The Art of Giving is one of the firm’s most inspired – and inspiring – innovations. Established in 2022, the program is the brainchild of Brand Communications Director Brooke Hipp, an accomplished artist who saw a unique opportunity to give back to the community while showcasing the immense talent of our people.
Where did the idea for Art of Giving come from?
Brooke: I knew we had a lot of people with artistic talent at BDO because I’m an artist myself and I’ve connected with many of them. I thought: How can we bring this creative community together, showcase their talent, and give back to the broader community through charitable giving?
Soon, we came up with a plan: our talented professionals could create and donate a piece of artwork, and other BDOers could bid on the work through an online marketplace, with the proceeds going to a community organization. We described it as “Creating for a cause, shopping for a purpose.”
How did you make it happen?
Brooke: Through an enormous amount of collaboration across the firm. Just to name a few essential groups: Our social impact team helped choose the organizations we would support; IT vetted the software; legal and finance ensured we were compliant; communications got the word out to everyone in the firm. Of course, our artists supplied the artwork, and all of it was made possible by firm leadership, who enthusiastically supported the program.
The Art of Giving has been going on for three years now. Can you give us a sense of how it’s evolved and grown?
Brooke: More people are participating. For example, people in our immediate families are contributing art, and people in the community organizations themselves are participating. So, you could say the Art of Giving family has grown.
What has made The Art of Giving successful?
Brooke: I credit our people who truly care about our communities. Also, we have a culture that values and supports people’s individuality. That has enabled the program to thrive.