Salesforce.org Rockstar Volunteers with Light the Night

Each month, the Foundation will recognize a Salesforce employee for their outstanding contribution to the community. First up is Nick Benedetto, Salesforce Program Management Associate, from Herndon, Virginia. Nick has volunteered his time and energy for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).

I asked Nick a few questions about giving back and why it’s important to him:

• Why do you enjoy supporting this organization?

  LLS is such a great cause, working for a cure and prolonging lives of blood cancer patients. Blood cancers and cancers in general affect so many families. I truly believe we can make a difference.

• Why did you choose LLS?

  I had seen posts from John Greene, a fellow Salesforce employee, looking for people in remote offices to sign up for the local Light the Night teams. After reading John’s blog and his battle against cancer, I signed up and am now committed 100%. John’s story is very inspirational.

• What you would say to others who are not sure about jumping in and volunteering?

  That they should jump in 100%. Find a charity that you are passionate about and take the time to volunteer. We are very fortunate to work for a company that encourages employees to donate their time as well as provide matching donations. It is very rewarding to give back to your community.

• Are there any achievement milestones you’ve reached in previous years, or that you are reaching for this year?

  This is our third year with a team in Herndon. Our first year we raised $7,000, last year we had a strong team, as well as support from our executive leadership, and raised close to $50,000. Our goal this year is to raise $55,000 (or more!) We have a great team and have had some fun and productive fundraising events every year, and this year we are planning on making our events even bigger and better!

The Salesforce.org provides benefits to each full time employee to encourage them to give back. These include 6 days of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO), $5,000 per year in matching funds, a $1,000 champion grant when employees complete six days of VTO, and team grants to help support team volunteer activities.

Through utilizing these programs and the passion to give back, it’s amazing what employees like Nick can accomplish! Learn more about our volunteering programs.