• Posted: March 6, 2019
• Community Building

Kendra Dinkins, CEO of Taylor Electric, is thrilled about the company being a platinum sponsor of the 3rd Annual Ditch the Weight and Guns 5K run/walk that will be held on October 14, 21, 28, 2018. The 5K benefits non-profits in the local communities of Englewood, Roseland, and Chatham in Chicago, Illinois. Contributions will go a long way toward providing increased financial support to programs and deserving persons in the community.

“We’ve only had positive feedback from our employees, runners, and the community,” Dinkins said. “People are really looking forward to the event.”

The Ditch the Weight and Guns 5K has raised and contributed $1,500 for the past two years to Harper High School, but this year they plan to contribute $5,000 to deserving non-profits with the additional sponsored dates. The 5K promotes a healthy lifestyle and is a companywide event for Taylor Electric.

“I love running through the heart of the city every year and connecting with the neighbors,” said Charlotte Taylor, administrative assistant, at Taylor Electric. “Even the Mayor ran with us last year.”

Dinkins and her sister Karen Michele were runners and would run a 5K on the weekends or once a month. They wanted to do something to give back to the community and decided this would be good for the company too. After Taylor Electric became sponsors of this popular local event, employee participation grew to 15 last year and Dinkins’ believes that will be surpassed this year. Employees who run in all three races on October 14, 21, 28, 2018 will be part of the “Taylor Triple Threat” challenge and will be eligible for a special prize.

“Having participated in the Englewood 5K the last two years I am looking forward to participating in this year’s Triple Threat this is a great event for family, friends, and business leaders to help this community receive some positive attention,” said Anthony Sage, Superintendent at Taylor Electric. “Having lived and worked in this city for most of my life I believe all communities should have the opportunities for people to live, work, and raise their families. When you walk through this community you can see the potential it has, you see the beautiful parks, architecture, and most of all the people who are working to help their community.”

“We are heavily invested in making sure this community rebounds from the present disparity it’s facing,” Dinkins said. “We are working on two different projects, a new six flat and rehabbing a series of buildings for a developer.”

During the event there will be tents, tables, and vendors with health and wellness information for all. Taylor Electric welcomes anyone interested in running or walking to sign-up and join their Team: Taylor Electric Cares. They will also have a table with brochures and other information for interested members of the community on the training, certifications, and opportunities available to them when joining Local 134 electricians.