Our Insights

At Lewis Media, we believe what fuels us in our work should extend beyond campaigns and KPIs. It’s about the impact we can make on our clients, our community, and each other. That’s why volunteering isn’t just something we do; it’s a core part of who we are. You can find the Lewis Media team out in the community several times a year (usually monthly) giving back with a variety of organizations.

As we lean into our company theme for the year, “What Fuels You?” — we’re reflecting on the causes that inspire our team to give back. For us, that’s supporting local organizations focused on community needs like food and housing insecurity, caring for animals, and protecting the environment. It’s about turning passion into action and making sure our work, both inside and outside the office, creates real, lasting change.

What Fuels Us: Building a Culture of Community Impact

Everyone at Lewis Media brings their own unique passions to the team, and our volunteer program is designed to reflect that. We know that when people care deeply about a cause, they show up with more energy, enthusiasm, and heart. That’s why we prioritize volunteering with organizations that align with the values of our team.

“For example, I’ve always been especially motivated by environmental causes. Growing up, volunteering was a big part of my family’s life. One memory that stands out is when my dad arranged for my elementary school class to plant trees along the edge of our school grounds. That experience helped shape how I think about giving back—not just as a one-time act, but as something that creates long-term impact.” - Katie Blood, Lead, Data Infrastructure & Business Intelligence

These individual passions come together to form a collective purpose. By listening to what fuels our team, we’re able to create opportunities that not only give back to our community but also bring us closer together as a company.

Making a Difference: Our Volunteer Highlights from Last Year

In 2024, our team rolled up our sleeves and focused on giving back in three key areas: food insecurity, animal welfare, and the environment. What started as individual passions turned into some of our most meaningful team moments.

Restoring Richmond’s Outdoor Spaces

We kicked off last year’s volunteering efforts by partnering with the James River Park System to support the transformation of Dell Meadow—a new natural learning space within Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia. This area, once a forgotten construction dump overrun with invasive plants, is being revitalized into a place where kids can connect with nature, explore, and learn.

During our visit, we cleared debris and invasive species to help restore the space, just in time to see kids from local nonprofit Blue Sky Fund arrive to enjoy the area for outdoor education. Seeing firsthand how Dell Meadow is becoming a hub for learning and play reminded us why environmental stewardship matters—not just for the planet but for the people, and the next generation, who depend on these green spaces.

Caring for Animals in Need

Later in 2024, we spent two rewarding days volunteering at the Richmond SPCA. Our team pitched in wherever needed—cleaning and sterilizing transport equipment, refreshing kitty habitats, sorting donations, and even tackling the never-ending laundry piles. Of course, we also took a little time to meet and spend time with some of the adorable dogs and cats waiting for adoption.

The Richmond SPCA, which became a no-kill shelter in 2002, now saves around 4,000 pets each year. Supporting their mission and seeing the care and dedication of their team was incredibly fulfilling.

“As someone who grew up surrounded by animals, events like this are especially meaningful to me because they allow me to connect to the joy and comfort I’ve always felt caring for my pets. Volunteering at the SPCA, cleaning supplies, washing laundry, and spending time with the dogs and cats, reminds me how even small acts of care can make a real difference. It’s deeply fulfilling to be part of something that gives these animals a cleaner, calmer, and more loving environment while they wait for their forever homes.” - Alex Price, Associate Lead, SEO

Fighting Food Insecurity

Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues in our region, with 1 out of 9 people in Central Virginia facing hunger. Last year we were proud to support both Feed More and the YMCA of Greater Richmond—two of our clients doing critical work in this space. By taking part in two events that each served about 300 families facing food insecurity, we helped ensure more of our neighbors have access to the resources they needed.

Why It Matters: The Business Case for Giving Back

When we show up for our community, we’re also strengthening the relationships that fuel our work. Many of the organizations we volunteer with are also our clients, and these shared experiences deepen our partnerships, help our team see firsthand the important work of these organizations, and build trust.

But beyond relationships, volunteering contributes to a healthy, thriving company culture. Studies show that businesses with active volunteer programs have higher employee engagement, improved retention, and a stronger sense of purpose. People want to work for companies that care, and clients want to work with people who show up.

For us, volunteering is one of the ways to tell the story of who we are and what we value.

Big Takeaway:

Volunteering isn’t just an occasional box to check at LMP; it’s part of our DNA. It fuels our people, our purpose, and our partnerships—and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the year ahead.