compassion
COLLEAGUES IN COMPASSION Much of the work accomplished by CAP is made possible by the generosity, support, and service of community and corporate partners. Louisville-based Texas Roadhouse has been a valued corporate partner for the past seven years, sending volunteer teams annually to complete an array of projects. Through this partnership, Texas Roadhouse is helping to transform the region, directly impacting the lives of Appalachian children and their families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. We reached out to Diania Ciresi, Sr. Manager of Community Relations for Texas Roadhouse, to learn more about this partnership, what drives their volunteer efforts, and their continued commitment to the region. How long has Texas Roadhouse worked with CAP and how did that relationship begin? Texas Roadhouse began its relationship with CAP in 2010. A rep with CAP reached out to meet with me – I had always had an interest in reaching beyond our local community and had interest in the Appalachian region. I explained to him that we don’t just write checks but strive to involve our employees in as many of our philanthropy initiatives as possible. He rose to the challenge and within only a few weeks had a project to discuss.
Housing Program. We spent time with families, making improvements to their homes by building ramps, replacing windows, and providing general property enhancements. We then returned to Camp Shawnee for the past two years.
“[We] strive to involve our employees in as many of our philanthropy initiatives as possible.”
On what kind of projects has your group worked? After my tour of Eastern Kentucky with a CAP representative, I approached our Accounting Team about a potential project – enhancing the Eagle Community Center in McCreary County. We painted, cleaned and organized, and installed a huge sand volleyball pit. We also hosted a party for the community with food, line dancing, and games.
This year at Camp Shawnee, our team of 16 volunteers assembled bunk beds (Note: Texas Roadhouse has now provided EVERY bunk bed and mattress in the camp), built shelves and tables for the new Craft Room, and organized the clothes closet (for campers in need) in the community center.
We worked at Camp Shawnee for two years after that, then spent two years working in the Elderly
Our volunteer teams have completed a variety of projects at Camp Shawnee over the years. We screened
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christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive | SPRING / SUMMER 2017
