If you have been coming to AAMA conferences in recent years, you have likely already heard of World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization. They partner with children, families and communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. AAMA has enjoyed a partnership with World Vision and with Mary Garcia, Corporation Relations Director, for many years in several ways, primarily through AAMA’s Annual Backpack Build.

Every fall, many AAMA member companies and individuals sponsor a total of 500 backpacks ($12,000) filled with school supplies for children in need attending a Title I elementary school. This is one way for AAMA to give back to the city hosting us for our Fall Conference, and it is also an opportunity for spouses at conferences to volunteer together for a common goal close to their hearts. Spouses roll up their sleeves early in the morning to fill the backpacks and write handwritten notes of encouragement to be included in each backpack. We appreciate Mary’s dedication to connecting AAMA with these students and our members who generously donate the much-needed supplies.

Additionally, World Vision hosts their Annual Crystal Vision Award Breakfast during the International Builders Show each year. At this breakfast, the organization recognizes the World Vision Partnership Award to a company within the industry that has partnered with the organization's Storehouse Program for a minimum of three to five years. (AAMA actually won the award in 2017!) Our staff has also participated in World Vision’s annual 6K for water, since a local event happens here in Chicago each summer.

AAMA is thankful for its unique partnership with World Vision. To learn more about how your company can assist World Vision, visit worldvision.org/get-involved.