IALR June 2022 Newsletter

If you have ever visited IALR between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you may be familiar with the festive holiday program hosted annually. First launched as Decorating the Trees for a Cause and last year revamped to Decorating the Wreaths for a Cause, this event invites businesses to submit decorated wreaths to raise funds, in the form of votes, for a select charity. The event is a major undertaking and has been spearheaded for 12 years by Ellen Bass, IALR’s Sales and Marketing Manager, who was recently recognized by United Way for her efforts.

“Ellen gives one hundred percent in all that she does to offer exceptional conference services to our guests, businesses and community,” said Leslie Dobbins, Director of the Institute Conference Center and Facilities. “Her leadership in Decorating the Wreaths is always admirable and worthy of commendation. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”

During last month’s annual meeting of United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County, Bass received the Exceptional Event Award for her leadership of the 2021 Decorating the Wreaths for a Cause program. Since the holiday program’s inception in 2010, it has raised more than $135,000 for local charities. In 2021 alone, the new wreaths focus raised more than $16,000. The wreath that collected the most money also received a bonus of $500 at the open house event; it was donated by Goodyear Tire and Rubber to support United Way.

“I am honored to have been recognized in such a special way by United Way, who does a fabulous job of supporting our nonprofit organizations and community on a day-to-day basis,” said Bass. “To lead such an impactful program is very rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to help IALR meet the needs of our community in meaningful ways.”