Firms giving back: NJCPA collects $25K for food drive

Fulcrum Partners managing director Monte Harrick has recently volunteered to support a group of high school basketball players so they don't lose their varsity season to the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With COVID-19 in high gear, especially with the lockdown mandates in many states across the country, high school sports have been severely impacted,” said Harrick in a statement. “Here in California, all sports were moved back to try to accommodate the playing seasons. High school basketball that would normally begin in November is not set to start until March 2021. For my son, Kade, that meant months he would miss playing during his senior season of varsity basketball. I couldn’t let that happen.”

Harrick took on the challenge of organizing and coaching a club team for Kade and other players. Eight players have played together, following health and safety best practices, every weekend since October.

“Our club team provides a mental and emotional release from the burdens of home lockdowns, which can severely cripple our youth emotionally,” added Harrick, “For all our players who are seniors, this might be their only basketball experience during their final year of high school. I have coached my son in several sports for many years, but basketball is in our family blood. Kade and I have shared in a wonderful father-son experience that we will both remember for the rest of our lives.”

The New Jersey Society of CPAs held more than 60 presentations at high schools across the state this fall, informing and educating students about the benefits of an accounting career, as part of its annual CPA Career Awareness program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s presentations were conducted virtually.

NJCPA volunteers discussed the accounting profession with students, covering what it takes to become an accounting professional, what courses are necessary and the process is to become a CPA. Individual NJCPA members also presented at schools where they have a connection or affiliation.

“Our members never cease to amaze me in how giving they are with their time to assist students and young professionals. It is often through these connections and insight that students make the decision to go into accounting,” said Ralph Albert Thomas, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA, in a statement.

Separately, the NJCPA received nearly $25,000 in online donations — a record — for its 11th annual Food Drive, hosted by its Emerging Leaders Council this past fall. NJCPA member accounting firms collected an additional 1,000 pounds of nonperishable food. All food and monetary donations will benefit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and local food banks throughout the state.

The Community Food Bank distributes food to charities, soup kitchens and food pantries across New Jersey. Since 2010, NJCPA has now donated more than 20,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank.

“This year’s donations are particularly important due to the devastating impact the pandemic has had on New Jersey’s residents and business owners,” said Nicole DeRosa, tax manager at Wiss and chairperson of the Emerging Leaders Council, in a statement. “Food insecurity is real, and every way we can help alleviate that condition should be put into practice.”