A Fort Lauderdale company’s recent donation shows the power of corporate social responsibility.
United National Consumer Suppliers recently pledged $250,000 to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation through its new 501(c)(3) nonprofit UNCS Cares Foundation.
The wholesale distribution company is led by founder Brett Rose, who is relearning to walk after a mosquito bite led to five diseases that left him paralyzed. He and his children, Mackenzie and Parker (pictured above), recently supported Joe DiMaggio through participating in the Tour de Broward fundraiser. Because of his illnesses, Rose spent extended time at Memorial Regional Hospital, part of the Memorial Healthcare System under which Joe DiMaggio operates.
“Having a child with a serious illness is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face,” said Rose. “Our donation is grounded in the shared belief that families should have the necessary resources to care for a hospitalized child, along with the support to strengthen their well-being and resiliency during a challenging time.”
This isn’t the first time UNCS makes a difference in the community. Employees have raised and donated more than $500,000 to local organizations that assist at-risk children and families. At annual bike and back-to-school drives, they have provided more than 7,000 backpacks and 5,000 bicycles.
“Our company DNA is steep in community development and charitable endeavors,” Rose said. “UNCS Cares has been created to advance our mission of ‘making a positive difference’ and will encourage and incorporate numerous initiatives from the past like our bike and food drives as well as new endeavors.”
The hospital’s foundation seeks to support patients and families by underwriting facilities, equipment and programs that support its mission.
“This donation from Brett Rose and the UNCS Cares Foundation will improve the lives of the children and families we serve at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital,” said Kevin Janser, senior vice president and chief development officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “Their generosity and community focus are an example of the power of impactful philanthropy.”
