Katie Buniski

Katie Buniski

Global Communications Intern

June 06, 2024

West Without Borders: Empowering Employees, Making a Difference One Charity at a Time

Every year, West without Borders, the global employee-led program at West, chooses a charity to support, demonstrating the company's commitment to giving back. In 2023, the program selected the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) as its charity of choice. The decision was met with enthusiasm from team members across West's global headquarters and beyond.

The company was recognized at the MJFF MVP event for being a top 10 fundraiser of 2023.

Throughout three impactful weeks in May, team members rallied together, showcasing their generosity and compassion. Their collective efforts resulted in a generous donation of over $150,000, which was matched by the Herman O West Foundation. They raised over $300,000. in support of MJFF's mission to accelerate the next generation of Parkinson's disease treatments.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to driving progress in Parkinson's research, aiming to improve the lives of those affected by this challenging disease. By funding crucial projects and addressing field-wide obstacles, MJFF plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing patient care.

At West, the campaign to support MJFF was more than just a fundraising initiative; it was a deeply personal endeavor. Team members shared touching stories and experiences, highlighting their connections to Parkinson's disease and their gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference. Jay Stephens, Charles Witherspoon, and Caitlin Joran , among others, expressed their appreciation for being able to contribute to to a cause that holds special significance for them.

The program's success was a testament to the dedication and unity of West's employees across various locations, including Exton, Radnor, Eagleview, and Upper Darby. Together, they demonstrated the power of collective action, showcasing the impact that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause.

West's commitment to philanthropy did not go unnoticed. The company was recognized at the MJFF MVP event for being a top 10 fundraiser of 2023. Team members Jay and Caitlin along with Caitlin’s mom, represented West with pride. Their participation in the event symbolized the meaningful partnership between West and MJFF, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving positive change.

As the campaign concluded, Jay and Caitlin reflected on the significance of their involvement and why it resonated deeply with them.

Jay’s Perspective: I am deeply grateful for all the support West has provided through the West without Borders Campaign raising funds to benefit Parkinson’s research

Jay’s Perspective:

I am deeply grateful for all the support West has provided through the West without Borders Campaign raising funds to benefit Parkinson’s research. My best friend’s father was diagnosed 15 years ago and, at first, I did know not much about this disease and the impact it would have on him. So, I did what anyone in my position would do; I googled what Parkinson’s was. I learned very quickly how serious such a diagnosis was and that no cure was available. In an effort to help my best friend’s father’s situation, he started a golf outing titled “Putt for Parkinson’s” in 2012. That year we started with 12 golfers and raised a little over a thousand dollars which was fully donated to MJFF. Over time, the event grow with more golfers, partners and sponsorships continuing to raise additional money each year to fund the incredible research at MJFF. In 2022, West was gracious enough to be our title sponsor (and still to this day) and helped elevate the event which now includes 400 golfers annually and total over fifty thousand dollars in donations to MJFF each year. Unfortunately, in 2023 we lost “Big Lou” as his battle with Parkinson’s came to an end but the fight to find a cure continues on. Words cannot express the tirelessly efforts for advocates, like myself, Caitlin and West, to raise awareness and contribute to our mission of finding a cure for this disease. West unwavering dedication and generosity help make tremendous impacts to various charities, like MJFF, to fund critical research and support innovative treatments. I am deeply proud to work at West and to be a member of this incredible community. It is truly inspiring to witness the culture and employees rally around a cause, supporting not only the mission but also each other. I am forever grateful for the steadfast support of West and the profound impact their philanthropic work has on the lives of those affected by this disease. Thank you for standing with me and making a difference in this vital journey.

West unwavering dedication and generosity help make tremendous impacts to various charities, like MJFF, to fund critical research and support innovative treatments

Caitlin’s Perspective:

Team members Jay and Caitlin along with Caitlin’s mom, represented West with pride.

The support West provides to Parkinsons research and fundraising means a lot to me because I have watched my mom battle this disease for over 18 years. She is my hero. She wakes up every day and takes this disease in stride. The work the Micheal J. Fox foundation does to support research for finding a cause and cure for this disease is so important. When she was first diagnosed, we took a vacation as a family thinking it would be the last. The constant need for new and improved treatments is essential for quality of life. Although medications help with treatment of the symptoms, the challenge is finding the cause and cure for this disease. There is nothing to prevent it, pause it or cure it, which is why fundraising efforts like this are so important. The more I walk her journey with her the more Parkinson’s is found throughout my life. My best friend’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and lost his battle, I have two uncles recently diagnosed (non-blood related) with this disease and I hear more and more people say “oh I know someone with Parkinson’s” the more I share my story. My family started a walk (The Avalon Flip-Flop Walk for a Cure for Parkinson’s) 15 years ago to support local funding and research through the Parkinsons council in Philadelphia, West also sponsors that walk for the past 10 years and I am beyond thankful for their support. Through the constant efforts of charities like Michael J Fox Foundation and the Parkinson’s Council, my mom has been able to continue to walk, talk, swallow and function which is not always the case with this disease. A statement on the wall at the Michael J Fox Foundation Award Ceremony was “Here, until Parkinson’s isn’t” and seeing the research and strides that these charities are making gives us hope that one day there will be a cure or at least a means to pause the disease in its tracks.

 

Their heartfelt testimonials emphasized the personal connections and sense of fulfillment derived from supporting MJFF's vital mission

Their heartfelt testimonials emphasized the personal connections and sense of fulfillment derived from supporting MJFF's vital mission. In recognition of their outstanding efforts, West was celebrated as one of MJFF's top ten teams, further solidifying the company's commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. The journey to support MJFF was more than a fundraising endeavor; it was a testament to West's values of compassion, unity, and empowerment.

Through West Without Borders, employees continue to inspire and uplift communities, embodying the spirit of philanthropy and collective action. As West looks towards the future, the company remains steadfast in its dedication to creating positive change and transforming lives, one charitable initiative at a time.

West without Borders is not affiliated with Doctors Without Borders®, which is a registered service mark of Bureau International de Médecins San Frontières.