Benchmark’s One Company Fund Raises Nearly $400,000 in 2018

WALTHAM — When Stephanie Morris, a resident-care associate for Harbor Point at Centerville, a Benchmark assisted-living and memory-care community, was displaced following a house fire, she knew just where to turn. Benchmark’s One Company Fund, a grant program that company associates can apply to in times of financial setback, provided Morris with assistance toward housing and food. And it continued to be a resource as she became settled in a new home.

A 501(c)(3) organization, the One Company Fund was created during the 10th anniversary year of Benchmark, a provider of senior-living services in the Northeast. In the last 11 years, the fund has granted more than $1.6 million in assistance to nearly 1,000 associates affected by natural disaster, personal tragedy, and other unexpected financial challenges. Benchmark recently announced that its fundraising efforts for the fund have grossed $380,000 so far this year, nearly 20{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} more than last year.

To make it possible to help other associates like Morris, Benchmark raises funds yearlong through community fundraisers, voluntary payroll deductions, family memorial donations, and golf tournaments. Over the summer, for the ninth straight year, the company executed three fundraising golf tournaments.

“We are very fortunate to have partners, residents, families, and associates who share our commitment to One Company Fund,” said Tom Grape, Benchmark’s chairman and CEO. “Our front-line associates work hard every day to keep our residents and families connected to what matters most in their lives. As a human connection company, we are called to care for them when they are unable to deal with life’s challenges, and that’s the reason why the fund was founded.”

Partners and vendors also recognize the value of the fund. “We support Benchmark’s One Company Fund because, whenever you can help anyone in need, you are doing a great thing for the people in your community,” said David Donnelly, regional chain manager of Gordon Food Service, which has been the top contributor among the 150 Benchmark vendors and partners over the years.