When Don Roth learned that he had prostate cancer in 2006, it led him to examine and energize the role his company played in the larger community. As CEO of AmpliVox Sound Systems, Roth made his living creating products that promote communication, especially in group settings. Roth’s experience with his own illness inspired him to seek out ways to support cancer advocacy groups. Today, he sees community involvement as an essential part of corporate purpose. “The strength of our company relies on the strength of our community,” says Roth. “We’re all in this together. If AmpliVox can help support a healthier, connected and prosperous community, we all benefit.”
Motivated by this central philosophy, Roth has undertaken a wide range of charity projects, locally and nationally. One of the most visible of these efforts has been the Pink Podium Promise, through which AmpliVox has donated specially-designed podiums to nearly 100 breast cancer organizations around the country. The podiums have become so popular that the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Foundation recently partnered with AmpliVox to bring podiums to its local affiliate groups. Manufactured in the recognized pink color of the breast cancer awareness movement, the podiums have been featured at races, dinners and education events.
Roth’s personal battle with cancer, as well as similar challenges faced by family members, inspired the Pink Podium Promise. He envisioned applying AmpliVox’s products in ways that would directly help advocacy groups deliver their message. The positive results of the program are clearly close to his heart. “People who go through these life-changing experiences have important stories to tell. AmpliVox products are all about helping people’s voices to be heard. I love seeing these podiums at the center of a fundraising race, being useful to people who are so committed to their cause. It’s exciting to be part of such important and inspiring work.”
AmpliVox also finds ways to support community causes at the grassroots level. The recently-launched “Speak Up For America!” program pledges that for every megaphone sold through 2011, $15 will be donated to the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook, Illinois. Roth, an NSYMCA Board member, sees the “Speak Up For America!” commitment as an investment in the community that his company calls home. “We support the wide range of services provided by the Y,” said Roth. “AmpliVox is speaking up for all the teachers, community members and volunteers who encourage and inspire kids at the Y every day.” The donations will support youth programming at the Y, including many classes and sports activities where AmpliVox equipment is already in use. “We’re pleased to be able to obtain such high-quality sound equipment from a local company,” said Howard Schultz, Executive Director/CEO of the NSYMCA, “and we’re extremely grateful for the support of AmpliVox’s “Speak Up For America!” gift. In difficult economic times, our Y relies heavily on private donations to keep our programs available to all.”
Corporate community involvement may be a tough sell in an era of outsourcing and belt-tightening, but for Roth it is a core element of AmpliVox. “We don’t exist in a vacuum. I believe that it’s just good business to support the people and programs that strengthen our communities. I’m happy for all the opportunities that AmpliVox has to make our city and our country better, and we’ll keep looking for ways to stay involved.”
About AmpliVox
AmpliVox ® Sound Systems products are predominantly made in the USA, meet stringent UL standards, and come with an up to 6-year warranty. Our wide selection meets every speaker's sound coverage and style needs. Whether you are in a small meeting room of 30 people or a large 20,000 square foot auditorium of up to 10,000 people, AmpliVox ® Sound Systems' extensive range of superior quality, simple to operate and reliable electronics will provide maximum satisfaction and ensure a crystal clear message. The creator of the “Pink Podium Promise” cause marketing initiative, AmpliVox donates pink podiums to breast cancer awareness organizations helping lead the effort to “Speak Up for the Cause”.
Photo Caption: AmpliVox Sound Systems CEO Don Roth with a Pink Podium. AmpliVox's Pink Podium Promise program has donated over 100 podiums to breast cancer advocacy groups, hospitals, and military units.