This year, Gunster’s annual participation in the Education Foundation Backpack Build reached new heights, reflecting both our firm’s deep-rooted commitment to community service and the exciting milestones achieved by the Foundation itself. As we celebrate our centennial, Gunster set an ambitious goal: 1,925 hours of service across our 13 offices, honoring the year of our founding and reaffirming our dedication to the communities we serve. The Backpack Build equips local Palm Beach County students and teachers with tools necessary for a successful academic year.
Driven by our centennial service initiative, Gunster’s West Palm Beach office set out to make this year’s Backpack Build our most impactful yet. In just two short hours, the firm’s volunteers assembled over 1,600 backpacks. Each pack was filled with essential classroom items such as pencils, notebooks and folders and were quality controlled to ensure each child received the same materials. This event came to fruition under the leadership of Late Gunster Shareholder Ed Tancer, Chairman of the Education Foundation’s Board. “His devotion to public education was second to none,” said James Gavrilos, President and CEO of the Education Foundation. Gunster’s Shareholder Greg Schwinghammer has continued Ed’s Legacy, serving on the Board of Directors for the Foundation. At the event, Greg reminded the volunteers of the deeper purpose behind their efforts. Quoting James, Greg said, “We’re not building backpacks. We’re providing dignity to kids.” With the help of volunteers, he added, “Every kid in the school system is going to have the same chance.”
James Gavrilos further emphasized the important role Gunster has played in the Foundation's upbringing. “This facility is here in large part because of people at Gunster, and it’s Gunster’s community service that sets you apart,” said James, “It’s people like Brian Seymour who did all the legal work for the facility. It’s Greg Schwinghammer who sits on our Board of Directors. It’s Ed Tancer whose stamp on public education is a legacy.” James encouraged the Gunster team to continue serving the community with small acts of love. Quoting Mother Teresa, he said, “We are not expected to do great things, but we can all do small things with great amounts of love.”
As we look back on this year’s Backpack Build, we are reminded that many members of the Gunster team are themselves products of the Palm Beach County education system. This personal connection deepens our commitment to empowering the next generation of students. We firmly believe that the strength of any community begins with the education of its children, and we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that help lay that foundation for years to come.
Find out how you can support the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.
