In the corporate world, business leaders need to focus on margins, bottom lines, employee retention and return on investment. For nonprofit social service organizations such as Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, the concerns are remarkably similar -only the playing field is different. When we think of margins, we think about those living on the edge of poverty. The bottom line for many of the people we care for is survival, whether that means escaping from abuse or homelessness or struggling to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. The employee retention that we deal with is finding people jobs. And our return on investment is a social return that benefits the entire community and saves lives. We all want to do well. And we all can do well by doing good!

Since 1850, JFCS, a non-sectarian social service agency, has alleviated human suffering and helped people all ages, faiths and ethnic backgrounds to live the best lives possible. Through more than 40 programs in 15 offices in five counties, JFCS improves people's quality of life - cradle to rocking chair - through an effective, compassionate continuum of care. As our community changes and evolves, so do the challenges in providing adequate resources and support for those in need.

Our motto has long been: "When you need us, we're here for you." And we're sure that you, too, are committed to fulfilling your commitment to your constituents. We can help each other keep these promises. Your support of our mission will enable us to have a meaningful impact in the lives of people right here in our community. And our affiliation with you will demonstrate to others that you care about more than the bottom line.

You and your company can contribute to the well-being of our community while creating a positive perception of your company among local consumers. With a little creativity and a healthy dose of vision, we can build a better world.

To view a list of our 2006 Gala Sponsors, click here.

The 1999 Cone/Roper "Cause Related Trends Report" found that more than 80% of Americans feel good about a company that supports a charitable cause. More importantly, with product, price and quality being equal, nearly two-thirds of American consumers would likely change brands or retail preferences based on whether or not a company associates with a community cause.

The report also showed that cause-related alliances strengthen employee morale. 90% of workers at companies coordinating such programs expressed a strong sense of pride in their employer, as compared to 56% at companies that don't engage in community efforts.