Wills Group Community Engagement

Keeping Lives in Motion

Our community engagement approach is driven by our purpose – keeping Lives in Motion – by helping our neighbors move toward their goals and dreams. In everything we do, we’re engaging the voices and talents of those who know their communities best to bring their aspirations to life.

We achieve this through our two connected Signature Program focus areas:

Nourishing Children and Families

Reflects our enduring commitment to childhood food security and our expanded focus on the importance of thriving families.

Reimagining Outdoor Spaces

We help communities provide a vibrant backdrop for neighbors to play, rest, connect, create, and restore.
Real Estate and Development

A Message From Our President and COO

Turning Aspirations into Actions

“The premise behind our Community Engagement program – Lives in Motion – is that we want to help people achieve their goals and dreams. Whether it’s being able to put meals on the table for the food insecure, or providing that welcoming outdoor space for the community, it’s a little bit of inspiration that you’re taking one step closer to fulfilling your dreams.”

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.

Splash In ECO Car Wash employee smiles to welcome guests.

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.”

Splash In ECO Car Wash employee smiles to welcome guests.

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.”

Splash In ECO Car Wash employee smiles to welcome guests.

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

Wills Group Community Engagement Committee Members

Thank you to our employees who serve on our Community Engagement committees. This valuable work would not be possible without your contributions and dedication.

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