Philanthropy is a conversation.
Between charities and the citizens they help support. Between community foundations such as WCCF and its donors. Between entrepreneurs and the neighbors who surround their businesses. Between the past and the present, as a pathway to a more prosperous future for all. And any good conversation requires not merely two parties talking at one another, but rather exchanging stories and ideas with the selflessness necessitated by the act of truly hearing each other.
Listening, then, is at the heart of philanthropy: We cannot know how to help our community without first pausing to genuinely hear the stories of our region and its people. Stories of hardship and struggle, but also stories of desire and passion and dreaming.
Considering this simple but profound truth, both the success of True Fit Marketing and its much-deserved honor of receiving this year’s Charles C. Keller Excellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy seem inevitable.
The award, created by the WCCF’s Board of Trustees in 2001, recognizes a local business for exemplary giving and community service. Yes, nominees have a proven track record of donating resources to the community. However, most importantly, the for-profit businesses under consideration for the Charles C. Keller Excellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy go deeper: They cultivate a company-wide philosophy of generosity and altruism, creating an environment that allows employees at all levels to pursue charitable efforts. They promote and encourage active participation in the community and proactively use their time, talents, and business acumen to aid local nonprofits.
True Fit Marketing is a perfect fit. They have proven they understand what it means to have a conversation—and to listen. Created by Arlea Hoffman in 2018 and currently based in Southpointe with 10 employees, the full-service marketing firm has built an entire business model around this idea. They thrive in creating a truly customized creative experience by first and foremost listening to each client’s goals and needs. They are storytellers and have become industry leaders by knowing how to ignite conversations with their clients that allow everyone involved to feel seen and understood for better outcomes. These same principles apply to their philanthropic efforts. By listening to who needs assistance in our community, they can answer the call to help. Their leadership serves on the boards and committees of charities such as Food Helpers. They offer pro bono marketing services for vital organizations such as Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA, Dress for Success, and Leadership Washington County. Their employees volunteer with a variety of charities, such as the Salvation Army and Mon Valley Alliance.
In other words, True Fit Marketing’s commitment to philanthropy in Washington County is all-encompassing and robust. What’s more impressive? The company recently celebrated its six-year anniversary. Still in its infancy, True Fit has already begun building a legacy which promises to benefit Washington County for years to come.