This past month, Rackers from across the CFO group exchanged their calculators and spreadsheets for paint brushes and limb trimmers in a sweeping effort to help maintain the beauty and integrity of Brackenridge Park, one of San Antonio’s oldest and most renowned public landmarks. With an area spanning nearly 344 acres, the humid morning that lay before us promised no shortage of items needing a little (or a lot of) attention. After a quick power up on breakfast tacos and orange juice, we followed park officials to our various job sites and delved headfirst into our respective assignments.
In true Racker fashion, the various challenges our duties held were met with the same spirit of Fanatical Support that is a constant back at the office. Whether picking up litter, touching up paint, or cutting down more bamboo overgrowth than a squadron of ravenous panda bears, CFO Rackers demonstrated their abilities not only to meet but to exceed expectations time and again. End of work goals set by the park overseers were pushed back several times as it became clear our efforts, numbers, and willingness to get the job done had been underestimated. The park personnel seemed genuinely surprised and very thankful for the helping hand they received from a few Rackers looking to roll up their sleeves to make a positive difference outside the bounds of their everyday work environment.
This is not the first time the CFO Group has traded some of their designated “fun time” for a chance to engage in a little community outreach. Last year’s outing was spent at the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, an organization that provides care and counseling for children grieving the loss of loved ones. While there, Rackers tackled everything from painting furniture to planting trees and shrubs.
Earlier this year, the GL, SEC, and Tax Accounting teams volunteered at the Magdalena House, a transitional facility that houses women and children who have experienced extreme violence, abuse, and exploitation and provides them a safe and nurturing home and hope for a life of independence and self-sufficiency. Tasks for the Racker volunteers included raking leaves, planting a garden, painting gates, and organizing and cleaning the children’s play room, and other manual labor.
Additionally, the Racker Accounting Services (RAS) team, a CFO sub-team, has cultivated a strong relationship with Boysville of Texas, sending team members on various volunteer outings over the past two years. Boysville is honoring the RAS team for their dedication at a dinner later this month.
It’s always inspiring to see how the level of coordination and efficiency we employ in the office daily can translate seamlessly to just about anything we put our minds to. These displays of teamwork, dedication, and generosity are the very definition of what it means to be a Racker.
I’m proud to be part of a group that is willing to set aside some of their time to reach out and impact our community in such a positive way. It certainly is rewarding to know that your dedication was impactful and appreciated.
Way to go CFO Rackers! Keep up the good work.
Post by Michael Aguirre
Editied by Michelle Roberts
