Part of being an Orion employee is becoming immersed in the idea of service – not just to our members, but to our community.  We try to inspire a spirit of giving by having a variety of giving opportunities available – from our $5-Jeans-Fridays charity fund to chances to volunteer on company time.

But sometimes, things work the other way around – and our employees inspire us with how they take the ideal of giving back to heart.

Lori Poley is one of those employees.  About a year ago, she participated in a corporate volunteer event at the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.  That visit inspired her to adopt the non-profit as her special cause.  She became a regular volunteer at RMH, spending 2 nights a month at the nonprofit.  She also helps with their  fundraisers, such as their Red Shoe Gala and Radiothon, and at third party events that support RMH, such as the Southern Hot Wing Festival.  She ended up logging over 60 hours of service to them in 2015, and was even named Orion’s Volunteer of the Year.

 Q&A with Lori:

Why do you volunteer?
God blessed me with a healthy daughter and 2 healthy grandchildren. For me, this is my way of saying thank you to God.

Why did you choose RMH for your volunteer work?
I was moved by my first time volunteering at their annual Radiothon.  There was a young patient who helped us with the calls. He was AMAZING!! If I’m not mistaken, he was 4 years old. He was such an inspiration to me.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?
The kids. You see babies, toddlers, preschoolers, all the way through high school. Each and every one is very grateful for what they have.  They really make you appreciate what you have and are a reminder of what is really important in your own life.  No matter what they are going through, they have the best attitude.  That is true strength.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about Ronald McDonald House?
The children will change your life. They are all true heroes.

I just wanted say another huge “Thank You” for all the support of the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis from Orion and so many of your wonderful employees. What you guys do for us – and many other causes in our community – is just unbelievable. Thank you for being such a good corporate citizen and supporting our “home-away-from-home.”

–  B. Scott Duke, Manager, Corporate Giving Foundation at RMH Memphis