Meaningful Connections Abound at Retail Orphan Initiative's SuperSaturday in NYC
Thrive in Joy kicked off the new year by attending Retail Orphan Initiative’s (RetailROI, Inc.) SuperSaturday in New York City on January 13th. Sponsored primarily by technology companies providing solutions for the retail industry, this year's sold-out annual event raised over $300,000. The proceeds support the work of the nonprofits who are invited to share their mission and encourage attendees to join them on a vision trip to the locations where they serve. Every year this gathering of charities and industry executives proves there are endless possibilities for professional and philanthropic collaboration.
RetailROI’s co-founder, Greg Buzek, and his dedicated team always deliver on their "Tech and Tears" model, providing insights on how retailers and technology providers can improve the way we shop while spotlighting organizations that are tirelessly working to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children and their families both in the U.S. as well as internationally.
Our team of Mary and Jay Fagnano, along with Elizabeth Rojas, were inspired by keynote speaker Darryl (RunDMC) McDaniels, who talked about his journey of discovering he was adopted and how it led to his determination to give hope and opportunity to foster youth. We were also thrilled to see Mark MacLaren presented with the coveted ROI Bobblehead Hall of Fame award for his contributions to Global Leadership Academy in South Africa, which included his work with Thrive in Joy developing our C11 Strength of Character Leaders Guide and student Journey Books. We also were honored to join Dan Grady, with his family and colleagues for his 21st and final client dinner at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse. Dan is shifting his training and project management expertise from helping retailers achieve success to helping students in Jeffreys Bay South Africa, and other under-resourced parts of the world, achieve success through educational programs that meet their unique needs.
Thanks to RetailROI's support in 2023, Thrive in Joy's C11 strength of character and entrepreneurial social impact program is active at three Los Angeles high schools serving teens from low-income communities as well as Global Leadership Academy in South Africa and Liceo Angel Maria Hernandez High School in the Dominican Republic.
Thrive in Joy looks forward to having some of the wonderful people we met…along with anyone else who is interested….join us on our October 16-22, 2024 vision trip to the Dominican Republic. If you’re interested in learning more about our trip this fall, please fill out our interest form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRgeneralinterest.