C.J. Erickson Plumbing Centennial Celebration

A Year of Giving Back, Getting Involved, and Having Fun

Over $60,000 Raised for Metropolitan Family Services, +950 Volunteer Hours Served

It all started with a question - What would be the best way to celebrate C.J. Erickson’s Centennial Anniversary? In the end, there was only one answer - to give back to the communities and people that have contributed to C. J. Erickson Plumbing's success during the past century. Here’s a look back at highlights that made 2006 a true milestone in C.J. Erickson Plumbing’s history.

The Parades
In 2006, C.J. Erickson participated in both the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Southside Irish Parade. For months prior to the events, employees of C.J. Erickson worked diligently designing and then building the company’s Centennial float. Then in March, employees, their families and other company friends enjoyed two days of parade fellowship. The C.J. Erickson float was featured on local television stations and Bill Erickson, CEO, was one of the only parade participants interviewed. In addition, the C.J. Erickson parade float actually won one of the parade's prestigious awards. It was a great way to kick-off the Centennial Celebration and introduce the 2006 plan.

Centennial Community Volunteer Corps.
The formation of an employee staffed corps of volunteers was vital to the success of the Centennial Celebration. The employees of C.J. Erickson were up to the challenge. In addition to helping out with the various fundraisers for Metropolitan Family Services Southwest, this dedicated group of individuals lent their assistance to other community endeavors. Among the most notable was their participation in the Rebuild Chicago project. The C.J. Erickson Community Corps spent a number of days in the Posen neighborhood helping out an appreciative resident. The volunteers painted and made many other improvements. The Community Corps helped feed the hungry and homeless at St. Victors in Calumet City and at Morning Star Mission in Joliet. They also pitched in at other community events throughout the year.

Fundraisers for Metropolitan Family Services Southwest
The C.J. Erickson Centennial Charity - The central focus of the Centennial Anniversary was the creation and execution of several events designed to raise funds for Metropolitan Family Services Southwest (www.metrofamily.org). This local charity assists area families in need, primarily by providing mental health services. Over $60,000 was raised through the following events:

The Giving Heart Bouquet - This Mother’s Day promotion involved developing a custom bouquet for Mom’s special day. A portion of each bouquet purchased was donated to Metropolitan Family Services Southwest. The bouquets were shown on Chicago television stations, mentioned in local newspapers and were part of a radio promotion on a prominent morning program.

Wash Away The Stigma of Mental Illness - In July, C.J. Erickson’s Centennial Community Volunteer Corps rolled up their sleeves and conducted a multi-location car wash to benefit Metropolitan Family Services Southwest. Held at strategic sites in the southwest suburbs, the car wash was a resounding success!

Breakfast with Santa Benefit - In December, C.J. Erickson hosted an opportunity for families to bring their little ones for a morning of great food and some special “Santa” time. In addition to free photos, there were great raffles and a free keepsake craft for the kids. It was a day full of magic!

C. J. Erickson Centennial Family Picnic
Another key facet of the C.J. Erickson Centennial Celebration was an emphasis on family and fun. In August, all company employees and their families were treated to a good-old fashioned summer picnic. A petting zoo, inflatable playground and surfing simulator were just some of the day’s activities!

C.J. Erickson's Valuable Centennial Partners
- Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Centennial year was the support and generosity of C.J. Erickson's many business partners, vendors, and friends. With their help, C.J. Erickson's Centennial Celebration was a year to be proud of and one that the company can build on as it moves into the next 100 years!