Dayton CPAs give back to community

(DAYTON, OH) May 18, 2018—Attendees of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants’ 2018 Dayton Accounting Show had the opportunity to do more than expand their professional knowledge; they also produced donations for the Dayton chapter of St. Vincent de Paul.

Eighteen blankets were tied together by dozens of members, who appreciated the opportunity to use their time to provide joy to a local family. Many also commented that using their hands to tie the blankets helped them focus during their conference sessions.

“OSCPA staff had a wonderful time last December creating blankets for My Very Own Blanket in Westerville, so we were curious whether our members would be interested in doing something like this, too,” said Kari Lux, senior manager of learning operations at the Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA). “We were overwhelmed by the positive response in Dayton, and definitely plan to implement this type of give-back opportunity at future events across the state.”

At the end of the two-day conference, OSCPA staff members stopped at St. Vincent de Paul in Dayton to deliver the blankets and meet with local families.

“Professionals today expect the organizations they associate with to be socially responsible and support the causes they care about,” said Scott Wiley, CAE, president and CEO of OSCPA. “By allowing our members to be part of the process – literally using their hands to tie the blankets and put their own stamp on each donation – they get to feel that sense of purpose on a deeper level. We want them to be proud to be an Ohio CPA and glad they are a part of The Ohio Society of CPAs.”

The blankets will be given to children whose families depend on St. Vincent de Paul for emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, food, clothing and household items.

“We’re so grateful for everything Dayton does to support us each year at the Accounting Show and we’re delighted we had the opportunity to give back to this community,” Wiley said.