Significance Council Formed to Support First Class Community

In January 2007, Brad Shaffer and First Class Lawn and Landscape took a bold step of faith and challenged the company to create an effort to raise funds to support the greater Indianapolis community and the working staff of First Class. The outgrowth of this vision was the establishment of the First Class Significance Council.

The Significance Council is a group of FC employees that are charged to set and execute the plan for the company. The first action of the Council was the establishment of the Benevolence Fund. This account has nearly 90% of all FC employees contributing funds on a weekly basis. Each dollar generated from staff is matched with a dollar from the company. Over $15,000 was generated in 2007 and that is just the start. Probably the most significant accomplishment has been the group making over 20 grants in its first year. Support has gone to Shepherd Community, People Helping People, Special Olympics, Gleaners Food Bank,  Franklin Central High School, American Cancer Society, Area Youth Ministry, IPS, and Wheeler Mission, just to name several organizations who have been provided assistance. Further, 10 staff members received financial assistance in some capacity as well.

Indeed, the Significance effort at First Class has raised the bar for other local companies. It is Brad Shaffer’s desire to challenge significance daily for his staff, and more importantly himself. Hopefully the lives touched today through this effort will have a great impact for tomorrow. For details on the Significance Council, contact First Class at 317-788-9596

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