Being arrested is no laughing matter, but when it’s done for a good cause, being locked up isn’t all that bad. Just ask John Welsh and his El Paso team who hosted more than 200 temporary jailbirds as they awaited their freedom.

Executive Kitchen Manager Bobby Brown and his Daytona TASC Force team came to the aid of the local battered women’s shelter. Because of the volume of TASC Force stories, this event occurred during the holiday season last year, but the story is timeless and the kindness of our team remains continues to be so relevant. Here’s his story:

Lake Berryessa in Napa, California was the site for some lakeshore clean-up and Vacaville’s Senior Manager Jim Amistoso and his TASC Force team answered the call. Here’s his story:

Adrian Fabella, DM in Roseville, reports on the third year in a row that Roseville team members have not only hosted a blood drive, but also donated blood themselves. Adrian says, “With the support of the community and our team members we had 39 volunteers donate their time and their blood, for a total of 29 units of blood. We hosted the blood drive in our parking lot and served pizza, Pizookies and root beer to all donors. We look forward to hosting this event next year and expect to raise our donation level.”

Senior Manager Scott Sweeney and team Roseville have once again organized a TASC Force team, this time to support the BIA (Building Industry Association). This organization sends 250 care packages twice a year to military units serving in Afghanistan and Kosovo. Included in the boxes are notes from school children and members of the BIA, as well as snacks, treats, personal care items, reading materials and other comforts from home. Here’s an eyewitness account from team member Conrad Morgan:

Roseville team member Molly Patterson worked for a month in Cambodia recently and taught English in two schools. She sent a wonderfully detailed account of her experiences, a small part of which I’m happy to share here. “The people of Cambodia are trying to move from a country of factory workers to a more industrialized country. The way that I and others can help with this development is through a more substantial education for the youth of Cambodia.

With a number of holiday TASC Force events reported over the past few weeks, I’m pleased to finally share with you this outstanding example of community support as reported by SM Tim Sullivan of BJ’s in Addison. “The Christmas at Fair Park event was an astounding success. It was by far the largest event that the SM Wright Foundation, one that provides relief and hope to families in need in the South Dallas area, has organized.

We were so pleased to represent BJ's at this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S, and our team was there to help support the efforts to find a cure. This is what the race represents. The race is the fight to survive, and in this case, the struggle and fight to cross the finish line. The Race was held here in Sacramento at Cal Expo where thousands of supporters and companies came out. We were able to register around 70 team members from BJ's!

This story comes from Mike Bierman, Senior Manager in Aurora, a frequent contributor to our TASC Force program:

Junior Achievement of Metro Denver is a non-profit organization that helps and inspires students to succeed in the global economy.  This is the 3rd year that I teach a 7 week course that helps them become more prepared for anything involved in the business and economic world.  Topics ranging from business ethics, marketing, and money management to simple resume building, interviewing skills and teamwork are taught throughout the course. 

Over a five day period BJ’s Oxmoor participated in the Louisville, KY Flags for Fallen Heroes Annual Citizens Tribute, helping to generate donations in excess of $40,000.00 to benefit the charity.  On May 27, 2010 General Manager Jason Hershfeld and team members Heather Wilson, Alayne Phillips, Todd Fleur, Jason Cox, Brian Timmons, Priscilla Hernandez, Michelle Scott, Amanda Oerether, Jessica McGill and Katie Cabanatuan, Placed Flags  throughout Jefferson Square Park in Downtown Louisville to honor our fallen heroes.  “It was a wonderful opportunity to give bac