Toshiba’s Culture of Social Responsibility

For Toshiba, giving back to the community in which its employees live and work is fundamentally important. That idea was a key driver in the company’s decision in 1994 to sponsor the Toshiba Classic. In the ensuring years, company leadership and employees alike have taken great pride in the fact that the Toshiba Classic is the most charitable event on the PGA Champion’s Tour.

2011 marks the 14th year that Hoag has been the primary beneficiary of the renowned event. Much more than a first class golf tournament, the Toshiba Classic has evolved as a platform for Toshiba to support healthcare, children and education in our community. In addition to the millions of dollars raised for Hoag, Toshiba has used the Toshiba Classic venue to award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students and $400,000 in laptops to local schools in the last 12 years.

For the past four years of the tournament, the Toshiba Classic has also helped the community become more environmentally aware with its “Swing for the Green” recycling initiative. Each year Toshiba collects thousands of pounds of recycled electronic products brought in by tournament spectators in exchange for tickets to the event.

According to Mark Simons, Toshiba America Information Systems CEO, the ways that the Toshiba Classic benefits the community has grown and evolved over the years. “We are so pleased to have the platform of the Toshiba Classic and the relationship with Hoag,” he says. “Having the opportunity to give to Hoag at the pace of $1 million per year, support local schools and our environment, all with the reach and scope of the tournament, is phenomenal.”

This year the Toshiba Classic donated the $1 million proceeds from the tournament to the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag. Personally touched by the diabetes of a close family member, Mark is especially pleased by the focus of this year’s gift. “I applaud Hoag in its approach to diabetes care,” he says. “I’m very impressed with the Allen Diabetes Center and its focus on wellness and helping children and adults to stay healthy while living with diabetes.”

Improving Lives for Children and Families

Toshiba’s Irvine employees are encouraged to put time and sweat equity into their community service during their Toshiba-sponsored Habitat for Humanity work days. Not only do employees help with building homes, each local Habitat for Humanity home is equipped with a Toshiba laptop and internet access. Then, to maximize the value of the in-home technology, Toshiba employees train the families to use their new computer including how to use Microsoft Office Suite software. Plans are underway to expand the program so that families can come back for more training to enhance their computer skills.

Local Toshiba employees are also involved in the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, which cares for children removed from their caregivers in cases of abuse and neglect, and provides support programs to help older teens successfully transition from foster care to adulthood.

Mark, a member of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation Board, is passionate about aligning his support with children and education.

“We are a technology company and we want to empower children with technology,” he says. “We believe that technology changes lives and allows people to be more productive and to stay connected. We are glad to bring that resource to children in our community through our charitable work.”

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required

As a global traveler for Toshiba, Mark has seen all types of communities and is keenly aware of the abundance we enjoy in Orange County. With a grateful heart, he embraces his responsibility to give back to those in need. For Mark and Toshiba, reaching into the community and getting involved is a win for everybody. “We are all a part of something that’s bigger than ourselves,” he shares. “That has a tremendous benefit to each of us individually, to our organization and to the community at large.”