Four Seasons kicks off its 2011 fundraising campaign with 8th annual pumpkin carving contest

Four Seasons employees came together in friendly competition at their 8th annual pumpkin carving contest, kicking off their United Way Toronto fundraising campaign.

Longtime supporters of United Way Toronto, Four Seasons employees geared up for this year’s two-week fundraising campaign—they’re aiming to raise $470,000 for our community—by kicking off a series of fun events with a favourite tradition. Now in its eighth year, the pumpkin carving contest is a departmental competition that sees teams compete for top honours.

Employees only have 45 minutes to carve their pumpkins—but there are no rules to advance preparation, so they must do their best, often outdoing themselves with elaborate themes, costumes, dance routines, and even pyrotechnics. Many teams really got into the United Way spirit, incorporating elements of the work we do in our community.

Along with the contest, employees take part in other fundraising activities, such as an agency tour at our member agencies Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services, a Leadership Giving kickoff with John Tory as guest speaker, and the popular spring and fall employee sale where employees (plus family and friends) can purchase items in their hotels at a lower cost. This year’s sales grossed well over $230,000.

Plus, the fundraising committee also holds a daily raffle throughout the two fundraising weeks for donated prizes as an incentive to get employees involved. The early-bird prize was a 42” LCD TV, which drew a 59% participation rate in the first day of the campaign. The grand prize is a trip for two including airfare to stay at Four Seasons Miami in a beautiful one-bedroom suite.

“It is part of our corporate culture and instilled in the golden rule, our company's main tenet: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’” explains Huxley Hogeboom, campaign co-chair.

“We are a proud Canadian company that has been a part of the Toronto community for 50 years, so we know that a strong, healthy, and safe city benefits all of us.”

With 350 employees and a participation rate of 82% last year, Four Seasons is hoping to increase its fundraising amount from last year’s goal, despite having slightly fewer employees this year. Fortunately, they have CEO Katie Taylor and Executive Vice President Nick Mutton—longtime supporters of United Way Toronto—leading the way in championing the cause, so they’re sure to achieve their goal.

All the best of luck and thank you for your continued support Four Seasons!