GT Cares Raises Food, Funds for Non-Profits

Online, October 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The Phoenix office of Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International, joined together with its sister offices nationwide this fall to raise food items for the more than 16 million children in the United States living in households where there is not enough food.

The Phoenix offices rallied together to raise more than $1,300 of food and money for Feeding America's Kids Cafe, which provides free meals and snacks to low-income children through a variety of community locations where children congregate-such as Boys & Girls Clubs, churches and public schools.

On a national level, the firm has now raised $111,000 worth of peanut butter, mac and cheese, chicken noodle soup and granola bars toward the cause.

"The U.S Census Bureau shows that 1 in 5 children in Arizona live in poverty stricken a condition; that's about 20.7% of our youth," said Brad Preber, office managing partner. "We want to do everything we can to help on a local and national level wherever we can."

In addition, the Phoenix also raised $24,000 this fall for the Valley of the Sun United Way. The firm currently has 60 employees, which equates to an average of more than $400 raised per employee.
"We can all take great pride as employees of Grant Thornton that we have done our part in helping our neighbors in need," said Preber. "You can feel good knowing that your dollars will be spent wisely to help people right here in Maricopa County."

These initiatives are just some of the many community outreach programs supported through Grant Thornton C.A.R.E.S. (Community Awareness and Responsibility Expressed through Service), a program created by Grant Thornton designed to demonstrate leadership not only in its industry, but also in its community. Through the program, nicknamed GT CARES, employees contribute time, money and expertise to local civic organizations, charities, universities and professional associations.