Employees tell us their reasons for contributing to SHARE

"The education of a child seems to me to be both precious and vital. Precious because a child's capacity for learning is vast, yet fleeting. Vital because, statistically, the level of education is the single best predictor of health, escape from poverty and crime, and the higher education of one's own children.
“Asante Africa embraces this concern, and that is why I support them through SHARE. Their mission is to facilitate and strengthen the health and education of children and families in African countries, because ‘every child deserves an education, regardless of the latitude or longitude in which they are born.’ They tackle this mission in a clear-eyed, nuanced fashion that depends, critically, on partnering with trustworthy in-country individuals equally dedicated to education.
“Education is the classic virtuous circle, and Asanta Africa wants to extend that circle to encompass the globe."

Philip Kegelmeyer, 8962
Asante Africa Foundation

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“I share my contribution with Shepherd's Gate, a battered women's shelter recently opened in Brentwood. I have so much to be grateful for - a home, a good job, a spouse that values me, great children and grandchildren. Because of these and much more I feel that I can and should share with those less fortunate. Because there but the grace of God go I!”

Pat Burkhart, 8205
Shepherd's Gate

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"My wife Christa and I discussed the importance of "giving back" to the community for the first time over 28 years ago. Three kids grown and off to college later, several different careers within Sandia… nothing has changed our commitment to the LEAP/SHARE effort. We have always been and will always be what was originally called a "Fair Share" contributor. We as a family have been blessed with health, jobs, and purpose to our lives and we feel we need to respond out of our gratitude."

Bill Even, 8220

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"I contribute to SHARE because it makes me feel good that my small contribution might be enough to help someone through a tough time."

Mike Firneno, 82071

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“I am excited to contribute to SHARE again this year because it is an opportunity to give money to an organization that shares my love for animals. I SHARE on behalf of my dog and cat, Shiloh and Ally.”

Jenn Hallstrom, 8528 SPCA

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"While it may seem self-serving, contributing to a cause that has directly affected your family can make giving a more personal action. For me, after losing someone to Alzheimer's disease, I direct 100% of my contributions to that association. Knowing the terrible effects of this disease and that in a small way I may help others find prevention or treatment makes my contribution very personal. I am not just giving money to a faceless organization, which was important to me."

Dan Hardin, 8227
Alzheimer’s Association

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“I look forward to participating in SHARE because my family has been affected by ALS and I want to contribute to finding a cure.”

Kelly Nykodym, 8524
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

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"I contribute to SHARE because it provides a convenient opportunity to give outside my Church family. I select a different organization each year."

Robert Petro, 8527

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"SHARE is a convenient way for me to automatically and consistently support my favorite charities. The write-in option allows me to precisely designate where my dollars go. I like making my donations through SHARE in order to help the local community see Sandia National Laboratories as a member of the community, as opposed to an impersonal federal entity."

Debra Post, 8248

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"Because we have a son with medical issues, we are continually exposed to people who face serious issues in their lives every day. It reminds us how fortunate we are and how real are the needs of so many others. For those of us who have been blessed with good health, secure finances, and stable lives, it is easy to overlook how blessed we are, and to forget all those people who have not been equally blessed."

Bill Rorke, 8244

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“I want my charitable contributions to be stewarded by a Community Foundation. Community Foundations are the best in the world for this kind of special work. That is why I send the majority of my annual charitable contributions through Sandia’s SHARE program.”

James E. Simmons, 8528
TVCF; the China Lake Museum Foundation; Upper Mojave Desert Historical Society; Kern 178 Corridor Fund; Northgate Community Pride Foundation; Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee