Even a business that spends all day working for basements can still reach for the sky. Since founding Basement Systems 20 years ago, Larry Janesky has striven to find ways to grow his company, his employees, and the community. And his employees have followed his example, making generous donations of their time, resources, and money.
United Way and Harvest House
Basement Systems has maintained a strong and lasting relationship with the United Way. For the last six years, Dan Fitzgerald, director of marketing has contributed his time and energy as the Chair of the Membership Committee on the local United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council and Basement Systems has joined in with consistent support. For the third year in a row, Basement Systems is participating in the Harvest House project. Last year alone, the local Harvest House gathered together more than 100,000 cans and boxes of food to help feed the needy and hungry in the area. Basement Systems joined in as a corporate sponsor, and its team of dedicated employees donated their time, food, and money to the cause. “It’s rewarding to help that many people in the community,” says Julie Morelli, Basement Systems Executive Assistant, “You never know who you’re helping. It could be your neighbor.” Julie and many other employees arrived at the house building with a Basement Systems truck that the United Way used to help transport the food. The event was a moving experience for all as employees and their families participated together. “The teamwork was really out there,” Lou Bemer recalls, “My son was helping right along with me. We were all so focused on making sure that everything was being done to make this happen.” With the company already working towards this year’s event through contributions and pledged time, they’re hoping for even better results this year.
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
This year, Basement Systems is also picking up the torch to support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Bethel. Larry Janesky joined in the cause, becoming one of the event’s first corporate sponsors. Additionally, the employees are participating in a “reverse auction”, donating books, children’s toys, candles, Beanie Babies, movies, electronics, and a variety of other small household goods that are being auctioned off on eBay. By the time Basement Systems participates in the Relay, all items will be sold and the proceeds will be donated to the cause. Lisa Collon, Basement Systems accountant, has repeatedly been impressed with the shows of support in the business. “I’m always amazed by the generosity of the employees and willingness to participate in fundraisers and charities within the company. Everyone contributes outside of work too- in soup kitchens, local churches, wildlife funds, and in Habitat for Humanity. I’m glad to be a part of it all.”
Last year, the Bethel Relay for Life raised over $150,000 in funds, with 42 teams, and 116 participants in the all-night relay. To date, this year’s 231 participants have raised nearly $10,000 in funds for this year’s Relay. And with well over two months before the fundraising ends, this is just a drop in the bucket.
Always Ready for More
As the company continues to grow, the philanthropic and positive attitude in the business remains undiminished. The Basement Systems staff has always held on to a special sense of camaraderie that extends beyond its walls. It came as no surprised in 2006 when they were voted one of the top places to work in Connecticut. It’s a company that’s truly focused on doing the right thing and helping everyone to put their best face forward.
