Philanthropy

In addition to being committed to an exciting growth business, Gardner Rich seeks to make a difference in the communities where it functions.

Focusing on areas of education, Gardner Rich’s contributions to schools across the country, have achieved national recognition, striking a responsive chord in the public segment of the pension market.

In past years, the Company has been an active contributor to the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Teacher of the Year and Special Olympics. Mr. Gardner has also provided internships to high school students from the Chicago land area through the Chicago Public Schools and Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory.

Gardner Rich contributions have been used to provide economic support to teachers, paraprofessionals and schools. They have also been used to feed homeless school children, add a computer wing and provide various student scholarships.

In addition, Mr. Gardner has made a commitment to the homeless. This is due to his recent success with the movie, "Pursuit of Happyness”, a story that depicts his life from being homeless with a child to becoming a stockbroker. He has become an advocate for the homeless by raising awareness of the homeless problem in the United States. He has built a strong relationship with organizations like the CARA program, Glide Memorial Church and Moe’s Kitchen to combat the homeless problem.

Furthermore, Gardner Rich’s entire investment philosophy is, and always has been, to undertake business where an agenda of social benefit and prudent financial objectives coincide.