One such way is helping to make the holidays a special time for our children. Each year, they donate turkeys and other food for our Thanksgiving dinner.

At Christmastime, Nitel staff members visit the Home and help hang decorations for our children. Though Stern gives back to the community year-round, he understands how important the holidays are.

“I have a soft spot for kids, especially around the holidays,” he said. “It’s just something I want to do – help people out who truly need it. And if you can do it during the holidays and lift their spirits – all the better.”

One of the most unique ways Nitel supports our kids, however, is through their annual 5k race. Leading up to the race, employees raise money for Mercy Home, and Stern creates incentives to make it interesting, like offering days off of work for raising certain amounts. But Stern isn’t afraid to get involved himself. He typically does something to go above and beyond, like matching his employees’ donations.

There are other ways Stern motivates his employees to give back to the community as well. At our major events, like Ringside – our black-tie gala event – or Graduate’s Luncheon – which honors the accomplishments of our student graduates – Stern typically buys a table. He offers seats at his table to Nitel’s top volunteers.

Since he was such an active supporter and took on roles that many of Mercy Home’s board members do, it only seemed natural that Stern join our board. Today, he serves on our Ambassador Board, a select board of prominent men dedicated to advancing the mission of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.

“It’s been nice to get more engaged with the people at Mercy Home,” Stern said. “Being around Fr. Scott and listening to everything he has to say – that man, he is a saint. He works tirelessly for the kids.”

We are honored to have the support of Rick and the entire staff at Nitel. Their commitment to our children and our mission is such a blessing, and they are part of the fabric that makes Mercy Home such a loving place.