Trade Show Companies Give Back to Their Communities

September 6, 2016

The trade show industry has a history of being generous to its surrounding communities, and a few companies recently have lent a helping hand to those in need.

SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., continues to be a strong supporter of Long Island Cares, the nonprofit organization based in the same town and founded by the late Harry Chapin, which brings together resources to benefit the hungry on Long Island and meet other vital humanitarian needs.

SmartSource, which has a longstanding tradition of raising funds and volunteerism on behalf of Long Island Cares, recently made yet another contribution.

Approximately 35 staff members from the company’s Hauppauge headquarters raised $1,000 for Long Island Cares, which was matched by SmartSource for a total contribution of $2,000.

Last year, a team of SmartSource employees headed to the Long Island Cares warehouse to volunteer in its Warehouse Sorting & Repacking Program.

On its 30th anniversary, SmartSource made a sizeable contribution to the organization in honor of its founder, Julian Sandler, for whom fighting hunger was a top priority. 

Helen Brett Enterprises, producers of the New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show, designated their August show as a collection point for donations to South Louisiana residents, who were affected by catastrophic flooding.

HBE provided donors with a voucher for a free guest badge, as a ‘thank you’ for donating. Attendees donated 12,140 pounds of non-perishable food items, personal toiletries, cleaning supplies and bottled water.

Freeman volunteered their services to load the items into two trucks and transport them to Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans and Acadiana, where the items were transported to their distribution channels in the affected areas.

“All of us at Helen Brett Enterprisers are humbled by our attendee’s and exhibitor’s giving spirit,” said Brett Kolinek, president, Helen Brett Enterprises.

He added, “We started off with the idea of doing a small part in helping an area that has supported us for so many years and we are completely inspired by the generosity of our loyal customers, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center staff, Freeman and the onsite team from Helen Brett Enterprises.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those in need right now.”

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