December is not only a month to spread good cheer, it’s also a great time to be generous and support charities that do important work to improve the lives of others. Just as we counsel clients on strategizing corporate social responsibly programs to be active in the communities in which they operate, CKP also has its own initiatives, whether that’s volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, mentoring university students, or serving on committees.

CKP’s 16 Days of Giving campaign highlights our team’s favorite charities in Texas. We asked each member to focus on a nonprofit, describe their connection, and encourage everyone to join in the giving spirit.

Ronald McDonald House of Houston

For more than 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Houston has been helping families with seriously ill children stay together by providing a “home away from home” while their child receives medical treatment. Ronald McDonald House Houston is able to meet families’ most vital need for a place to stay while also providing opportunities to connect with other families facing similar crises.

Community Brand Presence Manager Craig Cavanaugh says: “RMHH is a corporate partner so I’ve had many opportunities to see the great things they do. My fondest memories are visiting the house with Ronald McDonald once a month.”

Donate here > https://rmhhouston.org/for-families/holcombe-house/

Lazarus House Center for Wellness

Account Manager Kimberly Sparrow says: “Serving the Houston community of adults and adolescents facing chronic illness and conditions since 2002, Lazarus House provides an opportunity to pursue Wellness in a unique, safe, and comfortable setting. Using a research-driven model, they provide condition-specific exercises, nutritional coaching, and support.”

Donate here > https://thelazarushouse.org

Southern Smoke Foundation Emergency Relief Fund

Southern Smoke raises funds for charitable purposes, mainly to support and assist those in the food and beverage community and their suppliers. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund has distributed $4,120,955 to 2,080 people nationwide.

Creative Director Sarah Nielsen says: “The restaurant industry is a huge part of what makes Houston a great place to live, full of talented, creative and hard-working people who have been economically devastated by COVID-19. Southern Smoke is an incredible local organization that is dedicated to keeping these people economically afloat.”

Donate here > https://southernsmoke.org/fund/

Houston BARC Foundation

BARC is the only city shelter in Houston required by law to accept every animal that comes through their doors regardless of breed, temperament, health conditions, and circumstance. In addition to sheltering and providing veterinary care to all animals brought to the shelter, they have extensive programs dedicated to pet adoption and live release initiatives. They partner with Houston pet rescue groups to cast the widest possible adoption net and place animals in new homes.

Account Associate Madison Mann says: “Adopting a pet can come with a lot of expenses and potential stress, depending on the needs of the animal, but BARC makes the process as easy as possible so that anyone who is able can give an animal a home. We adopted our kitten before she was old enough to be spayed, so we took her home as a foster the day we met her, and a few weeks later, BARC paid for her procedure, all vaccinations and shots, and any additional medical care she needed before she was old enough to officially adopt. Most stray animals end up needing some form of additional medical care, and our kitty was no different, so it was a huge relief that BARC covered everything in that time so that we could just focus on taking care of our new pet. I’m so thankful for the comprehensive services BARC offers in order to help as many Houston animals find a home as possible.”

Donate here > https://www.houstonbarcfoundation.org/

Young Audiences of Houston

Director of Brand Marketing Joel Luks says: “I’ve had a love affair with the Young Audiences network since college, admiring creatives of all kinds as they devote their time to working with students and teachers to infuse learning with visual and performing arts. And it was my first job after I finished my masters degree! COVID-19 has certainly made it difficult for artists to connect with kids, parents, and educators, but the Houston chapter, Young Audiences of Houston, has made it work, reaching 140,000 youth with 197 partners, 147 volunteers, and 264 artists. You should join them, too.”

Donate here > https://www.yahouston.org/donate

The First Tee of Greater Austin

Account Manager Julia Davis says: “As a former high school and collegiate golfer, I know the life skills the game of golf can teach you, especially from a young age. Values like sportsmanship, honesty and integrity (to name a few) have all played a role off the course in both my personal and professional life. Not only does the First Tee of Greater Austin help kids build character, but it also allows them to get outside and be active. You can support the organization by making a donation or visiting the Harvey Penick Golf Campus, where proceeds from playing 9 holes, hitting balls on the range or playing footgolf benefit First Tee programming.”

Donate here > https://www.firstteeaustin.org/donate/

The Children’s Assessment Center

Videographer Todd Manning says: “I picked The Children's Assessment Center because I believe in helping children have a safe and carefree childhood. They help children in worst case scenarios and work to help make that less traumatizing. You should donate to them to help them expand and help serve every child in need. Nothing is more valuable than a safe place.”

Donate here > https://www.cachouston.org

Project Row Houses

Account Manager Vanessa Ramirez-Sparrow says: “Project Row Houses is a community staple of the historic Third Ward, one of Houston’s oldest African-American neighborhoods. I chose PRH because over the years their programs, events, and exhibitions introduced me to dozens of amazing artists, poets, and activists, many of which I may never have encountered otherwise. I am especially grateful to PRH for exposing me to the history of the Third Ward neighborhood and seeing firsthand how a “social sculpture” truly can bring a neighborhood together to celebrate its unique culture. The exhibitions and programs at PRH introduced me to legendary and emerging African-American artists from Houston including John Biggers, Jesse Lott, Rick Lowe, Lisa Harris, Regina Agu, and Robert Pruitt.

“I encourage others to donate to PRH this holiday season because they not only enrich lives through art and culture, but they also engage with neighbors and leaders to help materialize sustainable opportunities in marginalized communities. A donation to PRH is truly one of the best ways to support the Black Houston Community by allowing PRH to continue their social work programs that support young single mothers with the ambition of a better life for themselves and their children, small enterprises with the drive to take their businesses to the next level, and artists interested in using their talents to understand and enrich the lives of others.”

Donate here > https://projectrowhouses.org/donate

Red Collar Rescue

Founder and CEO Carey Kirkpatrick says: “Red Collar Rescue is the organization that I adopted my dog Bailey from. I learned about RCR while working at CultureMap; Charlotte, who is the founder, worked with an Iraq War veteran to find and rescue the dog that his platoon had “adopted” while stationed in Iraq.

“When I got to know the organization better, I discovered that their primary mission is to not just rescue dogs from shelters, but rescue dogs who are unlikely to be rescued by another organization, because they’re facing life-threatening medical issues. Bailey was one of these dogs. As a puppy, she had been hit by a car and abandoned, taken to BARC by someone who witnessed the accident, and placed in a small kennel with a 24-hour hold before being euthanized due to her extensive injuries. Red Collar Rescue swooped in, took her to the emergency vet and nursed her back to health. I’ve watched over the years as Charlotte and Red Collar Rescue have quite literally rescued from death’s door animals suffering life-threatening injuries due to neglect, abuse or freak accidents, nursing and fostering these animals and reintroducing them to loving homes. Red Collar Rescue and Charlotte are tireless advocates for animals, dogs in particular, who have suffered abuse and neglect.”

Donate here > https://redcollar.org/donate/

Alzheimer's Association of Houston & SE Texas

The Alzheimer's Association strives to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Jeremy Little, CKP’s head of accounts services says: “Every family touched by Alzheimer’s knows the terrible damage it inflicts on its victims and so often on their loved ones. Longer, healthier lives are a blessing, but as people live longer, the reach of this terrible disease extends into more and more families. The work the Alzheimer’s Association does helps so many in our community to cope with the disease while in the grip of tremendous loss and loneliness. Donations fund the research that will one day end Alzheimer’s for good.”

Donate here > https://www.alz.org/texas/about_us

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston

Account Manager Laine Lieberman says: “My dad actually got me involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston at a young age. Growing up, he always made sure that my sister and I understood the importance of giving back and we started volunteering at Clubs around the city in middle and high school. I chose Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston because I've had the privilege to see the positive impact of the Clubs up close and whole-heartedly believe in their mission to engage, educate and empower low-income youth.

“Others should consider donating to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston because of that impact. The Clubs provide a safe haven—with homework help, tutoring, meals, athletics and arts—for low-income kids who might otherwise have nowhere else to go after school. It's incredible to hear Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston members talk about how the Clubs have changed their lives and set them up for success for years to come.”

Donate here > https://www.bgclubs-houston.org/

Soup Mobile Dallas

Account Assistant Macey Reed says: “I volunteered with Soup Mobile Dallas growing up, and I always felt like I was making a difference by building sandwiches and lunches that would be delivered to the homeless. It's a great organization that has been consistent in helping those in need. They provide children and families with meals and help provide Christmas for children in need. I can't imagine not knowing when my next meal would be. It's important we take initiative to help those who don't have something as simple as a meal.”

Donate here > https://www.soupmobile.org/

Dress for Success

Account Director Whitney Radley says: “The ground-breaking ceremony for Dress for Success Houston’s Eastside headquarters was one of my first assignments as a reporter for CultureMap, and I immediately connected with their mission to empower women with professional attire and development, along with a network of support. I’ve continued to watch the organization over the years: covering its grand opening, volunteering in the warehouse, watching partnerships with CKP clients develop and grow. When faced with the pandemic, the DFSH staff quickly transitioned to contactless support initiatives including virtual programming, curbside suiting, meal kits and more. With marginalized women disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn, DFSH clients need these essential services now more than ever to get their careers back on track.”

Donate here > www.dfshouston.org/

Houston SPCA

Community Brand Presence Associate Randy Lakey says: “I have volunteered with the Houston SPCA for years because I love animals. I choose to support the Houston SPCA because they not only shelter strays and abandoned pets but also save animals from abusive homes and environments.“

Donate here > https://www.houstonspca.org

Kids Meals

Kids’ Meals makes and delivers free, healthy meals directly to the homes of hungry children. The nonprofit has given more than 7.2 million free meals to food insecure children in 43 Houston-area zip codes. Kids’ Meals is a first-responder to children under age 6 facing debilitating hunger due to extreme poverty.

Account Associate Adrienne Joseph says: “I love supporting Kids Meals Houston because of their mission to end childhood hunger in Houston. They do this by delivering free, healthy meals, year-round to the doorsteps of Houston's hungriest youth, especially the preschool-aged children that often fall through the gap and don't have to access school based free meal programs. There are several options for volunteering with Kids Meals both on site and from home. Volunteers are a key part to Kids Meals success in making sure no child goes hungry.“

Donate here > https://kidsmealsinc.org/

Restoring Justice

Graphic Designer BJ Strew says: “Restoring Justice is the only nonprofit in Houston and Texas that provides trial-level representation and social services to the indigent facing criminal accusations. Protests following George Floyd’s killing turned attention nationally toward issues of systemic racism, especially mass incarceration and criminal justice reform. These issues are the main focus of Restoring Justice, whose Community Bail Fund I learned about during Houston’s protests. Now this fund underwrites bail assistance during the pandemic. Your donation will help support the incarcerated and their loved ones by assisting with bail, commissary money, legal services, housing, groceries, and more.”

Donate here > https://www.restoringjustice.org/