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“Be kind. Do good.” When it comes to core values, PAR has consistently shown that these are more than just words. Our company’s long history of philanthropy is a reflection of our mission to create connections and change lives—not only through our products, but through giving back to our community. This legacy began over two and a half decades ago with the start of our partnership with United Way Suncoast, an organization dedicated to mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive.
As we celebrate this year’s United Way Week, we also look back at the many ways that PAR has been an integral part of the community's growth and development throughout our history. In this blog, we delve into the heart of PAR's philanthropic efforts and explore the profound impact of our partnership with United Way Suncoast. Through an insightful interview with Cathy Smith, Vice President of Community Relations Emeritus, we uncover the values and motivations that drive PAR's commitment to giving back.
When PAR was first established by Bob and Cathy Smith in 1978, it was with the belief that people come first—whether it be our customers, their clients, or our employees. We haven’t strayed from that belief since, measuring ourselves by the lives we touch rather than the units we sell. As the company grew over time, giving back became increasingly important. Now, it’s simply engrained into our company culture.
Our commitment to community engagement is evident in the numerous initiatives and projects we have undertaken over the years. In 2025 alone, we plan to give back to 187 organizations. From organizing volunteer events to providing financial support for local charities, PAR has always prioritized making a positive impact on the community. Our employees are encouraged to participate in these efforts, fostering a culture of kindness and generosity within the company. This not only strengthens our team but also allows us to extend our support to those in need.
United Way Suncoast is one key organization that PAR continues to support. Their mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty through education, financial stability, and health initiatives. By partnering with United Way Suncoast, PAR has been able to contribute to these vital programs. We’ve raised over $2.7 million since we first started working with them, money which has helped to create lasting change in the lives of countless individuals and families.
Cathy Smith, one of PAR’s founders and current Vice President of Community Relations, has been a driving force behind the company’s philanthropic efforts for many years. In our interview, Cathy shared her insights and experiences, highlighting the profound impact of PAR's partnership with United Way Suncoast.
"As a company, PAR has a long history of philanthropy that speaks to our overall mission of creating connections and changing lives," Cathy explained.
She also emphasized the importance of community engagement and how it aligns with PAR’s core values. "Be kind. Do good. These are not just words for us; they are the foundation of everything we do," she said. Cathy recounted how the leadership team, inspired by these values, sought out local organizations to support, eventually leading to the partnership with United Way Suncoast.
“We share the same common values,” she said. “It’s clear that they truly care about helping people, and I was always inspired by the depth and breadth of what they’re able to do.”
Through this partnership, PAR has been able to contribute to various initiatives that have made a significant difference in the community. Cathy highlighted some of the key projects, including volunteering at local events and providing financial support for educational and health programs. "Our collaboration with United Way Suncoast has allowed us to extend our support to those in need and create lasting change," she noted.
Supporting the community isn’t just good for those on the receiving end of that support. Studies have shown that giving back really does feel good, leading to numerous health benefits. PAR’s employees have experienced this firsthand, and our team continues to achieve 100% participation in our annual United Way Suncoast campaign.
During our interview, Cathy also shared her personal connection to United Way Suncoast and how working with the organization has enriched her life and the lives of PAR employees. "Being involved with United Way Suncoast has been incredibly rewarding. It has not only benefited the community but also brought our team closer together," she said. Cathy expressed her pride in the collective efforts of PAR employees and their dedication to making a positive impact. “I’m so proud of how our staff has kept up our pattern of giving over time, even as the team grows. It speaks volumes about the people we hire.”
Looking ahead, Cathy discussed the future goals of the partnership and the ongoing commitment to giving back. "We are excited about the future and the opportunities to continue making a difference. Our goal is to build on the success of our past initiatives and explore new ways to support the community," she concluded.
This message was echoed by members of United Way Suncoast’s team, who spoke to their gratitude for PAR’s efforts over the years and the invaluable commitment from leadership. Through discussing this relationship with both organizations, it’s clear that PAR and United Way Suncoast have built a strong relationship based on compassion and support, demonstrating that when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
As we celebrate United Way Week 2025, we look forward to seeing how we can continue fueling our communities as we work towards our mission of creating connections and changing lives.