We think the world of our community.
We’re proud of our communities’ strong roots and deep reserves of talent, hope, and energy — the big and little ways people look out for each other.
$4 million+
donated since 2006
$95,000+
raised through Employee Match Campaign since 2016
$700,000
raised at Blackie Wills Golf Classic events since 2017
45
local organizations supported across the Mid-Atlantic region
What is Lives in Motion?
Lives in Motion means we believe every interaction is an opportunity to help people move forward toward their goals and dreams. This idea inspires our corporate community engagement and our two primary areas of focus.
Ending Childhood Hunger
According to estimates made in September 2021, as many as 13 million children in the United States live in “food insecure” homes.
As food industry experts, we’re passionate about ending childhood hunger, and ensuring kids have access to the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
By working together with our communities, local nonprofits, and business partners, we can make a difference for these children and help move their lives forward.
Enhancing Outdoor Spaces
As our world undergoes a surge in urban population growth, it’s more important than ever that we invest in outdoor spaces where communities can connect, play, enjoy nature, and thrive.
We’re working across the Mid-Atlantic region to reimagine and refurbish outdoor community spaces that have fallen into disrepair and identify new opportunities for communities lacking these spaces.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT UPDATES
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29 June, 2022
The Wills Group Joins the La Plata Community in Dedicating a Reimagined Phoenix Run Park
The Wills Group announced today that the Wills Group, community officials and members of the Phoenix Park community dedicated the reimagined Phoenix Run Park in La Plata, Maryland on Saturday, June 18. The park transformation results from a shared vision of local business, community advocates and the Phoenix Park community who together reimagined what a once neglected park could offer a neighborhood, families, and the town of La Plata.
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28 October, 2021
Dash In and Splash In ECO Car Wash Together Open Two All-New Locations in Clinton and Lanham, Maryland
Dash In grand opening events introduce renewed approach by Dash In to celebrate each community with more than $40,000 in grants distributed in support of the Clinton and Lanham, Maryland communities
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21 September, 2021
The Wills Group Raises More Than $200,000 at Fifth Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic
Funds raised will ensure that the Wills Group continues to build on the more than $1 million dollars donated in the past year to local food banks to help families in need across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund
The Wills Group’s commitment to employee and community engagement is supported by the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund was created in 2016 to honor Wills Group President Julian Blacklock “Blackie” Wills and his commitment to giving back to local communities. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund actively reinvests in our communities in support of our vision and strategic philanthropic initiatives. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund is a component fund within Chesapeake Charities, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Interested in joining a team that gives back to the communities where it lives and operates? Join us.
Learn more about our corporate community engagement work in our annual reports:
Community Engagement is central to the Wills Group’s culture and values.