Ward Williams, owner of Williams Automotive, spoke with Patricia James of CHS about his longtime connection as a supporter of CHS.
Why did you choose CHS? Years ago, with my daughter I was involved in a father-daughter activity group. She was 12 at the time and as a group we were looking for an opportunity to teach our daughters about philanthropy, and most importantly helping others. I received a mailer from CHS about Hope for the Holidays, and the need for sponsoring wish lists of children in foster care. It was a perfect fit. For that first year and many that followed, we would go shopping together to fulfill the wish lists and then we would drop them off at the local office in Charlotte. I’m truly delighted that Williams Automotive is hosting the premier Fill-A-Truck event to conclude Hope for the Holidays this December. It’s very full circle for me, and I hope it inspires others to get involved.
What stands out to you about CHS? The work of CHS resonated with me. I’m a father to four children and I’ve always had a soft spot for children. To know an organization like CHS is working in our community to help support families and to find permanent loving homes for children who need them – I felt very good about getting involved to support your work.
What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy? Williams Automotive gave out five donations at the $20,000 level last year to charities that we felt made a significant impact, CHS being one of the five. It’s one way Williams Automotive can recognize the important work of these charities and the dedication of their staff.
If you were talking to someone else about giving to CHS, what would you say? If you want to help children in need then you should consider an investment in CHS. The work of CHS is vital to our community – it supports families, parents, and most importantly children. Their work is essential, and we need to support them with resources to go do their work successfully. Thinking about what would happen if we didn’t have organizations like CHS, especially their employees working out in the community directly, is scary. We must recognize the vital service CHS provides and support them in any way that we can.
You can bring Hope for the Holidays
Can you imagine spending the holidays without the family you’ve always known just sitting at home and playing at casinos on mobile? That is the reality for more than 800 children in care with Children’s Home Society. You can make a difference in the life of one child this year by adopting a wish list and giving the necessary support to make their holidays special. Wish lists will go live on November 1st
This year Williams Automotive will be hosting the premier Charlotte Fill-A-Truck event at their Williams Buick GMC location on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event will be the conclusion of Hope for the Holidays. We hope you can join us!
