Keeping Lives in Motion.
For nearly 100 years, the Wills Group has been committed to serving our communities, making meaningful contributions through all aspects of our business. The purpose of our company – Lives in Motion – is how we express this commitment to caring for our diverse communities.
We work closely with nonprofit and community organizations to create pathways and places for families and communities to thrive. With our passionate employees leading the way, we collaborate with our neighbors, engaging the voices and talents of those who know their communities best to address immediate needs and identify opportunities to bring their aspirations to life.
$5.5 million+
donated since 2006
$449,000+
raised through Employee Match Campaign since 2016
$2 million+
raised at Blackie Wills Golf Classic events since 2017
45
local organizations supported across the Mid-Atlantic region
95%
average employee participation in volunteerism
The Wills Group Transforms Neglected Park
The Wills Group’s Philanthropic Response to COVID-19 Reaches $1 Million
Volunteer Day for the Wills Group at Farming 4 Hunger
Dash In Convenience Store and Splash In ECO Car Wash Celebrates All-New Location in Newark, Delaware
What is keeping Lives in Motion?
Lives in Motion means we believe every interaction is an opportunity to help people move forward toward their goals and dreams. It starts with meeting basic needs, but it takes more than that. It takes a belief that all of us are worthy of a full and rewarding life and have a contribution to make to our communities. This idea inspires our Community Engagement efforts and our two primary areas of focus.
Nourishing Children
and Families
We start where it matters most: Nourishing Children and Families. This focus reflects an understanding that young people thrive when their families thrive.
According to the latest estimate from No Kid Hungry, as many as 9 million children live in “food insecure” homes. This means these households don’t have enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life.
We partner with regional and local food banks and pantries to increase food security by addressing immediate needs and supporting long-term solutions to persistent challenges such as food supply and distribution and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ultimately well-balanced meals nourish growing bodies, nurture growing minds, and support healthy families.
Reimagining
Outdoor Spaces
Keeping Lives in Motion also means connecting people and places by Reimagining Outdoor Spaces.
Vibrant, welcoming outdoor spaces help bring people together. In addition to play, sports, rest, and fun, outdoor spaces are a place where creativity flourishes. Overgrown lots and unused courts become the tapestry for Lives in Motion.
Whether it’s transforming walkways into connected paths, basketball courts into murals, or concrete areas into picnic destinations, the Wills Group collaborates with organizations and communities to envision and bring to life reimagined community spaces near Dash In stores.
Foundationally, connected neighbors create stronger communities and support thriving families.
See our Community Engagement work in action.
In 2022, the Wills Group invested more than $130,000 to transform Phoenix Run Park in La Plata, Maryland. The centerpiece of Phoenix Run Park is the new basketball courts with murals created by La Plata artist and founder of Three Ring Studio, Donald Ely.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT UPDATES
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31 October, 2023
How the Wills Group Addresses Hunger
Discover how the Wills Group addresses hunger through food bank partnerships, volunteering, donations, raising awareness, community events, and collaborations.
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20 September, 2023
The Wills Group Raises Over $374,000 at Seventh Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic to Invest in Local Communities
The annual event raises funds for the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund in support of the Wills Group’s Community Engagement Signature Programs: Nourishing Children and Families and Reimagining Outdoor Spaces.
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6 September, 2023
7th Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic
The Wills Group will host the 7th annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic on September 11, 2023, to raise funds for our Community Engagement programs.
The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund
The Wills Group’s commitment to employee and community engagement is supported by the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund was created in 2016 to honor Wills Group President Julian Blacklock “Blackie” Wills and his commitment to giving back to local communities. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund actively reinvests in our communities in support of our vision and strategic philanthropic initiatives. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund is a component fund within Chesapeake Charities, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Interested in joining a team that gives back to the communities where it lives and operates? Join us.
Learn more about our corporate community engagement work in our annual reports:
2022 Community Engagement Report
Community Engagement is central to the Wills Group’s culture and values.