In an event called The Amazing Retail Race, 90 retailers and vendors raced through the stores of Woodfield Mall purchasing over $6000.00 in items helping retailers and children alike.
tekservePOS kicked off tekSESSIONS 2009, its annual Retail Technology Conference, with its own version of a popular television show, The Amazing Race. The competition consisted of 12 teams made up of retailers, vendors and tekservePOS employees who’s goal was to race through Woodfield Mall, purchase specific items on a list and race to the finish at an undisclosed location in under an hour. Together, all teams collected over $6000.00 in merchandise for local Chicago charity LYDIA Home / Safe Families.
“When designing these events, it’s important to find creative networking opportunities for our customers, employees and partners,” explains John Pruban, President of tekservePOS. “This year we decided to add an element of team work that not only benefited a local charity, but gave something back to our retail customers. Due to the enthusiasm and generosity of the participants, it was one of the most unique and successful events we’ve seen.”
The event was kept top-secret until that evening when attendees, sponsoring vendors and tekservePOS employees where placed in teams and given vague ground rules. When the whistle blew, teams raced out of the room to find their cars and a driver waiting with a confidential envelope containing a task list, cash and a map of the mall.
Items to be purchased were comprised of things found on a Christmas wish list from the 40 or so children staying at the LYDIA Home as well as items to stock the Safe Family closet. In addition, each team was required to take a team picture with Bob, the POS Guru. Once all the tasks were completed, teams jumped back in their cars and raced to a local restaurant, Entourage, where they were checked in and enjoyed a reception and some friendly team rivalry. The best part of the evening was that each team purchased everything on their lists, which accounted for $6000.00 in merchandise for the children and closet.
“The Amazing Retail Race was a fun, creative event, and best of all it will make Christmas very merry for the 40 children who live at LYDIA's Residential Treatment Center,” explains Nancy Good, Development Director, LYDIA Home. “These kids are healing from abuse and neglect, and the gifts they will receive – including necessities and many extras -- will really make a difference in their lives. We are moved by the generosity of tekservePOS and its clients, who participated in The Amazing Retail Race on LYDIA's behalf. Their generosity will really touch the hearts of kids at LYDIA, whose needs are so great.”
The LYDIA Home / Safe Families in Chicago was an organization referred to tekservePOS by Greg Buzek, president of IHL and co-founder of the RetailROI initiative. RetailROI was organized to raise awareness and provide real solutions for the more than 400 million vulnerable children worldwide.
tekservePOS is excited to provide the remaining items on the children’s holiday lists, school uniforms, general necessities and items for Safe Families closest on behalf of all its clients this holiday season.
About LYDIA Homes / Safe Families
LYDIA provides a range of programs, from residential treatment to foster care, counseling to parenting classes, and many offerings in between. LYDIA is based in Chicago, with other locations in the United States as well as an international program. The Safe families program, located in 13 major cities across the U.S., provides volunteer homes for over 1000 children whose families are experiencing short term crisis. Most of its services are supported entirely by private contributions, and volunteers play a vital role in keeping our ministry strong.
Its programs include: Residential Treatment Center, Foster Care, Safe Families for Children, Healthy Families (child abuse prevention), Counseling Centers, Urban Academy (alternative high schools in Chicago and Rockford), Learn & Care (preschool) and WHAT'S GOOD (life skills education). Click here for more information.
About tekservePOS
tekservePOS provides complete POS technology and IT solutions for Retail and Hospitality including POS and IT managed services, POS hardware and software solutions. With an experienced staff and field technician force, tekservePOS handles all technical and field needs from asset management, asset disposal, staging and integration, wiring, maintenance and repair services. With the recent launch of tekRETAIL Suite, a 24/7 Help Desk offering and partnerships with top hardware providers, tekservePOS can help you realize lower costs and greater efficiencies by leveraging our complete, customizable solutions across your IT operations.
Contact tekservePOS:
Dana Harder, Marketing Director
tekservePOS
847-805-9072
marketing@tekservepos.com
Contact LYDIA Home:
Nancy Good
773-653-2252
info@lydiahome.org
