All Bonadio Group offices were closed on Friday, as the CPA firm celebrated its fifth annual Purpose Day. This tradition encourages staff members to spend a day volunteering at various charitable organizations, and over 560 staff members participated across New York State.
“Just as with our client relationships, the Bonadio Group is committed to serving the communities in which our employees live and work with promise, purpose and passion,” said Bonadio Group CEO Bruce Zicari. “Purpose Day is a reflection of that commitment, and we are grateful for the continued opportunity to donate our time and service to organizations that support those in need.”
This year, Purpose Day adopted the “To Be Giving” theme, which references the To Be Greater campaign that strove to improve the employee experience. In the morning, Purpose Day participants took part in activities that ranged from painting to weeding community gardens and conducting mock interviews. When the sun went down, volunteers then gathered in their respective offices to share a picnic, and they were given access to food trucks and live music. Currently serving his 25th year at the Bonadio Group, Zicari said it was the favorite day of the year for many people in the company.
“We want to help charitable organizations to serve their constituency, and we have always been built around giving back,” said Zicari. “We feel strongly that part of our job is helping make our clients’ lives better, and we do that by giving our resources to their community.”
Around 35 charitable organizations from Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester and Syracuse participated in the event, and this year, Zicari chose the nonprofit Foodlink. It is far from his first involvement with charities, as Zicari is a board member of two benefiting organizations and the president of Nancy & Friends Fighting Cancer, Inc. which he founded after he lost his sister 20 years ago.
“When I came to the firm 30 years ago, Foodlink was one of the very first organizations I became acquainted with,” said Zicari. “They do so much good feeding the poor and hungry in our area, and they do it at a time where we need it the most. “
During its 44-year history, the Bonadio Group demonstrated continuous dedication to nonprofit organizations, as it provides audit, tax and consulting services to over 600 tax-exempt groups every year. These collectives include foundations, fundraising and community-based organizations, art and cultural institutions, along with groups focusing on mental or physical health. The annual 80 hours of training that Bonadio employees are required to complete also includes a course on advanced issues for tax-exempt organizations.
Each year, the company gives the Bonadio Cares Award to the employee who represents the best standard of care, commitment to their community and compassion for others. Bonadio gives a yearly contribution to the United Way Campaign as well, which provides programs, resources and services for low-income individuals across the country.
