Page 74 - IEC Insights Nov-Dec21_WEB

FEATURE

THE FUTURE

else’s generosity to him. A culture of
There is a lot to reflect on over 25 years. The powerful impact generosity at the foundation is only
of IECF from its early days. How our founding electrician’s possible because of the thousands of
members’ gifts to the scholarship fund,
story paved the way for today’s programs and initiatives. The disaster relief fund, and tribute gifts.
IECF Board and team continues to dream of the next 25 years
As we reflect on the impact of the
and how the work done today sets the foundation on the path to
Foundation over 25 years and all the
future growth and new ways for giving back. Providing additional individuals whose lives have changed
career training is just one future-oriented dream for the through scholarships and programs,
there is likely someone you know in
foundation. Current IEC National President, Janet Martin noted,
whose honor you can make a gift.
“The electrical industry will need over 60,000 more electricians you can give in honor of. You can give
by 2026. The foundation’s recruiting and scholarship offers will tribute gifts through honor gifts and
memorial gifts. Celebrate and recognize
ensure we get the right candidates to keep our industry strong.” your person’s special accomplishments
or occasions like birthday, wedding, or
work milestones with an honor gift. A
The IEC Foundation has a big role to play “It has been amazing to watch the IEC memorial gift provides a way to pay
in the years to come. Tom Alexander, Foundation grow and flourish over lasting tribute to the memory of a
current IECF Chairman, shared his the last four years,” LaNa Al-Amin, IEC loved one, remembering the influence
thoughts on the next 25 years for Foundation Executive Director, declared. they’ve had on your life. You can plan
IECF, “Looking to the future of the IEC “The scholarships, grants and programs your specialized gift by reaching out
Foundation, I feel very strongly about that the IEC funds and promotes truly to Foundation@iec-foundation.org.
our industry partners. The foundation is have an impact on so many lives.”
working hard to develop programs to not “I would like to personally thank
only help our apprentices and chapters, Currently, IEC Foundation programs the IEC Foundation for introducing
but also our partners.” Working with provide equal access to careers, individuals to a lucrative career where
partners has been a priority for Tom education, and training, allowing essential workers will always be in
during his tenure with the foundation. “I participants to become economically demand,” Janet Martin cheered.
feel like I have several proud moments, self-sufficient, connect with their “The industry owes a huge thank-
but my proudest would have to be communities, and make a meaningful you to the countless volunteers who
putting together the Home Depot contribution to society. “None of provided the American dream to
ProXtra grant seven years ago. It was that would be possible without the many over these last 25 years.”
based on an idea I had, and we did overwhelming support we receive from
the work to see it come to life. Seeing IEC contractor members, IEC chapters
it in action seven years later and the and apprentices, and our corporate
success it’s had is incredibly fulfilling.” partners and sponsors,” LaNa conveyed.

Tom has heard from so many IEC The future impact the IEC Foundation
members and grant and scholarship can make is up to IEC members today. WAYS TO GET
recipients on the impact the foundation Across the country, almost every chapter INVOLVED
has had over 25 years. “For me, I’ve been has a story about how the foundation has
most impacted by volunteering with the helped an individual member in their area. • Contributions (various ways
foundation. The opportunity to work with The generational impact the foundation listed on the website)
our industry leaders to impact the lives of can make today and will make tomorrow • Corporate sponsorships
our apprentices that enter the electrical is possible because of Bill Crawford’s
field is really cool to see it firsthand.” dream to give back thanks to someone • Volunteer Opportunities
• Home Depot Pro Xtra
• Amazon Smile
72 Insights Magazine | November/December 2021 | www.ieci.org