TSA's Big Give

In 2008, we were inspired by the hit reality TV series, Oprah’s Big Give. The contestants on the show were given a sum of money each week and competed to come up with the most creative way to make a difference in their community. We decided to come up with our own version of the show for our communities and we called it, “TSA’s Big Give”.

The success of "TSA’s Big Give" in 2008 has since motivated our staff to participate in an annual company-wide fundraising effort and day of service. While we continue to use the concept of Oprah’s Big Give, the month-long fundraising challenge creates an opportunity for our entire company, alongside our residents, to use our own creativity and innovation to make a difference in the community.

 

2023 TSA's Big Give supporting Operation Gratitude

Thomas Safran & Associates will be partnering with Operation Gratitude for TSA’s 2023 Big Give! Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers to express their appreciation to our Veteran, Military and First Responder communities. Since 2003, their nationwide network of Volunteers and Partners has assembled and delivered more than 3.8 million Care Packages containing a variety of snack foods, hygiene products and Handmade With Love items, along with personal letters of encouragement. Every year, the organization sends 100,000 Care Packages or more, as they nimbly respond to operational tempos and requests.


 

2022 TSA's Big Give supporting Los Angeles Food Bank

Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for the 15th anniversary of “TSA’s Big Give”. The Los Angeles Food Bank serves all Los Angeles County by distributing food and other essentials to children, seniors, families, and other individuals in need. Throughout the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, their staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure that those who could not leave their homes were not without food. They are a champion in ending hunger in Los Angeles County and have been an incredible resource for our community.  We are so grateful for the immense support they have provided throughout the years and especially during the pandemic.

2021 TSA's Big Give supporting Special Services for Groups (SSG)

Thomas Safran & Associates chose Special Services for Groups (SSG) as its "TSA's Big Give" beneficiary in 2021. In light of the pressing mental health needs facing many Americans as a result of isolation, trauma and upheaval resulted from COVID-19, SSG helps by providing holistic, individualized, mobile, and culturally and linguistically competent social services to those in need. Services range from a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services for children, youth, adults, and older adults struggling with mental health.

2020 TSA's Big Give supporting Pandemic Relief Fund and Community Coalition

Thomas Safran and Associates chose United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Pandemic Relief Fund and Community Coalition for their "TSA's Big Give" beneficiaries. In light of the pressing issues facing America with ongoing systemic racism and COVID-19, their goal was to meet the needs of their most vulnerable neighbors, especially the Black and Brown communities, who have been significantly impacted by these circumstances.

2019 TSA's Big Give supporting The Giving Spirit

Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with The Giving Spirit, whose mission is to aid the homeless community through direct volunteerism for "TSA's Big Give". The TSA staff joined to assemble, pack and distribute backpacks filled with survival kits for children, women, and families living on the streets of Los Angeles. These kits contain over 70 individual items that aid homeless persons in their time of need. Staff distribute kits to the most at-risk homeless populations and form human connections with each recipient by not only giving the kit away but by also asking the recipient “who they are” and “how can we help?”.

2018 TSA's Big Give supporting Project Angel Food

Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with Project Angel Food, whose mission is to feed and nourish people impacted by serious illness. Volunteers and staff at Project Angel Food cook and deliver nutritious meals free of charge to homes throughout Los Angeles County to alleviate hunger, prevent malnutrition and return their clients to health. In the past year alone, Project Angel Food delivered over 500,000 meals to clients with a medical diagnosis such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, congestive heart failure, and other diseases. Meals are medically tailored and help underserved people who are too ill to shop or cook for themselves.

With the enthusiastic support of staff, residents and sponsors, we were able to raise over $165,000 with the addition of over $50,000 worth of in-kind donations including food, art supplies, toiletries, books and more for Project Angel Food. 

2017 TSA's Big Give supporting City Year Los Angeles

For the 10 year anniversary of the Big Give, Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with City Year Los Angeles. City Year is a national, education-focused organization that for 30 years has been partnering with public schools to keep students in school and on track to graduate high school. AmeriCorps members drive City Year's mission forward by providing hours of mentorship and academic support to every child enrolled in their program. In 2016 alone, City Year Los Angeles served 28 underserved Los Angeles Unified School District schools and provided support to over 27,000 students.

The incredible fundraising efforts of staff, residents, and partners enabled us to reach our goal of over $150,000 with the addition of over $50,000 worth of in-kind donations including school supplies, backpacks, books and more for City Year Los Angeles.

2016 TSA's Big Give supporting Theresa Lindsay Senior Center

In 2016, Thomas Safran & Associates selected Theresa Lindsay Senior Center. That year alone, Theresa Lindsay Senior Center provided over 18,000 meals on-site and delivered 99,000 meals to seniors. For many of the seniors, Theresa Lindsay Senior Center serves as their support system, recreation center, and food provider. It is a vital part of the community and allows thousands of seniors to connect to services, socialize and create a positive community of their own.

Our goal was to support the seniors who attend the center on a daily basis by furthering their quality of life and creating a safe haven for them in South Los Angeles. With overwhelming support, Thomas Safran & Associates raised over $130,000 and collected over $50,000 worth of in-kind donations, including art supplies, blankets, health and wellness supplies, books, games, and more for The Theresa Lindsay Senior Center.

2015 TSA's Big Give supporting Camp Whittle & Camp Bob Waldorf

In 2015, Thomas Safran & Associates supported Camp Bob Waldorf on the Max Straus Campus and the YMCA's Camp Whittle in a "Kids to Camp" fundraising campaign. Both camps provide memorable, life-changing experiences to thousands of underserved and low-income youth in Los Angeles County and will never turn a child away from attending camp because of their family's inability to pay.

The tremendous fundraising efforts of staff, residents, and partners reached over $106,000 and donation drives raised over $50,000 worth of in-kind donations including camping equipment, art supplies, sports equipment, games, and toys for both camps.

2014 TSA's Big Give supporting Hillsides

In 2014, Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with Hillsides, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children and foster youth in Los Angeles County. Their mission is to provide high quality care, advocacy, and innovative services that promote safe, permanent environments where young people can thrive.

Generous contributions from Thomas Safran & Associates staff, residents and partners enabled us to raise over $96,000 and collect over $50,000 worth of in-kind donations including books, school supplies, sports equipment, clothing, toys and more to support the 7,000 at-risk foster children and families that Hillsides serves annually in Los Angeles county.

2013 Big Give supporting St. Joseph Center

In 2013, Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with St. Joseph Center, a non-profit organization in Venice, CA whose mission is to provide working poor families and homeless men, women, and children of all ages with the inner resources and tools to become self-supporting members of the community.

With the help of staff, residents, and partners, Thomas Safran & Associates raised over $53,000 and over $50,000 worth of food donations, clothing, hygiene items, baby products, and more for the thousands of people that visit the center each year.

2012 TSA Big Give supporting Denker Recreation Center

In 2012, Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with the LA Parks Foundation to accomplish the goal of improving underserved parks in Los Angeles.

With the support of staff, residents and partners, Thomas Safran & Associates raised over $64,000 benefiting the LA Parks Foundation and numerous renovation projects to improve Denker Recreation Park, located in South Los Angeles.

2011 TSA's Big Give supporting Operation School Bell, LA Works, Andrew Carnegie Middle School

In 2011, Thomas Safran and Associates focused on the theme of education. We selected three organizations that would help to accomplish our goal of helping at-risk youth succeed in schools throughout Los Angeles County.

Together, with the residents, we raised over $42,000 for Operation School Bell, LA Works, and Andrew Carnegie Middle School. In addition, we raised over $50,000 worth of school supplies and received over 10,000 childrens' book donations.

2010 TSA's Big Give supporting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Thomas Safran & Associates partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles in 2010. Our employees and residents raised over $34,000 and donated over 800 hours to build homes at five different sites in the Greater LA area. These efforts funded one quarter of the cost to build a brand-new house and ensured thirteen deserving families a home in time for the holidays.

2009 TSA's Big Give supporting Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

Thomas Safran & Associates employees and residents raised over $30,000 and donated 17,000 pounds of food in a single month, all proceeds benefitting the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

2008 TSA's Big Give

Inspired from the hit reality TV series, Oprah’s Big Give, each Property Manager was given $500 to positively impact their residents and/or local community. Highlights from the first "TSA's Big Give":

  • The Breezewood Village Team’s Big Give was a shining example. They hosted a 5K run/walk supporting the La Mirada Community Services Foundation. With the initial $500, they gained 27 business sponsorships, 87 race participants, and raised a total of $11,145.99 in cash, goods, and services.
  • Two Hollywood area communities, Hollywood Fountain South and Martel Park, donated their funds to a local middle school art program. In exchange, all of the artwork produced by the students went on exhibit in the buildings for the residents to enjoy! The students also spent time with the senior residents socializing and bringing youthfulness into the building.
  • A neighborhood library in Sun Valley was burglarized, and the majority of the computer equipment was destroyed and stolen. Strathern Court adopted the library and replaced a significant amount of the items.
  • One community in Torrance invited the families of veterans who lived in the building, the mayor, and the local news to a special ceremony in honor of their services.