DONOR SPOTLIGHT

LIVING OUT VALUES THROUGH PHILANTHROPY

A CONVERSATION WITH DANIEL HATFIELD, FOUNDER & CEO AT TECOLOGY

How did you become involved?

I was first introduced to Youth Villages when a close friend invited me to one of the nonprofit’s events where they shared about the LifeSet program and its work to help young adults in foster care safely transition to adulthood. Over the last couple of years, I have got my business involved as a corporate sponsor. Our first event was a virtual social in 2020, and then, this year, we were a presenting sponsor for the Fall Celebration and Holiday Heroes campaign. I am proud that Tecology and my staff are involved with Youth Villages, and that we can live out our values by helping this work continue.

What sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?

Youth Villages has a clear mission: to help kids and families be successful. Working to keep kids in safe homes and supporting youth aging out of foster care as they transition into adulthood are not easy tasks. But both are vitally important to the health of our community. Youth Villages has an outstanding track record on both issues.

Why do you support Youth Villages with your philanthropic investment?

Tecology has always been a company that gives. It reflects who we are as individuals and as a team, and it’s how we want people to know us. We want our brand to be associated with work in the community that we’re proud of, and Youth Villages’ mission is one that resonates strongly with our team. We’ve always believed in putting our profits where our hearts are, and getting to support this work, getting our team involved in the Holiday Heroes campaign and other volunteering efforts are reflective of that mission. For years now, we’ve redirected almost the entirety of our marketing budget to philanthropy, and we’re proud of the positive return that has had on our community and with our staff.

What would you say to encourage others to financially support Youth Villages?

There are clear gaps in services for so many young people and families that organizations like Youth Villages are actively working to fill. It is on us, as a community, to make sure we use our generosity to elevate their work. You won’t find a better investment than Youth Villages, and I know you will be just as proud to partner with them and support their work as we are.