CPA Day of Service

Last year, more than 600 volunteers from all over Virginia participated on the inaugural CPA Day of Service to help their communities. This year, we continue to build this new tradition of service with the CPA Day of Service 2010 on September 24!

Click here to take a look at the pictures from the inaugural VSCPA CPA Day of Service.

The CPA Day of Service provides a flexible opportunity for firms and individuals across Virginia to organize their own volunteer activities that focus on giving back to their communities. United together for a single day of service, the CPA profession can make a resounding impact in the Commonwealth.

• How Do I Participate? 
• How Do I Choose an Organization to Help?
• What Are My Colleagues Doing? 
• How Can I Get More Information? 

How Do I Participate? | Top

As a CPA, you know that diligent preparation leads to the best results. Get started right away to make the most of your CPA Day of Service event. Just follow the six simple steps to service:

1. Select Your Cause — Start off by choosing an organization to work with on September 24. If you don't already have an organization in mind, we've assembled a list of suggestions below.
2. Contact Your Charity — It's important that you contact your charity immediately. Waiting until the last minute on this step could cause difficulties for you and the charity as you try to set up your event. Get in touch to find out what opportunities are available with your selected organization on September 24 and begin to set up your event.
3. Sign Up by August 13 — After you have chosen and contacted an organization, fill out the online form to officially sign up for the CPA Day of Service. You'll want to make sure you're signed up by August 13 to get FREE T-shirts for you and your group (all VSCPA members signed up before August 13 receive free T-shirts; nonmembers can purchase shirts for $9.49 each + tax & shipping).
   
   
4. Plan Your Event — This is the ongoing step that leads up to the CPA Day of Service. Work with your team and your chosen charity to firm up plans, prepare for your activity and get pumped up for September 24!
5. Roll Up Your Sleeves on September 24 — Show your pride and the generosity of the Virginia CPA community by rolling up your sleeves on September 24. Don't forget your camera to record your event for step 6.
6. Send Us Pictures — After your September 24 event, make sure to send us pictures of your event and feedback/comments on what you accomplished or what the CPA Day of Service meant to your and your team. Do this by October 1 and we'll post all the pictures in an online photo album so you can see what your peers and colleagues did as well. Plus, some pictures will be included in the November/December issue of Disclosures magazine.

For more information on CPA Day of Service, contact VSCPA Community Relations Coordinator Tracey Zink at tzink@vscpa.com or (804) 612-9427.

How Do I Choose an Organization to Help? | Top

Many CPAs and CPA firms in Virginia already support organizations with whom they have a standing relationship. If that is you, we applaud you and encourage you to use the CPA Day of Service to strengthen that bond.

If, however, you are looking for a good cause, we've gathered a list containing a few suggestions. Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list of deserving organizations in Virginia, and we encourage you to seek out an opportunity that matches your passion if you are so moved.

• Virginia Food Banks (www.vafoodbanks.org)
• Meals on Wheels (www.mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/va)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters (www.bbbs.org)
• Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org)
• Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org)
• Prevent Child Abuse Virginia (www.preventchildabuseva.org)
• SPCA (www.spca.com) (find your local SPCA by typing "SPCA" and your area/city into your favorite online search website)
• Special Olympics Virginia (www.specialolympicsva.org)
• United Way (www.liveunited.org)
• YMCA (www.ymca.net)
• YWCA (www.ywca.org)

• Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org)
• Hands On Greater Richmond (www.handsongr.org)
• Starbuck's Pledge (pledge5.starbucks.com)
• Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org)
• Volunteer Virginia (www.vaservice.org/go/volunteer/involved)  

These charitable organizations need help all year. Even if you find yourself unable to participate in the CPA Day of Service on September 24, you can still make a meaningful impact on your community by volunteering when it is more convenient for you. Organize a food drive in your office, strengthen ties with colleagues and friends by volunteering as a group or use a volunteer opportunity as a great team-building event for your staff. Show your generosity and volunteer today!

What Are My Colleagues Doing? | Top

See who's volunteering! Click here to see the VSCPA members (as well as nonmembers) participating in the CPA Day of Service by helping local organizations on September 24, 2010!

How Can I Get More Information? | Top

We can help you or your firm or company figure out what to do for the CPA Day of Service! Contact VSCPA Community Relations Coordinator Tracey Zink at tzink@vscpa.com or (804) 612-9427.