Misty Cato, vice president at DNS Associates, nominated PPD for the Philanthropic Organization of the Year award.

“PPD believes it is a company’s responsibility as a good corporate citizen, to help strengthen the communities in which they live and work. PPD employees take an active role in helping others in the their communities from collecting items at Christmas for the Salvation Army Angel Tree and the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, to organizing holiday parties for abused and neglected children at the Yahweh Center and mentoring at-risk youth,” Cato wrote in the nomination.

As a company, PPD advances employees’ community involvement with community events bulletin boards on each floor, which are updated regularly with flyers – submitted by employees and organizations—detailing local events, fundraisers and benefits.

“As a global contract research organization we strive for excellence in all we do, both in being a global leader in our industry and in embracing the responsibilities of corporate citizenship in our communities,” said Meg Davenport, executive director of corporate administration, in a written statement about the Philanthropic Organization of the Year award
nomination.

Their commitment is evident at company-wide events, such as the “Invite Your Favorite Charity to Work Day.” According to Cato, “This offers employees a close-up view of these groups and a chance to explore volunteer opportunities that interest them as well as a chance to identify organizations that they would like to support financially within their own personal charitable giving plan.”

This year, more than 50 charities attended this “charity fair.”

PPD – and its employees – consistently make a financial and time commitment to numerous local organizations. Often its employees pitch in to large community events or serve as members of local boards. Sometimes a “common ground” is reached between sponsoring an event and PPD’s corporate mission. PPD became the presenting sponsor for the hometown celebration for Miss USA Kristen Dalton, whose platform is breast and ovarian cancer research and, through the efforts of PPD, became more familiar with statistics for her role.

“We are honored to be recognized for our philanthropic efforts and as a role model serving many areas of the greater Wilmington community. Through our corporate and employee philanthropy, PPD is proud to continue to be a leader in advancing the health and well-being of people and communities in the Cape Fear Region,” Davenport wrote.