For the communities we call home: Giving back at Adams Keegan

It’s the season for giving thanks – and giving. Now is an especially good time to reflect on how, as an Adams Keegan family, we show up for the causes that matter, and serve as volunteers, advocates, friends and fundraisers for things that happen far beyond our walls. Collectively and individually, this is how we act on the responsibility that gives us.

Why American heroes matter so much to us

Adams Keegan is a predominantly veteran-owned organization. As such, in all of our offices nationwide, we hold the interests and welfare of our service men and women very close to us. 

For example, we’re closely involved with Special Operations Warrior Foundation, whom we provide human resources and payroll services for. Taking that a step further, Adams Keegan also advises interested clients and others how they can offer their own support for the tremendous work the Foundation does.

We’ve also been lead advocates of causes like Alpha Omega Veterans Services, sponsoring the Masquerade Ball for homeless, displaced and disabled veterans in Memphis; Operation Stand Down Tennessee, standing behind veterans through comprehensive crisis, career, and connection services; and several American Legion initiatives.

How we navigate charitable giving

Adams Keegan relies on our Charitable Donation Committee to democratically decide how we pledge our charitable contributions among the many worthy causes that come to our attention. 

Made up of previous Employee of the Year honorees who are drawn from employee-nominated TEAM Awards, the Committee meets on a quarterly basis to discuss and vote on donation requests submitted internally. Below is only a sampling of recipients:

• The American Legion Auxiliary’s Unit 1990, advocating for veterans, citizen education, and youth mentoring, while promoting patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. They were chosen this past spring. 

• The Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s Works of Heart Valentine Art Auction, which will take place in February 2023, and benefit children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. They were chosen in the fall.

• American Legion’s Post 53 was selected by our committee. The organization also supported National CASA/GAL, kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and in foster care, and the West Memphis Animal Shelter in Arkansas. They, too, were chosen in the spring.

• Music Export Memphis, which creates opportunities for Memphis musicians to showcase their music outside the city, driving tourism, talent attraction and economic development, and giving artists a needed engine and platform to grow their careers and elevate Memphis’ profile as a contemporary music city. They were chosen in the summer.

The Committee themselves are not the only participant in the process. Through our internal newsletter as well as other channels, we solicit the input of any Adams Keegan team member who wants to nominate an organization or cause for consideration, with our HR department compiling those submissions.

Gratitude is a significant part of our culture. Honor in what we do, and a duty toward the people we do it for, are big motivators. It’s how we treat our clients and one another.