Jean Therapy – Employee give-back program at DFT benefits many local organizations
It’s better to give than receive.
At least, that’s the mantra of the employees of DFT Communications in Fredonia.
After opening its doors in 1898, DFT has partnered with local non-profit organizations in various fundraising campaigns. The popular DFT Communications/Maytum Family Community Betterment Fund has been just one way that this company has chosen to ‘give back’ to the community it has called home for over 121 years.
But, it’s not the only way.
“Casual Friday” became a staple in the American culture late in the 20th century. It did convey a negative connotation for years. Those in various industries saw dress as a reflection of work attitude. So, if the outfits were going casual, what else would go casual?
So DFT chose to capitalize on the clothing conundrum. With ‘Jeans Friday.’
“DFT started Jeans Friday over a decade ago for two reasons,” said Dan Siracuse, Director of Public Relations and Marketing at DFT. “The first was, of course, to allow our employees to feel comfortable going into the weekend. It gives them something small to look forward to during the week. We noticed an improvement in morale, and a more camaraderie between everyone.”
The second reason, Siracuse explains, finds its roots in the almost unrivaled spirit of philanthropy that was established at DFT over a century ago.
“In order to wear jeans on Jeans Friday,” Siracuse explained, “employees are invited to donate at least $1 every Friday to our Jeans Fund. They can, and many do, choose to donate more. Then, at least once a quarter, the funds are donated to local non-profit organizations.”
Organizations that have benefitted from the Jeans Fund at DFT include the American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, Brocton-Portland Food Pantry, Chautauqua County Humane Society Chautauqua Striders, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, The Friendly Kitchen, Komen WNY Race for the Cure, Lakeshore Humane Society, Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue & Putts for Mutts, Partners in Kind, The Pet Pantry, RO Foundation, The Salvation Army, The Silver Creek Food Pantry, United Way, and the Westfield Community Kitchen.
“Jeans Friday is a great way to support the local community,” said Senior Account Representative Shannon Davis. “And, it creates a more laid-back atmosphere on a Friday.”
DFT’s attitude of giving is one that can be felt within the very walls of the company and seen in the community in so many ways. The Robert Maytum Memorial Golf Tournament, now in its 21st year, raises over $20,000 every year for organizations to benefit from.
Jeans Friday, and the various other community improvement initiatives supported by DFT and its employees, have been cemented into the company, and will continue into the future for years to come.
About DFT Communications
Founded in 1898 in Arthur R. Maytum’s grocery store, DFT has been serving Western New York for over 121 years. DFT Communications is a family of companies linking neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend and business to business.
Over the past 121 years, we’ve updated equipment, expanded services and added subscribers. DFT Communications and Netsync offer residential and business Internet Services, Digital Phone Service, Business Telephone Systems, Security Systems, IT Management Services and Wireless Communications. DFT has proven itself as a premier service provider in Chautauqua County and throughout Western New York and parts of Pennsylvania. You can learn more about the services offered by DFT Communications by going to www.dftcommunications.com.
