Scott Wortmann, director of professional services, participated in a local “Day 4 Hope” back-to-school event.
8/28/2020 9:00
Back-to-school season for Beam Software means helping local children and families through the “Day 4 Hope Back to School Event” hosted by Hope 4 Communities.
Scott Wortmann, director of professional services at the ACA International member company’s office in Sarasota, Florida, is a regular volunteer during the event, which was created as a partnership between Hope 4 Communities, local schools, churches, community partners and families.
Children in need are identified by the counselors at each school and are invited to a Day 4 Hope event on one of three successive weekends in late July and early August.
“I began volunteering with Day 4 Hope in 2016,” Wortmann said. “Each year, it is very humbling to listen to what some of these families endure on a daily basis. Many of the things that we take for granted are simply out of reach for them. Kids usually arrive at the event with uncertainty plainly written on their faces. It brings the volunteers joy to help the families and provide services that would ordinarily be considered a luxury—food, medical care, new clothes, new shoes and school supplies.”
Children receive a new backpack full of school supplies during the event. Their families receive nonperishable food items and fresh produce, age-appropriate books, gift cards for clothing, and Bibles presented by the host churches as well as breakfast and lunch during the event.
“While the kids usually arrive with a palpable sense of apprehension, it is rewarding to watch them open up and eventually leave with huge smiles, knowing that they can begin the school year prepared with all of the tools they need for success,” Wortmann said.
As part of Day 4 Hope, children also receive a medical exam and dental checkup conducted by area medical professionals, vision and diabetes screenings through the Lions Club, ID kits provided by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department, a haircut from local professional stylists and a professional family photo.
“The Beam Software team consists of dedicated and caring individuals like Scott who are a wonderful representation of our organization’s core values,” said CEO Tom Mohr. “We are proud to share the efforts of our team members who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in our communities by volunteering and through other philanthropic efforts throughout the year.”