CEO of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., Al Orr knows how important it is to support the community, not just with dollars, but with heart.
“It’s in the firm’s DNA,” he said. “We go back a long way in community involvement.”
It’s true – Reinhart’s longstanding commitment to the community goes beyond their pro-bono work and civic involvement. It’s rooted in gratitude. Since opening its doors in 1894, the firm has remained committed to Milwaukee and has expanded that commitment throughout its offices in southern Wisconsin and across the country. Reinhart attorneys, paralegals, and staff support an extensive network of organizations in our community, including United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Al also sits on the Board of Directors for JobsWork MKE, a nonprofit organization that receives program funding through United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative.
Though their efforts are year-round, Reinhart has most recently wrapped up their 2024 United Way Campaign, in which employees engaged in a variety of activities to raise dollars during United Way’s 2024 Community Campaign. This year’s campaign at Reinhart included an impressive raffle, an always-popular chili cook-off, and volunteering at United Way partner agencies. These events brought staff together in meaningful, fun ways to build community and give back.
“The fulfillment that giving provides is amplified the more involved you are,” Al said. “I’ve seen the impact.”
To Reinhart, supporting United Way transcends the traditional boundaries of philanthropy; it embodies a holistic approach to community development and empowerment. This commitment is driven by the understanding that true support extends beyond financial contributions – it’s about fostering genuine connections and promoting sustainable change within the community. Their support of United Way contributes to a collective vision where resources are utilized in ways that truly resonate with the community’s priorities. And the humility in their support reflects a deep-seated belief that giving back is a shared responsibility among all community members. They understand that the act of giving is enriched by the relationships formed and the stories shared with those they aim to help.
“Donors are visible,” Al remarked. “It occurred to me many years ago that people who agree to publish their names aren’t doing it so the world says, ‘Gosh, what a cool person.’ They’re doing it to inspire others to join the list. That’s appealing to a firm like ours because you know our support will be noted and have a positive impact.”
Al encourages individuals to observe their surroundings and connect with a cause that speaks to their own values. Whether through volunteering or making a monetary contribution, people should focus on social issues where they feel they can truly make a positive impact. This strong belief, along with a deep commitment and gratitude towards the community, positions the firm as a leader in philanthropic efforts and reinforces their pride in partnering with organizations like United Way.
“United Way is uniquely positioned because of its size and its history. They can identify the hard problems, draw attention to those, gather experts and collect resources, and efficiently provide those resources to the community,” Al said. “If you are a United Way donor and that program – that cause – resonates with you, this is an exceptionally efficient and effective way for you to support it.”
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is deeply grateful to Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. for all they have done to support the organization, and the people served. Their unwavering commitment is not only admirable but also an example of what it means to lift and support the people who make a neighborhood, city, county, and beyond into a community where everyone thrives.
You can also show your support for your community by running your own workplace giving campaign, volunteering, or making a financial contribution to United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
Pictured: top, Reinhart employees participated in the chili cook-off during their giving campaign; bottom, Al Orr in his office.
For more updates on United Way initiatives, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.