Growing up in West Texas in the 1980s, Adam Wood often heard his mother say, "Go outside and play." But when the weather got too hot, Wood's mother suggested he go color instead. "I was the kid who loved to be outside and ride my bike, but I also loved to go sit in my room and color or draw," said Wood. "I don't think it was her intention, but art grew to have a big impact on my life."
Fast forward to today, Wood is a BOK Financial® business initiative consultant with more than 15 years of banking experience, but his love for art remains. When he's not offering his wealth management clients the down-home customer service he's known for, he is busy painting. His Instagram account for his art business features vibrant acrylic paintings including portraits and landscapes.
Instagram is also where Wood first discovered The Welman Project, a Fort Worth, Texas, nonprofit that distributes surplus materials from local companies to teachers for creative use at no cost.
“I love The Welman Project because it champions art, education and sustainability—all at the same time. Art is my personal mission, and I have several family members and friends who are teachers, including my mother, who was a pastor and substitute teacher. I appreciate that supplies that companies no longer need are diverted from the trash and repurposed or donated to teachers.”- Adam Wood, Welman Project volunteer and BOK Financial business initiative consultant
Thanks to donors, The Welman Project offers educators a constantly changing selection of:
- art materials
- office supplies
- décor
- books
- building materials
- teacher resources
- furniture
"They have a large facility here in town, and educators can come in and shop for free," said Wood. "There are aisles full of supplies, and it's set up like a grocery store. Teachers can also bring their students to do art projects at The Welman Project."
Employees advocate for financial support with heart
Wood was so impressed by The Welman Project that he nominated it for Guide the Giving, BOK Financial's employee-directed philanthropy program. Every year, employees nominate, campaign for and vote for their favorite nonprofits to receive a donation. Wood nominated The Welman Project in 2023 and 2024, helping the organization secure $15,000 in donations from the company.
Unlike BOK Financial's ongoing philanthropic efforts, which are tied to giving pillars, Guide the Giving is 100% directed by employees. This allows the employees to engage meaningfully with causes they care about and raise awareness about organizations they’re involved with that may be outside the scope of typical corporate programs.
"When employees nominate and advocate for nonprofits close to their hearts to receive a donation, it ensures our corporate philanthropy truly resonates with their values," shared Leslie Paris, director of community and employee engagement at BOK Financial. "The donations also tend to go to smaller nonprofits where we can often make a significant impact."
Through this annual initiative, 15 local organizations across the company’s eight-state footprint receive $5,000 or $10,000 each year. This year, those 15 winning organizations, including The Welman Project, were chosen from 160 organizations nominated by employees.
“They found a need and it’s had a huge impact,” Wood said. “The Welman Project is addressing education, environment and art—at the same time. I am so happy I could help them through Guide the Giving.”
Top photo: Adam Wood and the Forth Worth team presenting a 2024 Guide the Giving check to the Welman Project.
. © 2024 BOKF, NA.