The opportunities for corporate citizens to partner with AbilityFirst are limitless, and their involvement provides crucial resources that enhance the quality and variety of programs we can provide to children and adults with disabilities.

Some support specific programs, such as the Los Angeles Lakers Organization’s sponsorship of the Fast Breakin’ Lakers wheelchair basketball team. Others step up to underwrite AbilityFirst events, donate products or services in-kind, and provide direct financial support. Each is appreciated, acknowledged and valued!

Click here for a calendar of upcoming AbilityFirst events that your corporation might sponsor. Or, click on the programs link to learn more about the types of programs we offer.

For more information on sponsoring AbilityFirst programs or events, email Mary Beth Perrine or phone at (626) 639-1743.

The companies listed here are among those who have given generously to help advance AbilityFirst’s mission:

Union Bank of California

Awarded AbilityFirst Corporation of the Year, in 2005, Union Bank of California has been a valued corporate partner of AbilityFirst for more than 35 years.

Through our Business Services division, adults with disabilities are employed to handle a variety of projects for the bank including bank bag inspection, fulfillment of the “Junior Bankers Club,” packaging of materials, sorting, and secure document shredding. Document destruction is a fast-growing business for AbilityFirst, and Union Bank was one of our first customers.

Additionally, Union Bank of California supports AbilityFirst with significant corporate contributions each year. Bank executives also serve AbilityFirst in volunteer leadership roles, including serving on our Board of Directors.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been a corporate partner of AbilityFirst since 2001. They co-sponsor the Fast Breakin’ Lakers wheelchair basketball team, a group of men and women with various disabilities who compete nationally against other wheelchair teams within the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).

The Fast Breakin’ Lakers are an important community initiative within the Lakers organization. They support the team by permitting the use of their logo on team jerseys and print materials. Understanding the need to promote a better understanding of people with disabilities, the Los Angeles Lakers also support the team by providing opportunities to play exhibition games during half-time at Staples Center and sponsoring clinics for children and adults at schools, parks and AbilityFirst locations.

Comerica Bank

Comerica Bank has sponsored the AbilityFirst Los Angeles Marathon Campaign Team for two consecutive years, helping to increase awareness of AbilityFirst among their employees and throughout the community.

On race day, Comerica Bank employees and their family members and friends join together with AbilityFirst to create the largest Santa Anita Derby Day and Los Angeles Marathon 5K Teams and demonstrating a mutual commitment to children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Visit the AbilityFirst Los Angeles Marathon Team page. http://www.abilityfirst.org/newsevents/event_marathon.asp

Verizon

In 2008, Verizon and its employees provided a facelift to our Long Beach Center. Continuing a long tradition of giving back to communities they serve, Verizon employee volunteers cleaned and painted the center’s large children’s and adult program rooms.

At the same time, Verizon provided the Long Beach Center with a free state-of-the-art fiber-optic connection delivering crystal-clear FIOS TV and super-fast Internet service for use in its after-school enrichment program and its adult program, enhancing their daily activities and helping them expand their possibilities.

Sempra Energy

Making a difference in the lives of the people they serve, Sempra Energy/Southern California Gas Company has invested its financial resources to enhance the quality of life for children with physical and developmental disabilities.

In 2009, Sempra Energy donated $25,000 to AbilityFirst. The funding is being utilized by all eight AbilityFirst community centers through their after-school enrichment programs designed to build life skills, education and adaptive recreation activities, as well as day trips in the community.