Feature Stories

Astellas’ Employee Resource Groups Unify to run for Charity

Aug 31, 2016

Since their inception in 2014, Astellas’ seven diverse employee resource groups (ERGs) have made a profound impact both within the organization and in their respective communities. Recently, their shared passion for volunteerism and charitable fundraising coalesced during the inaugural “One Astellas Spirit Run” at the company’s 2016 National Sales Forum in Las Vegas, NV - with outstanding results.

A total of 500 hundred employees raised $66,000 in a 2.5 kilometer run along the Las Vegas strip to benefit seven charities selected by the company’s ERGs:

Dress for Success Southern Nevada (Stellar Women ERG)

Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation (Asian ERG)

Fisher House Foundation (Military ERG)

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (Hispanic ERG)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (People Living with Disabilities ERG)

Tyler Clementi Foundation (Together as One LGBTQ ERG)

ZERO–The End of Prostate Cancer (African American ERG)

As impressive as the results was how the idea came together. Pete Jewett, executive sales representative, Hospital Transplant, and member of the People Living with Disabilities ERG, was inspired after working with TAPS at its annual Marine Corps Marathon 10 kilometer run, and saw the potential for Astellas’ ERGs to unify and organize a similar event. After recommending the concept to several ERG leaders, the positive momentum couldn’t be contained. They formed a small, dedicated committee who worked over several weeks to ensure a successful event.

“Not many companies will give their employees the support and resources they need to put on an event of this magnitude,” said Jewett. “This was a testament to Astellas empowering its employees to take initiative when it comes to bringing to life the company’s core values of collaboration and community involvement.”

At Astellas, we envision a world where communities of all kinds have the means they need to live smart today and every day. By contributing to these great organizations—whether in-kind or financially, our employees are supporting our shared vision to meet the unique needs of underserved communities with resources to face the future with confidence.