This winter was filled with meaningful moments, from supporting families in need to celebrating local heroes, each experience brought us closer to the people and organizations that make our community so special.
In November, our team contributed eight boxes of food and a $1,000 donation to Feed More. This donation helped support families facing food insecurity during the holiday season. Partnering with organizations that bring hope directly to our neighbors means so much to us, and it was a powerful reminder of how even small acts can make a big difference during this time of year.
That spirit of giving continued in December when we prepared a home-cooked meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Richmond. We know how overwhelming it can be when a child is away from home receiving medical care, and being able to provide a warm, comforting meal is one small way we can help. Our team enjoys making meals for these families every year, and this year we enjoyed our time so much that we visited twice!
We also had the privilege of attending the 35th Annual Valor Awards, an event dedicated to recognizing the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Honorees included firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders who regularly place themselves in harm’s way to protect others. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the courage, dedication, and selflessness these individuals demonstrate every day, and it was an honor to celebrate their service.
The holiday season would not be complete without time spent with the Allen & Allen family. This year’s festive celebration brought together employees and their children for an afternoon filled with games, laughter, and a special story time with Santa. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces captured the spirit of the season, offering a heartfelt reminder of the traditions and togetherness that make this time of year so meaningful.
As the year came to a close, safety remained top of mind. Our Sober Ride Home initiative returned in full force to help keep Virginia safe on New Year’s Eve. We were able to provide 143 rides to help Virginians get home safely after celebrating. By offering $25 Lyft codes, we hope to encourage responsible choices and prevent impaired driving. Stay tuned as we keep the momentum going with another Sober Ride Home planned for graduation season.
January gave us several opportunities to connect with and celebrate our community in meaningful ways. We kicked things off with an evening cheering on the University of Richmond alongside our 2026 Hometown Heroes. The energy of the game, combined with great food and even better company, created a fun and welcoming atmosphere that made it easy to build genuine connections and get to know our Heroes on a deeper level.
That same spirit of community carried into an uplifting morning in Petersburg at the Second Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. Attorneys Chris Jones and JJ Siegner joined the celebration by handing out hot coffee and hand warmers to marchers along the route, helping everyone stay comfortable in the winter weather. The event was a powerful tribute to Dr. King’s legacy, bringing people together in a shared moment of reflection and unity. We’re especially grateful to Sheriff Crawford and the City of Petersburg for organizing such a meaningful occasion.
As we look back on the winter season, we’re reminded that it’s these moments that truly define our connection. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, celebrating alongside our neighbors, or simply showing up for one another, each experience reinforces why this work matters so much to us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue building these relationships and supporting the people who make our community so strong.