After seven years of dreaming and planning, the GSF Foundation blasted off with the “To the Moon and Back” competition on March 1. The 60-day program encouraged GSF associates to leverage the steps that they take on a daily basis in the warehouse, office and beyond to gain pledges for the Foundation. Hundreds of GSF associates participated in the competition, collectively logging 21,557 miles, and raising $79,713! The funds raised through the “To the Moon and Back” competition will benefit children’s charities in the communities where GSF associates live and work.
“Thank you to each and every associate who participated in the To the Moon and Back competition, and took a chance on your Foundation, your community and your health,” said Bill Sanderson, Fundraising and Resource Committee Chair for GSF Foundation, and Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, GSF. “Collectively, we raised nearly $80,000 which will provide more shoes, school supplies, meals and support to those who need it most. I’m proud to be a GSF Foundation Astronaut with the hundreds of you who made this happen.”
In true GSF spirit, the “To the Moon and Back” competition resulted in many facilities winning team prizes, including:
• QCD Seattle – Overachiever Award (for the highest average miles logged per associate) • Whitewater and QCD Service Center – Engagement Award (for the highest percent of associates who received pledges) • Irvine – Collaboration Award (for the highest average donation per associate)
Each winning team received $600 towards an associate appreciation party, with QCD Seattle also winning a miniature moon man statue!
Former NASA Flight Director, Eugene Kranz served as the program’s Honorary Chair, and inspiration for the “To the Moon and Back” competition. “It’s been 23-years since I retired from NASA, and I’m so proud that my work for the space program still inspires others, especially when it involves helping kids in our community,” said Eugene.
Congratulations to all of the GSF associates who took steps for their health, and made giant leaps for children and families in our communities.