2022 Community Engagement Report
Wills Group Community Engagement
Keeping Lives in Motion
We achieve this through our two connected Signature Program focus areas:
Nourishing Children and Families
Reimagining Outdoor Spaces
A Message From Our President and COO
Turning Aspirations into Actions
By the numbers
$5 million+
donate since 2006
29
nonprofits supported
$875,108+
in total grants and investments
$342,000+
raised at the Blackie Wills Golf Classic
50
grants distributed
$103,473
raised through Employee Match Campaign
A year of giving at the Wills Group
For the second year in a row, the Wills Group and our family of businesses were awarded Washington Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Award for our charitable work in the community.
Hear from our
Nonprofit Partners
Our commitment to community engagement includes honoring the voices and expertise of the nonprofit organizations and community members we are proud to call partners. By listening and learning, their goals and dreams become our goals and dreams.
Click below to hear more from our nonprofit partners about the work we’re accomplishing for local communities, together.
Kaprece James
Founder & CEO, Stella’s Girls
Vibrant outdoor spaces bring hope for neighborhood youth
“Through community collaboration and creativity, a forgotten basketball court has become a colorful hub of activity and place for healing in Phoenix Run Park in La Plata, Maryland.”
Allie O’Neill
Architecture & Community Planning Program Director, Neighborhood Design Center
Engaging the community every step of the way
“People are experts of their places. Engaging them early and authentically signals that the community members are valued and respected.”
Bernie Fowler
Founder & President, Farming 4 Hunger
Growing a well-nourished and connected community
“Innovative gardens on college campuses are feeding students while building bridges to mental health and wellbeing.”
Propelling Lives in Motion
By Rayma Alexander
Director Corporate Communications & DEI
Community is a full circle, collective experience – we are the very people we serve. I’m an employee, customer, and community member; and so are my colleagues. The health and wellbeing of our community depends on all of us. If we are lucky, when we go through life’s changes and challenges, we can lean on and gain support from others to help get us where we need and want to be.
2022 Community Engagement
project highlights
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19 October, 2022
Volunteer Day for the Wills Group at Farming 4 Hunger
The Wills Group is proud to participate in hands-on volunteerism at Farming 4 Hunger on October 19 - an organization that grows and distributes fresh produce to address hunger in Southern Maryland.
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29 August, 2022
Dash In Convenience Store and Splash In ECO Car Wash Celebrates All-New Location in Newark, Delaware
This grand opening event served as an opportunity for Dash In and Splash In team members to connect with the local community and express the company’s commitment to giving back.
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11 July, 2022
The Wills Group Joins the La Plata Community in Dedicating a Reimagined Phoenix Run Park
The Wills Group announced on June 29, 2022 that the Wills Group, community officials, and members of the Phoenix Park community dedicated the reimagined Phoenix Run Park in La Plata, Maryland on Saturday, June 18.
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6 July, 2022
CSP Daily News Community Service Roundup, June 2022: The Wills Group
The Wills Group and Dash In were recognized in CSP Daily News's June 2022 Community Service Roundup for its work at Phoenix Run Park. Seven other companies were recognized for their community engagement efforts in June.
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1 July, 2022
The Wills Group Transforms Neglected Park
The Wills Group, community officials and members of the Phoenix Park community have dedicated the reimagined Phoenix Run Park in La Plata, Maryland.
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21 September, 2021
The Wills Group Raises More Than $200,000 at Fifth Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic
Funds raised will ensure that the Wills Group continues to build on the more than $1 million dollars donated in the past year to local food banks to help families in need across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Wills Group Community Engagement Committee Members
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP TEAM
- Blackie Wills (Co-Chair)
- Rayma Alexander (Co-Chair)
- Mary Jane Garner
- Ken Halperin
- Kevin Kyle
- Gaurang Maniar
- Mark Oliver
- Brooke Rieman
- Anecia Smith
- Joe Wills
- Michele Wills
COMMUNITY EVENTS COMITTEE
- Brooke Rieman (Co-Chair)
- Anecia Smith (Co-Chair)
- Brady Appleton
- Scott Barrett
- Bruce Carlettini
- Peter Frattarola
- Alaina Hinds
- Chelsea Hyers
- Jim Tisack
- Tabitha Wilson
COMMUNITY IMPACT COMMITTEE
- Mary Jane Garner (Co-Chair)
- Kevin Kyle (Co-Chair)
- Sam Stornelli (Co-Chair)
- Patrick Doyle
- Jeff Harris
- Kim Purdy
- William Shekarian
- Robert Swaninger
- Clara Willey
- Karen Zamostny
MATCH CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
- Ken Halperin (Chair)
- Veronica Breck
- Cheryl Etchison
- Aaron Mace
- Karen Zamostny