Kids summer soccer leagues are just one of many local athletic teams aimed at getting youngsters out of the house and onto the field for healthy activities. Most of the youth leagues find a local business sponsor that supports the purchase of jerseys to wear for games and pizzas to celebrate a team victory.
But amid the ongoing recession, it’s been tough for small business and local groups to offer money to athletic teams, school groups and nonprofits like they had in the past.
However, there are pleasant surprises around every corner, and in the Scottsdale, Arizona community many groups are pleased that popular web hosting site Go Daddy has been actively giving to local charities.
The Scottsdale-based business recorded $1.7 million in giving throughout 2008 to local, regional, national and even international charities.
In 2009 the company hopes to donate even more that its prior record of giving set last year.
"Go Daddy is absolutely committed to making a difference in the community," said founder Bob Parsons.
"It’s not important that we get credit for all the money we donate," said Parsons. "What’s important is that we make a difference. The year is far from over, in terms of Go Daddy’s charity work."
The company’s giving has made a significant impact on the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA, for example. The group approached the successful internet company about a $1,000 donation, but when Go Daddy heard the YMCA plans to help serve underprivileged children they upped the gift to $50,000.
The company’s 6 million customers and 35 million domains under management have been profitable over the years and continue to be during the recession. In addition to offering monetary support to local charities, the company’s success means they will be expanding and opening up job positions to hundreds of people.
Given the rising unemployment figures, job opportunities are a welcome announcement to many struggling Americans.