San Diego CA— On the third Tuesday of every month, Corporate Alliance hosts a networking meeting at their facility in UTC — known as the “Hub” by its members. This month, the group pooled their resources to give back to the community just in time for the holiday season by building 20 bikes at the meeting, which were presented today to kids in need.
Nearly 50 Corporate Alliance members worked together in teams to build 10 girl bikes and 10 boy bikes in cooperation with The Collective Access and Kids’ Turn San Diego — two local area nonprofits. The kids selected to receive the bikes all live in low-income areas and would not have been able to get a gift like this if it weren’t for Corporate Alliance sponsors like TASC, Johnston Accountancy, Copy Link, Inc., Silvergate Bank, and The Chase Group.
“You all have no idea how much this means to us and the families,” said Cindy Grossman, Executive Director of Kids’ Turn San Diego. “Thank you for putting your heart and soul into making these bikes.”
The creatively decorated bikes were staged at the Hub as children waited outside for their big surprise. All 20 children were able to pick their favorite bike and take it home with them along with a brand new helmet and personalized card filled with inspiring quotes and well wishes written by Corporate Alliance members who built the bikes.
“What a wonderful Christmas blessing,” said one of the parents who attended the event. “I cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity and support for our children. Our son is so, so happy and our hearts are filled to the brim.”
Larry Kesslin, Corporate Alliance’s Chief Connector, who took over in June said, “Seeing the looks on those kids’ faces was absolutely priceless. It is something we will never forget and look forward to reliving the moment year after year. It was truly a pleasure, and we hope our members are inspired to continue to give back throughout 2019.”
Corporate Alliance was established in San Diego in 2005. Since then, the group has expanded to nearly 100 members who focus on the power of building deep, meaningful relationships. Kesslin believes in bringing people together who want to do good in their community in addition to their business. His leadership has reinvigorated the Corporate Alliance community, which regularly comes together at the Hub to experience the unique culture and effective programs that are offered throughout the entire year.
“People want to be part of a community of like-minded, like-hearted professionals,” Kesslin said. “We are a group of individuals who feel passionately about supporting the community we live in and helping other San Diegans thrive.”
Participating Organizations
- Corporate Alliance of San Diego (Host)
- The Chase Group (Sponsor)
- Copy Link, Inc. (Sponsor)
- Johnston Accountancy (Sponsor)
- Silvergate Bank (Sponsor)
- TASC (Sponsor)
- The Collective Access (Nonprofit)
- Kid’s Turn San Diego (Nonprofit)
About Corporate Alliance
Corporate Alliance of San Diego is home to a community of business owners and leaders across all industries in San Diego County. Stemmed from the book City of Influence by Jared Stewart, Corporate Alliance teaches business professionals how to build deep, meaningful relationships. The community focuses on how every opportunity has its root in a relationship, which organically allows our members to grow their business and enhance their personal lives.