PITTSBURGH, July 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Continuing its celebration of 75 years in business, Michael Baker International today announced that, only one month after initiating its "75 x 5K Service" campaign, employees already have achieved more than half of the campaign's yearlong goal of contributing 7,500 hours of community service. In addition, the campaign has generated nearly $250,000 in companywide contributions to community service organizations. Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting, planning, technical and professional services, launched its community service initiative June 1, the same day it kicked off its 75-year anniversary celebration.
"I'm proud and not at all surprised by the way Michael Baker International employees have embraced our '75 x 5K Service' campaign, " said Kurt Bergman, CEO of Michael Baker International. "Community engagement is at the heart of who we are as a company, and the early success of this campaign illustrates how 'We Make a Difference' in the communities where our clients and employees live and work."
Michael Baker International employees have been actively serving their communities by donating both their time and money to schools, churches, humanitarian organizations and other non-profits. Consider the following Michael Baker International employees and their recent volunteer activities:
- Lisa Folb, a senior project manager in Alexandria, Va., chairs the board of directors for The Grassroot Project, an organization that educates at-risk youth from Washington, D.C., about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, using Division I student-athlete role models. Said Folb: "It's invigorating to be around these students. I'm hopeful for the future, because that's what the students represent."
- Jim Farthing, a state aviation principal in Raleigh, N.C., is a volunteer leader with Habitat for Humanity, which helps people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. He devotes 80 percent of his weekends to Habitat for Humanity projects and leads volunteers in various building tasks, including framing, painting, installing windows, and more. "It's rewarding to see the final product and know that you've helped to make a difference in the lives of those who need it," Farthing said.
- Mujahid Chandoo, stormwater engineer and Arthur Retana, electrical engineer, Irvine, Calif., volunteer with the Orange County chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA), which provides a path for engineers to partner with communities to meet basic human needs. The men have contributed to building a footbridge in Kenya and developing a septic system in the Tijuana-Tecate region of Mexico. Said Retana: "A lot of people out there need help, and, although I may not be able to completely change their situations, I can use my talents and time to help in any way I can."
Watch for additional Michael Baker International "75 x 5K Service" volunteer spotlight stories throughout the year on the company's Facebook and Twitter channels, or visit www.mbakerintl.com.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 5,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more visit www.mbakerintl.com.