During “Heart Month” in February, We Celebrate Our Colleagues’ Passion Projects
From American Heart Month to Valentine’s Day, we all hold February close to our hearts. So, it seems a perfect time of year to reflect on what fills our hearts. Beyond our beloved family and friends, and the lifechanging science we’re fortunate enough to support in our professional lives, what fills our hearts―and our souls―is the philanthropic work we participate in throughout our community.
Klein Hersh has long supported numerous nonprofit initiatives as a team and as a company, and we encourage each individual to focus on what matters most to them. During “Heart Month,” we’re proud to shine the spotlight on the good works of three of our colleagues.
Dan Strauss and Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence
For client partner Dan Strauss, his heart belongs to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and his “little,” Nasir.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-supported organization that enriches, encourages, and empowers children to reach their highest potential through safe, one-to-one mentoring relationships. Each year, in the Greater Philadelphia region alone, nearly 1,700 children are more successful, both socially and academically, because of the organization’s work.
Dan has been Nasir’s “big” for more than 12 years now. And five years ago, he became a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Regional Advisory Board in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping kids,” says Dan. “Philadelphia is one of the poorest cities in America and there are thousands of youths who could strongly benefit from a one-to-one mentoring relationship. I felt I could really make an impact on my little brother. And now I feel I can assist at the program level to affect even more kids across the Greater Philadelphia region.”
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit https://www.independencebigs.org/.
Todd Rosengarten and Ronald McDonald House Charities
For client partner Todd Rosengarten, his passion project has always been the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974, in recognition of the need for parents to have a safe, affordable, supportive place to stay nearby while their children received lifesaving treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Today, there are more than 380 Ronald McDonald Houses located close to children’s hospitals in 64 countries, serving as homes away from home for families around the world.
“The Ronald McDonald House is something my entire family has supported since I was young,” says Todd. “Part of Klein Hersh’s mission statement is to focus on our families. RMHC enables families to be together through really tough medical situations, and that matters immeasurably.”
To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House and RMHC, visit https://www.rmhcphilly.org/.
Matt Talbot and Animal Aid USA
For marketing and social media manager Matt Talbot, his commitment is going to the dogs―and the cats―at Animal Aid USA (AAUSA).
Created in January 2012 by a small group of animal lovers, AAUSA is a 100% volunteer-run organization dedicated to helping animals in need. Through rescue and relocation, AAUSA has created a lifeline for unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals in the southern states, while helping animals and their families in numerous other communities. Each month, the organization’s volunteers drive 1,600 miles round trip from New Jersey to Georgia to rescue 250 dogs and cats. AAUSA also raises money to fund spay and neuter programs in low-income communities, and builds awareness about animal cruelty.
Matt, whose involvement in animal welfare began as part of a school project in 2008, founded the junior division of AAUSA and served as the organization’s director until 2018. He remains deeply engaged. After all, it’s his mother who founded Animal Aid USA and continues to run the entire operation.
“I have so much love for the work my parents do,” says Matt. “I cannot think of anyone more passionate about anything than my parents are about animal welfare. The lives of 43,000 animals have been forever changed, with many, many more to come. I am eternally grateful to be a part of this journey.”
To learn more about Animal Aid USA, visit www.animalaidusa.org.
Follow Your Heart
We heartily applaud Dan, Todd, Matt, and all our colleagues at Klein Hersh for their commitment to giving back in so many meaningful ways. What’s your passion project?
