While Giving Hearts Day helps regional charities grow support through dollars, goods, and volunteers, it also provides another, less obvious benefit, according to Leslie Dawson.
“It opens eyes to the many organizations quietly supporting families, children, and individuals in times of need — sometimes at the most difficult moments in their lives,” says Dawson, who works in marketing and administration for Fargo-based construction and contracting firm Quality Companies. “For us, that awareness is just as powerful as the giving itself. Often, people don’t fully realize how many nonprofits exist — or how vital they are — until they or someone they love needs their support.”
Dawson learned this firsthand in 2023, when her own brother experienced a medical crisis and her family used the Lend A Hand Up program — one of the nearly 650 charities that participate in the day — to help raise funds and rally community support.
Experiencing that sense of community support re-affirmed to Dawson and the rest of the Quality Companies team that GHD was something they wanted to get more involved with.
“Giving Hearts Day stands out to the Quality Companies team because it brings everyone together around a shared purpose while also shining a light on the incredible work happening behind the scenes every day,” she says. “As a company rooted here, we’re proud to be part of a day that not only raises funds but also connects people to the causes that truly make our community stronger.
What started out as individual giving behind the scenes has evolved into something more intentional, as they’ve seen firsthand the impact the day has on local organizations and the people they serve. While Quality Companies continues to encourage their team members to support organizations that are meaningful to them personally, they also now amplify those efforts through company-wide giving, matching, and awareness.
“We use our platforms to highlight local nonprofits and share their stories, knowing that awareness is just as powerful as dollars raised,” Dawson says. “At its core, our involvement is about empowering people to give back in ways that feel authentic to them.”
While they currently support local organizations focused on strengthening families, supporting children, and addressing food insecurity, Dawson says Quality Companies’ partnerships are always evolving but consistently guided by the company’s North Star.
“We’re drawn to organizations that are deeply rooted in our community that are making a direct, measurable impact on the lives of our neighbors,” she says. “Supporting local is important to us because this is where our employees live, work, and raise their families. Giving Hearts Day has helped turn giving into something personal rather than transactional, and that’s where it truly resonates with our team.”
