Corporate Philanthropy - Giving Back to Our Communities

The focus of this episode is corporate philanthropy. Leading the Way at Leonard's host Dwayne Knepper is joined by Leonard’s Express VP of People and Development Shannon Struzik and guests Nanci and Mike Bentley from Inclusion in Motion. They discuss an exciting program in Upstate New York that brings people of all abilities together to learn, play, and socialize -- Inclusion in Motion's Dream Big campaign. Inclusion in Motion aims to be the first certified universal design playground in the United States. Simply put, that means one design for everyone, regardless of physical abilities.

As part of its corporate philanthopy program, Leonard’s Express delivered five truckloads of raw materials and playground equipment more than 1,000 miles from Delano, Minnesota to Canandaigua, New York. The total value of the Leonard’s Express donation was more than $31,000.

“We have quickly become a popular destination for schools, adult agencies and even other municipalities to visit," said Nanci Bentley in a recent announcement about the project. "Without the community's support and the backing of donors like Leonard's Express, this playground would not be where it is today. We couldn't have done it by ourselves.”