Proforma and TOMS Empower Local Families to “Pay it Forward” During the Holiday Season

Two years ago, Cleveland-based Proforma joined TOMS, a retailer of shoes, sunglasses, apparel and more, in its “One for One” mission. Proforma supported the program by providing gift cards to all support center team members and with every purchase, a person in need received a critical care item. In 2016, Proforma took it a step further and provided local families in need with TOMS gift cards. Now, people who may not typically be able to give back themselves during the holidays are able to pay it forward.

Click here to watch a video about Proforma’s TOMS initiative and other charitable giving.

“TOMS is built around a powerful business model that makes charitable giving a core value and the foundation of the organization,” said Deanna Castello, chief marketing officer of Proforma. “In 2016, we joined them in that mission. … We are empowering even more people, people who may not ordinarily be able to be a part of the cycle of giving, and allowing them to be a part of this important movement.”

Proforma’s support center team members also have collected more than $3,000 in cash and gifts for several Cleveland-area underprivileged children, in addition to the $100 TOMS gift card each child will receive.

“While the majority of Proforma’s charitable giving takes place around the holidays, our team members are working year-round to raise money for those in our community that need it the most,” said Kathy Mayo, Proforma’s director of human resources. “The TOMS project has been especially fun, as we have given the families we donate to the opportunity to choose their TOMS products and support the initiative that resonates the most with them.”

The TOMS initiative is just one way that Proforma gives back. Team members raise thousands of dollars each year for various charities and community outreach projects, such as volunteering at a local Ronald McDonald house, sending care packages to troops overseas, delivering teddy bears to a local children’s hospital and more.

For more information, visit www.proforma.com.