What I Am Grateful for This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is exactly what its name says - a time for giving thanks. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, health, wealth, a roof over your head, a new job, and the many other things that enrich our lives. I also realize that so many live without these blessings; I try to cultivate gratefulness every day, but Thanksgiving reflections are a valuable and important aspect of this season.

This year I want to thank the hard-working individuals at charitable and nonprofit organizations. The work they accomplish and the support they provide is vital but sadly often overlooked. They make our world a better place every day, and this year has been no exception. Their critical work improves the living conditions for hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. ?

The Red Cross

To start, I am thankful for the Red Cross , a remarkable global organization delivering lifesaving supplies, care, and assistance in the wake of disaster and war for more than 150 years. With the war in the Ukraine, their presence provides invaluable support to those who need it most. ?Additionally, their teams are quick to arrive on the scenes of this year’s severe weather - typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires – events that displaced thousands, leaving them in dire need of basic supplies. From the Philippines to the Caribbean to Puerto Rico to Florida to my home state of California, the growing needs are immense. The men and women of the Red Cross respond time and time again, and I can’t imagine what life would be like without them.

The Golden State Warriors

My personal efforts this year have included organizations I have a longstanding relationship with, and a few new ones as well. I worked with former Golden State Warrior and NBA champion Juan Toscano Anderson and joined him on his Journey to Achieve Foundation that supports families and children in his hometown of Oakland. We continue to support The Thompson Family Foundation, and Klay Thompson by packing and distributing toys and Thanksgiving meals.

LatinX & Golf Communities

I also became a board member at LatinX Professionals , and I am about to embark as a mentor for Latinas in Tech . I am excited to use my business experience to specifically help my fellow Hispanics achieve greater opportunities and success.

Additionally, I am always thrilled when I can combine my passion for golf with supporting a good cause! This year I played in several fundraising events, including one organized by the WRMSDC , and another by our local First Tee chapter. I am thrilled to be expanding my support of First Tee by joining their Board in the new year and becoming an instructor for young golfers.

More Organizations Making the World a Better Place

I also want to highlight and thank organizations and people that I, my family, and my ATR colleagues support. Through the years we've supported Toys for Tots , the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation , St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , the American Cancer Society , the United Way of the Carolinas , Second Harvest , and many other local organizations where our offices are located.

The pandemic changed the way we donate - office toy drives are difficult in a hybrid workplace and golf fundraisers are only slowly returning. However, many of our efforts have been more personal as we come alongside the charities in our backyard communities. ATR facilitates these efforts with our PTO program, and I am so grateful my colleagues share a strong commitment of giving back. While I can’t possibly list everything everyone does, I certainly want to acknowledge and thank them!

They say it is better to give than to receive, and what I’ve just written is 100% proof of that! I am overjoyed to meet the wonderful people a part of each of these organizations. Without them, I would never have had these opportunities to help and make a difference in the world (and meet a few of my NBA idols).

I am grateful for the incredible things they accomplish and very thankful they give me and our ATR family the opportunity to support their work. Feel the joy yourself by supporting a charity or nonprofit this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!