What started at an accounting firm 10 years ago as a way to raise money for a co-worker whose son was ill has transitioned into an annual event focused on local charities.
Each spring employees of the Baltimore office of the Reznick Group host a fundraising golf tournament and carefully select one local nonprofit as the beneficiary.
Proceeds from this year's tournament, set for Tuesday at the Woodlands Golf Course in Windsor Mill, will go to the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education Inc. (MCIE).
The golf event raises about $4,000 annually and has raised as much as $7,000, said Carmen Graves, a senior manager at the Reznick Group who has helped organize the golf tournament for the past several years. She said it's important that the funds collected go to a local nonprofit.
"We're not raising a tremendous amount of money, but it's a big deal to the local charity," said Graves. "The staff loves it and the beneficiaries are always so thankful. It's just a feel-good thing."
It was Bill Riley, a principal at the Reznick Group, who first thought of the golf tournament as a fun way to help those in need.
"I think it's important to give back…," said Riley. "It's great for the community, it's great for the firm and it's great for the employees to get involved. It gives a nice little balance to work."
The accounting firm, headquartered in Bethesda, is known for its charitable contributions.
The Reznick Group in Baltimore has received recognition for its community giving. It was the recipient of the 2010 Baltimore Mayor's Business Recognition Award and in 2008 received the Governor's Volunteer Service Award.
On Friday, the Baltimore office will participate in their annual community outreach day where almost 200 employees will go to areas throughout Baltimore City to lend a hand and assist with service projects.
Riley also sits on the board of several nonprofits and organizations and currently serves as the chairman of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was recently recognized with the 2011 American Red Cross Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the community.
"We really want to be part of the community and help people who are less fortunate," said Riley. "We're very happy to do it and very proud of it."
A steering committee at Reznick each year selects the nonprofit that will benefit from the golf tournament. When deciding, they look at the many nonprofits and organizations the company and its individual employees are involved with and select from that group.
Adam Kleeman, also a senior manager with the Reznick Group, sits on the board at the education coalition. He said he was matched with MCIE through Business Volunteers Unlimited, an organization connecting businesses with nonprofits that need help.
He enjoys working with smaller organizations where he can serve on the board and lend his expertise in accounting and finance.
"As a firm we try to do what we can to help the community," he said. "For a smaller non-profit this can really make a difference. We try to find charities that are, number one local, and number two smaller."
MCIE is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the inclusion of students with disabilities in their neighborhood schools.
Selene Almazan and Carol Quirk are co-executive directors of the Anne Arundel County-based nonprofit.
"The organization is really there to ensure children with disabilities have access to meaningful and successful participation in neighborhood schools," said Almazan.
She said research indicates that children with disabilities do better academically and socially when given access to neighborhood schools.
The group provides legal representation for families who want their children to attend neighborhood schools. The coalition also provides training to schools that want to include children with disabilities.
Their advocacy work on the behalf of families who otherwise couldn't afford representation is funded by Maryland Legal Services Corporation. Among other outreach services, they have a contract for two large projects providing training and technical assistance in Baltimore City Public Schools.
They also recently completed a long-term professional development project with the Cecil County Public School System.
Almazan said the group feels fortunate "that we are the chosen organization for this year's event."
The golf tournament attracts about 100 golfers each year. In addition to the tournament, there will also be a silent auction.
"This year is promising to be a good year," said Graves, who is helping to put together the event. "MCIE is a great organization and we're getting a lot of support."