Understanding what's important Business Challenge, sponsored by M&T Bank

Congratulations toWaggies by Maggie & Friendsthe winner of the
Understanding What's Important Business Challenge!

At M&T, we're inspired every day by the businesses that bank with us and the important work they do in their communities. So we invited our friends in the business community to tell us about the organizations they support—and help reward one of these organizations with $10,000 toward their mission. Today, we're thrilled to announce that we have a grand prize winner: 
Waggies by Maggie & Friends.

About Waggies by Maggie & Friends

Waggies by Maggie & Friends is a non-profit organization that creates meaningful job opportunities for men and women with intellectual disabilities. They produce and sell all-natural dog treats, while empowering people to become successful in their work and active community members.

With the grand prize money, the organization will be able to buy additional equipment to improve their baking process and become more profitable, which they expect will allow them to hire even more people with disabilities.

To learn more about how M&T understands what's important to our customers, and our community, follow us on social.

Meet the Finalists

Each received $1,000 to put toward their essential work

Benedictine Health Foundation

Nominated by Timely Signs of Kingston, Inc.

Kingston, NY

The Benedictine Health Foundation provides help to the most vulnerable members of New York's Hudson Valley. The organization gives financial assistance to low income cancer patients and their families, supports behavioral health and substance abuse programs in local high schools, and more.

“$10,000 is the equivalent of helping 20 families grappling with a cancer diagnosis, or an entire year of funding for behavioral health awareness programs.”

The group was nominated by Timely Signs of Kingston. The signage company, which has served Kingston for 45 years, has a relationship with the foundation that spans generations. Over the last nine years, it has raised more than $50,000 for its cancer care efforts.

Community Helping Hands

Nominated by Trinity Guitars

Jamestown, NY

Community Helping Hands touches the lives of Jamestown’s disadvantaged in a variety of ways. The organization meets emergency needs for clothing, household items, and furniture, and provides job training for those on public assistance.

“$10,000 would be used to support a newly created and innovative work force development program.”

The organization was nominated by Trinity Guitars—a locally owned guitar manufacturer that sells concert and classical guitars around the world. The owner of Trinity Guitars is a Helping Hands board member, and sponsors a monthly radio show that shines a spotlight on the work of nonprofits.

LifePath Christian Ministries

Nominated by Osterberg Chiropractic Centre

York, PA

LifePath Christian Ministries is a community pillar that offers wide-ranging support to adults and children who are struggling with poverty, mental health, and substance abuse issues. The organization has long been known for providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need. Recently, LifePath expanded its efforts with a Learning Center, designed to further education, job training, and Biblical Life Management.

“$10,000 would provide clients the proper training and technology needed to obtain education, employment, and housing - providing them the ability to be successful in all three.”

LifePath Christian Ministries was nominated by Osterberg Chiropractic Centre. The Chiropractic and primary care practice has served York for over 45 years. They worked closely with Lifepath to begin the "Beds for Kids" program, and continue to provide ongoing financial support.

There Goes My Hero Inc.

Nominated by ProfitComm

Timonium, MD

There Goes My HERO gives hope to blood cancer patients. The foundation works to register new bone marrow donors, find matches for people in treatment, and provides meals to the families of those afflicted.

“The money would continue to support HERO’s meal program, and cover the costs of adding donors to the Bone Marrow Donor Registry.”

ProfitComm is a full service telecommunications, networking and cloud agency located in Timonium. The firm is a longtime champion of HERO, and has advanced the foundation’s mission through event sponsorship and technological support.

Waggies by Maggie & Friends

Nominated by Janssen's Market LLC

Wilmington, DE

Waggies by Maggie & Friends is a non-profit organization that creates meaningful job opportunities for men and women with intellectual disabilities. They produce and sell all-natural dog treats, while empowering people to become successful in their work and active community members.

“With $10,000, Waggies will be able to buy additional equipment to improve their baking process and become more profitable, which should allow them to hire even more people with disabilities.”

Janssen's Market was the first store to carry Waggies' dog treats, and remains its biggest customer. For over 10 years, the Greenville, DE, gourmet grocer has helped them buy equipment, design packaging for retail distribution and offered ongoing business advice and support.

During the entry period, business located in NY, MD, NJ, PA, DE, CT, VA, WV, and DC were able to nominate organizations that, pursuant to the rules of the contest, could have eventually become finalists. Void where prohibited. Contest starts 9/6/2017 and ends 11/28/2017. The above-described entry period started on 9/6/2017 and ended on 9/29/2017. For official rules, which govern, click here. Sponsor M&T Bank.

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