With giving Tuesday around the corner, many are looking for opportunities to give back to their communities. On Giving Tuesday, and every Tuesday of the year, Dion’s searches for opportunities to serve their communities. During the 2017 fiscal year, Dion’s donated more than $170,000 to serve those in the communities around their restaurants. This came in the form of money, gift cards, and food. Employees also donated time through company-organized volunteer activities.
“As our company grows and thrives, we are committed to positively impacting our communities and providing support to help them flourish,” said Nicole Marquez, Community Relations Specialist. “To uphold this commitment, our charitable efforts focus on two areas ̶ youth development and hunger.”
In an effort to have a strong employment pool, Dion’s provides regular donations to schools in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. The idea being that young people who have strong skills in areas such as reading, math, communication, and leadership, will make valuable employees. For example, since 2003, Dion’s has given over $266,000 to Albuquerque Public Schools.
Last year, Dion’s started organizing volunteer events as another way to serve the community. “We already give food and monetary donations. Giving our time feels more personal and gives our employees the opportunity to get involved,” said Marquez.
One volunteer activity included picking tomatoes, green chile, and apples at Seed2Need. The produce that is harvested by volunteers is in food pantries the same day it is picked. This provides fresh fruits and vegetables to those who may not have access to them. Employees volunteered their time at several events throughout the year. Mark Herman, CEO of Dion’s, said, “I love the opportunity that volunteer events give me to work side-by-side with our people to support great causes.”
In addition to giving year round, Dion’s is celebrating Giving Tuesday on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Fans will be able to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $250 donation.
About Dion’s
Dion’s is known for its tasty pizza and world-famous Ranch dressing, as well as providing opportunities for its employees and communities to flourish. Two years in a row it has been ranked as a top-five quick-service restaurant in the nation based on overall experience by Sandelman and Associates. Dion’s was founded in 1978 by Jon Patten and Bill Scott in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 39 years, the company has grown to 23 stores and 1,600 employees in three states. For more information, visit www.dions.com or call 505-858-1010, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DionsPizza, Twitter: @dionspizza or Instagram: www.instagram.com/dionspizza.