Zumasys Achieves $1 Million Giving Goal Through Happyness is a Choice Program

Zumasys announced that it has achieved its goal of donating $1 million to individuals and organizations in need.

"Five years ago, when we came up with the idea to donate 1% of our revenue to people who could use some assistance, we never would have imagined where that journey would take us," said Paul Giobbi, president and co-founder of Zumasys.

Since 2013, an employee-directed committee named Happyness is a Choice has awarded donations of up to $25,000 to more than 335 individuals and non-profit organizations across the globe. The company achieved its $1 million goal with technology donations to two educational institutions.

In May 2018, Zumasys donated $13,000 in Cisco Meraki security equipment to the Providence Hebrew Day School. The Providence Hebrew Day School was nominated by Zumasys customer Bilateral Credit Corporation at Zumapalooza 2017, Zumasys' signature technology conference. The donation included sending Zumasys Systems Engineer Jacob Vargas to Rhode Island to install the equipment for the school.

"I want to thank Zumasys for the donation of networking equipment for Providence Hebrew Day School. I'm sure it will enable students and faculty to make use of 21st century teaching methods and learning resources," said David Kaufman, CFO of Bilateral Credit Corporation. "I know this will make a difference to the education of the students for many years to come."

Later this summer, Senior Systems Engineer Jin Kim will travel to Northrise University in Zambia, Africa, to upgrade the university's IT infrastructure with more than $20,000 in NetApp storage and Cisco UCS servers.

"Being a growing university in a developing country, we have benefited from Zumasys' expertise in IT solutions through multiple donations of equipment and qualified experts who have come alongside us and empowered us to train our students at a higher level," said Doreen Zimba, co-founder of Northrise University. "We want to thank all the vendors and customers who support the Happyness is a Choice program. You are changing students' lives in Zambia."

A Cultural Evolution

In October 2012, Zumasys planted the seeds for its Happyness is a Choice program with a pledge to give 1% of revenue to non-profit organizations selected by its employees. Not long after, the company was inspired to take the program new heights by Shawn Achor, a noted Happiness researcher and Zumapalooza keynote speaker. Following Achor's Zumapalooza keynote address, the company shifted its focus to spreading 'Happyness' by volunteering with customers, vendors, and neighbors.

"The Conscious Capitalism movement resonates with us," Giobbi added. "The focus for our company is on the well-being of all of our stakeholders. That means not just our shareholders, but our employees, community, customers, vendors and our extended network. We are passionate about making personal connections and leveraging our business success to benefit others. That is more important to us than achieving a specific number."

After reaching its goal, Zumasys reaffirmed its commitment to setting aside 1% of revenue for Happyness is a Choice and its unique employee-centered programs.