Firms giving back: Illinois CPA Society holds Day of Service

The Illinois CPA Society held its 12th annual CPA Day of Service on Sept. 24, with more activities planned later this fall.

Approximately 500 CPAs volunteered across the state for a variety of activities, including helping local animal shelters, preparing meals at food banks and fundraising for various causes.

“Our annual CPA Day of Service is an incredible opportunity for CPAs to come together all across Illinois to help better their communities,” said Illinois CPA Society president and CEO Todd Shapiro in a statement. “This is the second year that the ‘coming together’ part has been challenged by COVID-19, but the resolve these volunteers have shown by finding safe, creative and generous ways to support their local communities and the charitable organizations that they care about is truly inspiring, and their efforts are sure to make long-lasting impacts.”

Organizations supported by the CPA Day of Service include Almost Home Kids, Bernie’s Book Bank, Feed My Starving Children, Food for Greater Elgin, Forest Preserves of Cook County, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Midwest Food Bank, PAWS, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Anti-Cruelty Society and the Bridge Teen Center.

Rehmann associate Maher Faik has raised $40,000 for Friends of Foster Kids through participation in the 100 Businesses Who Care semi-annual pitch event. Faik was chosen as one of three finalists to present his cause to 100 top decision-makers from Southeast Michigan, to secure up to $50,000 for his charity.

“It feels incredible to have been selected for a $40,000 donation to Friends of Foster Kids, a charity I hold close,” said Faik in a statement. “This contribution will help provide holiday gifts, clothing, college dorm room materials and other essentials to foster children of all ages. Whether it be immediate care offerings, college and schooling support, or access to career resources, these are kids in need, and I’m eager to see the impact this funding will have on such a deserving organization as Friends of Foster Kids.”

Established in 2008, Friends of Foster Kids focuses on five key programs for foster children: Christmas, Care, College, Careers and Coalition of Community Commitment. The organization recently expanded its offerings to offer support to young adults who have aged out of the foster care system, but who still need assistance.