Whether it’s competing in online competitions or showcasing employee talents, Bates White’s Community Connection (BWCC) is giving back to the community in many creative ways. Through this grass-roots program, employees have brainstormed and implemented fundraising initiatives to support organizations of their choosing. Since the pandemic began, firm employees have implemented numerous fun ways to stay connected while also benefitting the community. Virtual events have included:
- Spirit Wars—The Summer Consultants organized a week-long event involving teams of employees in competitions of Pajama Day, Twin Day, Team Color Day, and a Codenames game, which raised funds for DC Public Education Fund’s COVID-19 relief program.
- Scavenger Hunt—Teams participated in a lunchtime hunt, sending photos from their neighborhoods to show inflated pool toys, someone walking two or more dogs, and sidewalk chalk drawings, and other random items, to raise money for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
- Employee Showcase—To support the fight for racial justice, this event featured a virtual showcase of employee talent—art, music, and even research—and raised funds for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
- Lawyers Have Heart—In the firm’s 16th year as race participants, staff ran or walked a 5K/10K at the physical location of their choice and raised money for the DC region affiliate of the American Heart Association.
- Nailed It!—Based on the popular Netflix show, this competition resulted in cakes that looked like turtles, lions, and penguins—all to support Martha’s Table, which is providing food to those in DC affected by the pandemic.
- Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!—This somewhat faithful adaption of NPR’s long-running comedy news quiz raised funds for the Children’s Law Center.
- Quarantine raffle—Employees purchased raffle tickets to win a one of four kits to make quarantining easier—a relaxation kit, an entertainment kit, a home office kit, or a kitchen kit—while raising funds for DC Central Kitchen.
- Catan tournament—In this double-elimination board game tournament played via videoconference, participants raised money for GiveDirectly.
- Words with Friends—This bracket-style tournament took place on couches, kitchen tables, or wherever employees were working remotely and raised money for Higher Achievement.
- Bates White anniversary—In honor of the firm’s 21st anniversary in July, employees raised funds for 12 of the organizations Bates White has supported over the past two decades.
“I am impressed by our employees’ creativity and commitment to supporting the community, even while we are all remote,” says Managing Partner Charlie Mullin. “Their passion and generosity to give back to those in need has surged during these challenging times. It’s the Bates White way, and it makes me incredibly proud.”
More information on the BWCC program is available here.