Something special was ignited 12 years ago when Peter Larocque, president of TD SYNNEX North America, learned that Make-A-Wish South Carolina was struggling to fulfill the wishes and needs of children with critical illnesses and wondered how he could help. The idea of hosting a fundraising gala the evening following the firm’s annual sales event came to mind, and the company gave it a try.
“We already had a convention center rented with a sound system and a huge screen, at a cost that would have been prohibitively expensive for a charity,” says Bob Stegner, senior vice president of marketing for North America. “Our original goal the first year was $250,000, but Peter said, ‘I think we can do more, maybe $500,000.’ I laughed, but we raised $480,000.”
This year, TD SYNNEX Share the Magic raised $2.8 million to benefit four local organizations serving children, a total of $19 million since its inception. The charitable endeavor has grown to include other events throughout the year, like golf tournaments, auctions and high school spirit week fundraising. It also expanded geographically following the merger of SYNNEX with Tech Data, launching chapters in other markets where the company does business.
“Now TD SYNNEX Share the Magic is not only helping children in the Upstate but also Toronto, Phoenix, Northern California, Colorado, Illinois and San Antonio,” says Stegner. “It was just announced that the newest chapter in Clearwater (Florida) raised $32,000. When it comes to kids, people are willing to donate.”
Helping children became a passion for Larocque and Stegner, who were personally involved from the beginning, even arranging and accompanying a child on a granted wish. It was an experience Stegner never forgot.
“The children were what motivated Peter and me,” he says. “They can’t raise money for themselves.”
Stegner says although TD SYNNEX is the largest donor of time and money, out-of-town vendors make up about half the attendees of the Greenville gala, which brings together employees, customers, sponsors and community members.
“Our vendors and customers are very supportive, and so many associates say it makes them very proud. It’s a passion we share with our coworkers,” he says. “Each charity has a wonderful story they can share. It makes a difference — they rely on us.”
Since 2012, in addition to Make-A-Wish South Carolina, Share the Magic has supported Pendleton Place, which provides services for children and families affected by neglect, abuse and poverty, and Clement’s Kindness, which addresses the needs of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer and other serious blood disorders.
The fourth nonprofit, A Child’s Haven, helps children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges that have led to expulsion from mainstream child care centers. Tanya Camunas, CEO, says support from TD SYNNEX Share the Magic has given ACH resources to break through barriers that prevent low-wealth, struggling families from accessing life-changing, two-generational therapeutic services they need to thrive.
“The recent funds are helping us pilot two innovative programs giving families access to our trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy services for children and caregivers. These include satellite lab school locations at higher education institutions, as well as supplying ACH-employed child and family therapists to local child care centers and Head Starts to serve as an onsite resource and direct service provider for families at risk of expulsion due to the unmanageable behaviors,” Camunas says.
Another initiative will create partnerships with Clemson and Furman universities and Greenville Technical College to integrate behavioral-health practices into the curriculum for students of early childhood education, impacting the profession for the future.
The Community Foundation of Greenville administers the funds for TD SYNNEX Share the Magic.
“We’re honored to support their efforts which provide significant financial resources for each beneficiary nonprofit, allowing them to meet the current needs of the families they serve while strategically planning for long term success,” says Bob Morris, CFG president.
