Learn about how our team shows gratitude for our community through Stuller Cares®.
Gratitude. Much like love, gratitude finds its truest expression through action rather than simple words. As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, a time dedicated to reflection and appreciation of what’s important in life, we’re reminded of the impression gratitude in action can have.
At Stuller, we are committed to letting our gratitude for our home extend beyond words. Through Stuller Cares® — our charitable giving program — our team comes together to support causes that leave an incredible impact on our community. We support five local non-profits through company-matched donations and volunteerism throughout the year, doing our best to build up a community that shows us so much support.
In honor of the Thanksgiving season, we wanted to share a little about these organizations, their missions, and why our team believes in them.
Miles Perret Cancer Services
Founded in 2002, Miles Perret Cancer Services is a resource for families navigating testing, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in patients of all ages. Miles Perret Cancer Services has helped more than 16,000 families in the Lafayette area and beyond through emotional support programs and non-medical needs such as wigs, prosthetics, and much more.
In the month of October, we raised money in honor of breast cancer through t-shirt and sweater sales. We sold more than 400 items with all proceeds going to Miles Perret Cancer Services. Additionally, our annual donations helped provide 3,600 families with medical supplies, nutritional supplements, wigs, and more.
“My cousin Courtney and I had a very special/unique relationship due to both having our own experience with battling breast cancer. She made sure she was there for me with giving me tips on how to overcome this tough battle. One thing about cancer is that it overall takes a toll on your body and mental state. However, we both held close to our hearts the power of positive thinking, faith, and a strong support system.
Although Courtney is no longer with us in person, her spirit and strength will stay with me always. During our experience, Miles Perret Cancer Services was the perfect support. They were there for me with anything I needed, both physically and mentally. I’m grateful to have had both them and Courtney in my life. That is why I’m happy that Stuller joins me in supporting Miles Perret Cancer Services.”
Although Courtney is no longer with us in person, her spirit and strength will stay with me always. During our experience, Miles Perret Cancer Services was the perfect support. They were there for me with anything I needed, both physically and mentally. I’m grateful to have had both them and Courtney in my life. That is why I’m happy that Stuller joins me in supporting Miles Perret Cancer Services.”
Rametria Celestine
Diamond Quality Assurance Associate
Maddie's Footprints
Maddie’s Footprints was formed out of a parent’s worst nightmare and exists to make sure families don’t have to deal with the sudden loss of a child alone. Established in 2010, it’s named for Madeline McGrew, who was stillborn to her parents Lori and Travis. Now, they work tirelessly to support families by paying end-of-life and funeral expenses as well as offering emotional support.
Our team came together this year to raise funds with more than 80 participants in the Footprints Forever 5K as well as regular donations that assisted 12 families with funeral expenses.
“In March of 2023, my husband and I lost our baby girl, Camille Catherine, at 16 weeks. We never thought we'd be in the shoes we were in. Within hours, Maddie's Footprints called me to see how I was and to let me know how they could assist me on this journey emotionally as well as financially. They took care of everything as we laid our baby to rest.
Working for an organization that supports organizations like Maddie's Footprints is amazing! I'm thankful for my friends, family, and Stuller coworkers who have stepped up to help me repay the kindness Maddie's Footprints showed me and donate the equivalent of what they provided our family.”
Working for an organization that supports organizations like Maddie's Footprints is amazing! I'm thankful for my friends, family, and Stuller coworkers who have stepped up to help me repay the kindness Maddie's Footprints showed me and donate the equivalent of what they provided our family.”
Nichole Guillory
Public Relations & Social Media Manager
Acadiana Animal Aid
For more than 40 years, Acadiana Animal Aid has operated as a no-kill animal welfare organization that rescues an average of 3,000 dogs and cats annually. The dedicated volunteers and staff are fueled by a passion to protect all animals in their care until they all have a home.
This year, our efforts to support Acadiana Animal Aid has resulted in more than 550 cats and dogs provided with initial veterinary services and more than 1,000 items donated during our annual supply drive.
“I was raised in a family that prioritizes giving back to the community. My parents taught me how to get involved and how impactful I could be with my time and/or money. When I was asked to be on the Board of Acadiana Animal Aid, it was both an honor and a no-brainer. Knowing that there are thousands of cats and dogs in our community who, through no fault of their own, are homeless, hungry, or in danger of being euthanized is something that I want to help change.
I think it’s incredibly special to work in an organization, which not only encourages employees to support the community but also gives us the opportunity to do so.”
I think it’s incredibly special to work in an organization, which not only encourages employees to support the community but also gives us the opportunity to do so.”
Alex Stuller
Senior Director of Gemvision
Healing House
For many, grief can be an immensely challenging journey that requires patience, support, and understanding. This can be equally life-altering for a child. Healing House works to provide extensive, professional resources within a safe environment for children ages 4–17 that encourages them to process thoughts and feelings in times of difficulty, especially regarding the loss of a loved one. All services provided to children and families are free of charge and supported by fundraisers, donations, foundations, and grants.
Our team came together this year and collected more than 1,000 items during an annual supply drive that supports the day-to-day operations of Healing House. We also made donations that provided more than 130 children with grief support.
“When it comes to Healing House, I wanted to give more than just money. I wanted to give those kids, teenagers, and caregivers something they really needed — dedicated time and someone to give it. They need time to grieve, time to be themselves, and time to not think about anything and just play around if they want.
Having lost a grandparent, sibling, best friend, and even a co-worker, I’m happy to know that Stuller’s support is more than a check. It’s a community of those who care giving attention to those who need it.”
Having lost a grandparent, sibling, best friend, and even a co-worker, I’m happy to know that Stuller’s support is more than a check. It’s a community of those who care giving attention to those who need it.”
Jackie Tademy
Customer Experience Learning & Development Planner
Parish Proud
Parish Proud was founded in 2019 with the mission of keeping Acadiana — the area surrounding Lafayette — beautiful. Their goal is to create a culture of shared responsibility for maintaining, improving, and preserving the spaces where we live, work, and play.
The Stuller team isn’t afraid to get our hands dirty. This year, 276 volunteers came together to clean and transform more than 1.5 million square feet in various areas of our city.
“Our team in Merida believes when we give back, we can better the lives of the people around us, our loved ones, and the people in our community. That is why we joined the mission of Parish Proud; and a few weeks ago we helped clean up Sisal Beach as a way to create an impact in different parts of the world.”
David Medina
Executive Director of Mexico Operations
Showing Gratitude With Action
Personally, when I think of showing gratitude, I imagine the ripples that form when you drop something in water. They start small and then grow the further they go. One small action of gratitude can have a tremendous effect on someone’s life, your community, and even the world.
The organizations we support with Stuller Cares are an extension of our values. Their hard work supports those in need, builds communal unity, and finds solutions. For this reason, our team is honored to show our gratitude to both these organizations and our community during this season of Thanksgiving.
Hopefully, the stories of these nonprofits and our team members inspire you to take your gratitude and put it into action. Make a positive impact in the lives of those around you, and let the effect ripple beyond what you can imagine.
From all of us here at Stuller, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor Dizor
Staff Writer
Taylor holds degrees in Political Science and Communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as well as multiple certifications from GIA. His years in the wedding industry and love of fashion trends helps him write content for the on-trend and creative jeweler.