In this episode of Stories from the River, podcast host and CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by President and COO Manny Rodrigues to introduce The Lighthouse Fund, a new crisis assistance program at Broad River Retail designed to formally support Memory Makers during times of need and personal crisis.

Inspired by their faith as Scripture says to be light and by the desire to care first for Broad River's own Memory Makers, Charlie and Manny discuss why the name "The Lighthouse Fund" made sense for this program. The fund was created from a desire to provide a dignified, systematic approach to crisis assistance for Memory Makers during their times of need - something previously handled on a less formal, more ad hoc basis. Drawing on best practices from organizations like Movement Mortgage and Riverstone Logistics, The Lighthouse Fund was established to ensure no Memory Maker has to face challenging, unexpected events alone, whether dealing with potential eviction notices arising from rent concerns; unexpected medical bills; or transportation and vehicle breakdowns.

The conversation highlights Broad River Retail's longstanding culture of generosity, referencing existing support programs such as Operation Magic School Bus and Operation Tis the Season, but noting the unique, formalized nature of The Lighthouse Fund. Manny and Charlie also reflect on the collaborative journey of building the fund, from the careful vetting of partners like HelpingHands Charitable and the National Christian Foundation, to crafting a meaningful brand identity rooted in the symbolism of a lighthouse as a beacon in stormy seas.

The Lighthouse Fund was initially seed funded by the Company's owners with an invitation from other Memory Makers to contribute via payroll deduction if they voluntarily desire and choose to do so. Amazingly, to no surprise and without an expectations, over 10% of fellow Memory Makers stepped up to initially and voluntarily donate to the fund. Charlie and Manny are proud to see the initiative fostering a deeper sense of community, care, and compassion within the company.

Additional Resources:

National Christian Foundation: https://www.ncfgiving.com

HelpingHands Charitable: https://hhcharitable.org

Donate to The Lighthouse Fund: https://hhcharitable.org/cap-programs/the-lighthouse-fund/

Movement Mortgage: https://movement.com/about

LoveWorks Booklet by Movement Mortgage: https://store.ecompanystore.com/movement/Shop/#/product/Search/MOV100032.000000-Loveworks-Booklet

Kyree's LoveWorks Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8PdFGpbSYo

Stephone's LoveWorks Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIH7XyZJK5U

The LoveWorks Story as featured and produced by Faith Driven Entrepreneurs: https://app.frame.io/presentations/2ccbf15a-dba4-4281-91bd-1846d0ce46b4

Riverstone Logistics: https://rlx.us

Previous series of Stories from the River:

Founders Scholarship Fund series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7Oqb22Apq_6qBhE2-KZlRpN56

Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers - https://youtu.be/E3HZFLpIXQY

Furnishing Life's Best Memories with Operation Tis The Season - https://youtu.be/sJ--C7NIyO0

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4S-XXofao0c

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail