A/E Philanthropy Award

We are proud that so many architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firms demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their communities through ongoing philanthropic support and volunteer activity . Some firms have established their own 501 (c) 3 non-profit foundations , others support local charities and national organizations through volunteerism, mentoring, fundraising, and cash and in- kind donations. To recognize these efforts and acknowledge those in the A/E industry who are making a difference for the greater good, ZweigWhite established the A/E Philanthropy Award in 2010. Deltek has been the award sponsor in 2010 and 2011.

WK Dickson Announced as Winner of the 2011 A/E Philanthropy Award

WK Dickson, a multi-disciplined consulting firm based in Charlotte, N.C , wanted to bring attention and meaning to the water and sanitation crisis facing the undeveloped world and support the philanthropy, Water for People (www.waterforpeople.org). The firm had been supporting this philanthropy financially for several years, but desired something more active and hands-on than simply writing a check.

Beginning in January of 2011, a unique campaign called Climb for Water, was developed. Two WK Dickson employees traveled to Tanzania, Africa, where they volunteered at local villages, assessed water conditions and helped out where they could. Leading up to departure, they partnered with another non-profit organization named Soles4Souls (www.soles4souls.org) who provided them with nearly 100 pairs of brand new athletic shoes that were distributed to a poverty-stricken orphanage in Moshi, Tanzania, prior to the group’s attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain. The team successfully reached the summit on September 2, 2011.

WK Dickson developed an entire brand identity, logo and website dedicated to the Climb for Water effort. Over 8 months, the site averaged thousands of hits, further spreading the message of the team’s mission and serving as a conduit for PayPal donations. Since the launch in early 2011, the WK Dickson climbing team has received significant press, and has been asked to present their findings at several conferences related to water resources. The Climb for Water campaign has raised enough money to provide nearly 1,000 people with clean water for the rest of their lives.

As the 2011 sponsor of the award, Deltek – the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for professional services firms and government contractors – honored this firm with a special trophy and a $5,000 cash donation to an eligible foundation/charity of that firm’s choosing. The award was announced at The Zweig Letter 2011 Hot Firm Conference and Celebration, which took place October 26-27, 2011, at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach, Calif.

“Strategic philanthropy and running a successful A/E firm are neither mutually exclusive nor limited to the largest of firms,” says Diane Albano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Deltek Professional Services business unit. “Congratulations to each of the outstanding 2011 A/E Philanthropy nominees. The A/E industry is making a significant difference in communities around the world. Deltek applauds these efforts and is humbled to be your partner.”

Albano added, “The WK Dickson & Co. Climb for Water initiative is remarkable given the support of senior management, the backing of an integrated marketing campaign, and contributions from competing firms. As impressive as those are, the impact through clean water and shoes is more so!”

Information about the 2012 A/E Philanthropy Award, including application details, can be obtained by emailing events@zweigwhite.com