“Whenever I’m in work groups or on committees, I always try to find a way to give back,” said Jennifer, who champions community-based events in partnership with Whitney D’Amico for the engagement team initiated by Jim Motos, SVP, Category Business Units and Breakthrough Innovation. Members of the engagement team strive to create an inclusive and connected culture within the 100-member team of CBU/BTI/Graphics/STM associates.  

“It means a lot to be supported in this kind of community work,” said Chris Eglin, STM Project Manager, Value Added Bakery, and current Chair of the engagement team. “We work hard at Rich’s, and we’re focused on success, and opportunities to give back help to round out the work experience. It also means that we don’t just talk about our values as a company, we live them and walk them, every day.”   

Chris explained that Jim Motos has established a goal of achieving 100% participation in engagement team activities, including United Way Day of Caring. Jennifer said the CBU/BTI team filled all the volunteer positions that the CBU engagement team committed to, but they’ll keep asking for more volunteers each year, in hopes of making Jim’s participation aspiration a reality.  

“United Way makes the process really seamless,” recalled Jennifer. “Their website lists all of the organizations participating in Day of Caring, so I reviewed the opportunities and selected three different options for our team.” 

From there, Jennifer, Chris and Sarah Snyder, Associate Product Manager, Value Added Bakery, each captained a team for the day.  

“I had the privilege of visiting each Day of Caring site where Rich’s team members were volunteering. It was clear that every single associate was so dedicated to helping their agency and was having a great time doing so,” said Ariel Davis, Resource Development Project Coordinator, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. “Our community needs support in many forms – whether that’s with time, talent, or treasure, every bit can make life better for those in need. Buffalo and Erie County are lucky to have organizations like Rich’s, who commit wholeheartedly to giving back and strengthening the community where we live and work.” 

Jennifer’s team of eight people spent the afternoon with the Jewish Family Services of Western New York. Her team learned about the critical health and human services JFS offers to the community, and then everyone had the opportunity to create an original painting that would be gifted to a local Holocaust survivor. Each volunteer painted their own interpretation of the Tree of Life, a culturally significant Jewish symbol. 

“Everyone came away from the experience wanting to do more, and wanting to continue to be engaged,” said Jennifer, who explained that tremendous support and positive encouragement from leaders like Jim make these opportunities possible.  

After 13 years at Rich’s, Jennifer has seen the company values in action countless times and insists that the unique culture is a big part of her job satisfaction.  

“Seeing the core values within Rich’s, the family values, and wanting to be involved in the community, were a huge attraction to coming here and staying here,” said Jennifer. “It contributes to my sense of fulfillment.” 

Chris captained a team of thirteen associates that volunteered their time at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC), which offers a therapeutic riding program to Western New York children with special needs to develop social, emotional, physical and educational skills. In a historic, urban facility, children of all socio-economic backgrounds and their families interact with horses, adults and peers in a safe, fun and supportive environment. 

The BTRC is housed within the Buffalo Equestrian Center, formerly the Saddle and Bridle Club, which was constructed in 1922 on part of the land used by the Pan American Exhibition. With 160 stalls, this facility is one of the largest in the country and sits on Amherst Street, just north of Delaware Park. In 1982, the land and building were donated to the BTRC.  

“I didn’t even know it existed,” admitted Chris. “It’s a massive barn and stable set up right in the heart of Buffalo. And it’s made available to children and families who can really benefit from the services offered by the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.”  

Chris and twelve team members spent the morning of June 18, 2024, painting the inside of the barn.  

“The place is huge, and at the beginning of the day we were all wondering how much of a difference it was really going to make when we repaint the interior of this barn and riding area,” remarked Chris. “But I’m telling you, by the end of the day, it looked great.” 

Chris said members of the BTRC team took small groups of volunteers on tours of the stables to learn more about the programming offered and feed the horses.  

“I felt like I made a difference that day,” said Chris. “If you think about the ripple effect it has on the children that go there, and the pride that they feel being in the barn, and the work that’s being done there, then you realize that a little bit of work makes a huge and lasting impact.” 

Chris said the event also allowed for new camaraderie to form among the team and established a shared experience and stories that bonded the group. The time spent volunteering together enabled the cross-functional team of associates to interact and form connections outside of their daily work.  

“There’s something humbling about working alongside your peers,” said Chris. “No matter what level we are at in the company, we all wore the same shirt that day and rolled up our sleeves to give back.” 

Across town, Sarah led another team of nine associates who spent the morning at  

OLV Human Services, an organization that fosters the highest possible quality of life and personal achievement for children adults and families through a wide range of programming, including residential and community-based services, as well as education and dental services.   

“We helped the maintenance crew with painting, gardening and cleaning, to lighten their load a little bit because they are out there working all the time,” said Sarah. “Our efforts made the facilities look like a nicer, brighter place for everybody.”  

The entire team from Rich’s was extremely enthusiastic and efficient, often completing tasks faster than the OLV team could identify new ones. 

“It was rewarding to give back and make an honest contribution,” said Sarah. “It was also a good learning experience for a lot of us. We live these lives, and we have jobs and it’s easy for us, for the most part. To be able to learn about and see what other people are going through in the community gives you a new perspective.”  

Sarah, Chris and Jennifer said feedback from their teams was unanimous. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to support the community, and they want to do more. In response, the engagement team plans to organize bi-annual events to ensure there is space for everyone to get involved.  

“It’s really nice that Rich’s gives us the opportunity to give back to our community in a meaningful way,” said Sarah. “It makes me proud to work here.” 

If you’d like to support the work of Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, click here to make a donation, become a volunteer or sponsor a horse. You can support OLV Human Service here. Check out the donate tab here for ways to support Jewish Family Services.