“In April, the President’s Fund issued its 50th donation to Service King teammates since its inception in 2011,” Michael Devendorf, Service King’s Chief Operating Officer, told Vice-President of Marketing Jennifer Kirk last week by correspondence.

Many of our teammates are aware the fund is available to them but it’s safe to say many of them aren’t aware of what it truly is or where it comes from. Sure, we’ve heard whispered stories of it helping so-and-so here and there but there’s never been a time a teammate has come forward and shared their personal experience…until now.

Many who have utilized the fund feel reluctant to express their stories either because they’re embarrassed or they feel it would be degrading. Even, for example, in cases of teammates who have experienced house fires, something those victims had no control over.

Who knows what circumstances surround an individual in their time of need and I believe not any one of us could say that we’ve never needed help at any given point in our lives, be it monetarily or otherwise but because we respect our team mates and feel their stories are only theirs to tell, each donation is confidential. We certainly encourage spreading the word though on how the fund helped them as we look forward to helping many more.

So what exactly is The President’s Fund?

The President’s Fund is a private fund where our shareholders can contribute to help their fellow team members in times of crisis.

“Only shareholders can contribute.  It’s teammate helping teammate,” Devendorf continued on to say.

Claudia’s Story

Claudia Urbina has worked in our payroll department for over 5 years.  She’s married and has 3 children.  Claudia is originally from Mexico and obtained her US citizenship not long after coming to work for Service King.  She has always said she wants a better life for her kids and more opportunities than she had.  Their education is the family’s highest priority and so Claudia and her husband sacrificed to provide a private school education for their kids to give them an advantage as they get ready for college.  The Urbinas don’t take family vacations, they don’t splurge at Christmas time.  Every penny that comes into their household is accounted for as they work to provide bright futures for each of their children. 

Last month, Claudia’s vehicle broke down and needed some repairs the family couldn’t afford.  They didn’t know how or when they would be able to save up the money to fix it and so she was struggling to get the kids to school and even get herself to work.  She borrowed various cars from family members, but needed more help.  So, she was encouraged by her manager to petition the President’s Fund.  After the Charitable Giving Committee of the President’s Fund reviewed the repair estimates and other documentation supporting the need, we made a tax-free donation to Claudia enabling her to get her car repaired and solve her problem.  She said the gift was tremendously important to her family and that she’s so grateful to work for a company that goes above and beyond to support its teammates.  She has told her family and friends about the donation she received from the President’s Fund and most of them have been in disbelief that a company would offer such a generous benefit. – Michael Devendorf

Claudia is a hard working individual like so many of our team members and because she’s like so many of those team members, she needed an extra push to help her keep up with a life obstacle. Her story is why we encourage so many of our Service King citizens to be aware of what Service King can offer.

“The total amount donated to teammates has reached nearly $25,000.  It’s a landmark we’re proud of.  We’ve helped people in their time of need and hardship through the generosity of Service King shareholders who contribute to the Fund,” Devendorf concluded.

…And we’re dying to help. We live for it.

For more information on The President’s Fund, you may contact Michael Devendorf at 214.239.2122.