Gala. Food, entertainment, and some really wonderful stories of great accomplishments people experiencing homelessness have broken barriers past...and many who continue later to mentor, advocate, and put their effort in directly to improve our community in their endeavors.

It also marks the last time Sherry Burns; CEO of the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless; will be there, due to retiring shortly after. While it would have been really cool to have handed her a million dollar check from my new extended family at [company name], knowing the request will receive fair consideration for such a worthy cause out of so many to consider leaves me satisfied.

When I become a CEO of my own created non profit, I'll know how to cinch the knot for asking for two million!