September 25, 2017

San Diego, CA- In today’s business climate, corporate social responsibility is as important as the bottom line. In fact, it can be a key strategy to increasing the bottom line and keeping employees and shareholders engaged. Southwest Airlines recognizes the importance of serving as a philanthropic corporate citizen, and Promises2Kids can testify to its impact on the children and young adults it serves.

Southwest Airlines has been Promises2Kids’ Official Airline since 2014. Since then, they have been a huge community partner and have supported the entire agency, including sponsorships for Promises2Kids’ Junior Guardian Scholars program, and its Dream On Concert Gala.

“Customers with a favorable impression of a company’s charitable activities are three times more likely to be loyal customers,” said Bob Kelly, former president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation. He added that employees who believe in their company’s philanthropy are five times more likely to remain with that employer.” 

Tonya Torosian, CEO of Promises2Kids, emphasized that the organization’s relationship with Southwest Airlines is unique and special. “Southwest has truly taken that extra step that means so much to us,” she said. “Its responsiveness to our mission and generosity has enabled our Junior Guardian Scholars and chaperons to travel Southwest at no cost on annual college tours, and attend out of state events and staff training and development programs. It has endowed us with airfare for foster youth to go home for the holidays, and airfare and gift cards for several fundraising initiatives through live and silent auctions. Since 2016, Southwest has sponsored a student through a Guardian Scholars scholarship that they provide. Any time that Promises2Kids has a need, Southwest Airlines has always come through and been there to support us.”

Tonya added, “Many people take opportunities like this for granted. Many of our foster youth have never flown before, so this was their first experience flying in an airplane. For some, this was their first time traveling outside of San Diego. Because this opportunity is not often afforded to our foster youth and they have no one to take them, this experience can be life changing.”

For years, Southwest Airlines has been a sponsor of Promises2Kids’ annual Dream On Concert Gala; a sold out event benefiting San Diego County foster youth. This year, it served as the Champagne Reception Sponsor.

“We’d like to extend a special thank you to Lidia S. Martinez, Southwest Airlines’ Manager of Community Affairs and Grassroots.  She has demonstrated a heart of gold and shown a sincere interest in the futures of foster youth here in San Diego County,” said Tonya.  “Through her involvement, Southwest Airlines is our cherished corporate citizen and Promises2Kids’ Official Airline.”

“Southwest Airlines is committed to fostering healthy communities and strives to positively influence the lives in each community in a meaningful way,” said Lidia. “Southwest Airlines is proud to support Promises2Kids and its mission to create a brighter future for foster children. With a little help, today’s youth will become tomorrow’s leaders!” 

 

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