Over my nine years at BFG, one of the things that has meant the most to me is watching our commitment to giving back grow into such an important part of who we are. That commitment is especially personal to me, as my family has experienced firsthand the incredible difference it makes when people show up with kindness, generosity, and support. It has made me even more grateful to be part of a firm where that same spirit of caring holds true.

I’ve had the privilege of watching that spirit evolve into something much bigger and more intentional over the years. I still remember when Lena returned from a networking event after meeting a woman at a firm similar to ours, whose role was dedicated entirely to community impact. She was so inspired by the idea and immediately saw an opportunity for BFG to do something similar. She wanted giving back to become an even bigger part of our identity, and she believed we had the right people and the right culture to make it happen. Our leadership embraced that vision, and what has grown from it has been remarkable.

Today, more than half of our employees voluntarily serve on our Community Service & Philanthropy Committee, where we come together to identify meaningful ways to serve our community. But the enthusiasm extends far beyond that group. Team members regularly seek me out to ask how they can get involved or say, “I know you were full, but sign me up for the next one!” That kind of genuine interest is what makes me most proud. Our people don’t simply participate because it’s an option; they want to be there. They care, and they make giving back a shared priority.

This year has brought some extraordinary moments. Lena’s commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association deserves special recognition. As one of just 10 dancers selected for the annual Memory Ball, Lena’s efforts alone raised nearly $185,000 for Alzheimer’s research and care. She embraced every part of that experience, from weekly dance lessons and costume selection to sharing her story with anyone who would listen. We were happy to support her throughout the journey, give her the space to pursue such an ambitious goal, and celebrate alongside her on the big night. Her determination was extraordinary, and watching our team rally around her made the experience even more meaningful.

Closer to home, our relationship with St. Vincent’s Villa has become one of our absolute favorites. We have truly fallen in love with this organization and the children it serves. Our BFG athletes have joined the kids for field games, our BFG moms have done arts and crafts…we’ve painted their sweet faces and tattooed their little arms (and, by special request, even their tiny foreheads!). We’ve served food at the fall festival, decorated a Cookie Monster-themed car for Trunk-or-Treat, and are now collecting holiday gifts. We look forward to every opportunity to spend time with these kids and bring a little extra fun to their day. St. Vincent’s Villa is literally right in our backyard, and we hope they know they have neighbors who care about them and are always happy to show up.

Our support of cancer patients continues to be something we’re passionate about. This year, our relationship with the Ulman Foundation, which provides specialized support and housing for young adults facing cancer, has grown in wonderful ways. Earlier this month, Kobe took on the incredible challenge of running the New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world, and raised nearly $17,000 for Ulman. We are so proud of him and his desire to turn such a tremendous personal accomplishment into an opportunity to help others. We’ve attended their Blue Jeans and Bow Ties and Screw Cancer events and recently hosted a Sunday Dinner for the residents at Ulman House. We continue to support Baltimore’s Hope Lodge through quarterly supply drop-offs and meals. Both organizations provide a home away from home for patients traveling to Baltimore for treatment. Whether sharing a meal, lending a hand, or simply sitting down for conversation, we are thankful that we can make an incredibly difficult time a little easier.

Creating opportunities through education, mentorship, and access is another area where we are proud to be involved. We welcome students from area high schools into our office to shadow our team and get a firsthand look at careers in financial planning. We also engage with college students through Stevenson University’s Investment Club and support Towson University’s Wealth Management Competition, where students put their financial planning and investment knowledge to work by developing and presenting recommendations to industry professionals. Our commitment to Stevenson goes beyond these experiences. Each year, we continue to fund an endowed scholarship that helps bridge the gap created by rising tuition costs for students who might otherwise be unable to afford a college education. Attending the annual scholarship recipient breakfast is always a highlight, and this year was particularly special when Manny, a former scholarship recipient himself, returned to serve as the event’s emcee. Moments like that remind us just how meaningful these opportunities can be and how far their impact can reach.

We also enjoy participating in Junior Achievement’s annual Leading Ladies event, where we connect with young women, share our experiences, and encourage them to recognize the possibilities ahead. Through the Cash Campaign’s Money Power Day, we share our financial planning expertise with individuals and families in underserved communities, helping build financial knowledge and confidence. And through BFG University, we make financial education accessible to an even broader audience through online courses, webinars, podcasts, and e-books designed to help people make more informed financial decisions at every stage of life. Ultimately, we believe that sharing what we know, opening doors, and helping others grow are some of the most meaningful ways we can give back.

When I think about BFG’s community involvement over the past year, what means the most to me is the people who bring it to life. Our team doesn’t wait to be asked to help. They step up, champion causes, give their time, and encourage one another to get involved. And our clients have become such an important part of that spirit. They cheer us on, share the causes that matter to them, and invite us to their own charitable events because they know we’ll actually show up! I love that. It speaks to the relationships we’ve built and the values we share.

As BFG continues to grow, we’re equally excited to expand our community impact into North Carolina. Now that we’ve had time to get settled into the area, we look forward to building meaningful relationships and supporting those communities we’re fortunate to now be a part of. We hope to carry those same values of connection and service that have become such an important part of who we are in Baltimore.

While we may be a smaller firm, I believe our reach extends far beyond our size. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, grateful to our team and clients whose generosity and enthusiasm make it all possible, and excited about what lies ahead.

With gratitude,

Amanda Pancake

Director of Community Impact