McCormick & Company Employees Celebrate “Charity Day” to Benefit Those in Need

On September 14th, McCormick & Company kicked off our annual Charity Day by encouraging all US locations to participate in virtual events. The 2020 Charity Day Campaign, “The Power of Giving,” continued a tradition that began in 1941 and leveraged McCormick’s “Power of People” principle to support those in need. “Change doesn’t happen without the power of community. And this year, our help is needed more than ever. McCormick remains strong in our commitment and passion to be there for others,” said Lawrence Kurzius, Chairman, President, and CEO.  

During the opening ceremony, Lisa Manzone, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, described McCormick’s rich history of unwavering commitment to strengthening communities where we live, work, and source. She stated that we are united in creating positive change and equity for health, education, and financial stability across the country. And with McCormick matching employee donations, the impact on communities and individuals is doubled. “As we stand together to benefit those in need, we are driven by our purpose and enduring culture of giving,” Lisa stated.

Since the first Charity Day 79 years ago, McCormick has given to The United Way, because they know how to have the biggest impact on communities in need – by working across non-profit, public, and private sectors. “They help solve community challenges through collaboration, resource sharing, and funding to help the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Lori Amos Robinson, Vice President of Corporate Branding, Communications and Community Relations. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to stand with our communities. McCormick has a long legacy of giving back, and it will continue to be our legacy moving forward. We’re proud to support a culture of giving and volunteerism to help create thriving, healthy communities where we live and work.”

Throughout Charity Day celebrations (which have expanded beyond one day of events, and into a month of giving), McCormick hosted several special events and panels with participants and employees from across the US. Below, see recaps of some events. 

Employee Champions for Health & Human Service Sessions

During the Employee Champions for Health & Human Services sessions, colleagues shared their personal giving stories about making an impact on health and human services non-profit organizations in their local communities. 

Meghan Ford, President of US & Labor Flavor Solutions, has been volunteering with Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore for four years. “As a mother and cancer survivor, I cannot imagine what families go through when a child has to travel to receive treatment for injuries, diseases, or medical conditions for long periods of time. Our mission at Ronald McDonald House is to make a home away from home for these seriously ill children and their families at a very difficult time,” she said. 

Located in 50 states and 23 countries, they welcome families and provide them with shelter, food, transportation, and more. Sandy Pagnotti, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland, explained, “We want families to focus on their children and on recovery – not to worry about finding a place to sleep or taking care of day-to-day necessities – and the services we provide, allow them the time to do just that.” 

Employee Ambassador Sessions

In the Employee Ambassador sessions, colleagues spoke about the wonderful charitable work happening within our Employee Ambassador Groups (EAGs). During one of the sessions Sara Fernandez, Content Producer, shared her own experience. 

Sara, a member of Sabor Latino (Sala) volunteers at Junior Achievement of Central Maryland (JACM), whose mission is to make the connection between the classroom and the real world – getting children in grades K-12 college and career ready. Through financial literacy classes, entrepreneurial programs, and exposure to different careers, they prepare students for the formative years ahead. As a founding partner, McCormick has helped JACM build high school programs that allow students to develop business plans where they create their own products and sell them.  

After speaking to McCormick about her work with JACM, Sara said, “I just want to leave you with a quick word about the power of one person. It's really tempting when we think about the problems and the challenges that the world faces, to think that we are not enough to solve them because we’re just one person, have limited resources, limited time.”

Employee Champions for Food Insecurity Session

During the Employee Champions for Food Insecurity sessions, employees who are passionate about making an impact on food insecurity shared stories about non-profit organizations in their communities. 

Larry Tong, Product Development Manager III at Zatarain’s, supports Deswine Intervention in New Orleans, an organization that helps communities by feeding people and raising money for pediatric brain cancer. When natural disasters hit, they make a huge impact by providing empathy, hope, and understanding to those in difficult circumstances. When Hurricane Laura hit, McCormick volunteers like Larry were on the ground serving hot food to people surviving without water, electricity, sewage, or homes. 
Employee Champions for Education Session

The Employee Champions for Education panel shared stories of colleagues committed to making a difference in education by partnering with charities. 

Norman Fleming, Vice of President Business Transformation, is a proud member of 100 Black Men of America. Founded in New York City in 1963 by a group of African American men whose mission is to improve the quality of life in black communities by focusing on education, mentoring, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Chairman of the organization, said, “Working with local school systems, we educate black students about their history, encourage them to become involved in their communities, and motivate them to build strong families.” 

As the 2020 Charity Day ended on October 14th, a special thank you was extended to McCormick’s essential workers, who continue to work tirelessly on site to keep our operations running. Their hard work and commitment to our organization – particularly during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic – is appreciated and valued. 

Lawrence thanked the nearly 12,000 global employees for demonstrating our Purpose – To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor – by showing their support through charitable efforts. 

“Charity Day is important to McCormick’s legacy and it continues to be one of our company’s longest-standing traditions,” he said. “Your dedication has made it a success – without your hard work, effort, and diligence, we would not be able to help those that need it the most.”

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