Torch Helps, an employee-run and funded 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has provided dozens of grants to local charities since its inception in June 2005.  In the early years of Torch Technologies, the company and its employees raised money for charity events — with only moderate success. Co-founder and CEO Bill Roark realized the company needed a process for employees to donate time and money. Two employee owners had separately approached Roark with their own visions for Torch’s charitable giving efforts. He challenged them to get together and develop an effective and efficient program. They divided up the research, looking into the financial aspects of a charitable organization and researching the governance, setup responsibilities, and an application and review process for charities. Torch Helps was the result of that challenge.

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Torch In Action provides no financial support, it is instead focused on giving back through service. Torch In Action, the service arm of Torch Helps, coordinates volunteer opportunities for our employee owners. Torch has always been heavily involved in our community, but until 2014, volunteer efforts were sporadic and mainly presented themselves— with the growth of many locations, and more employees wanting to participate in volunteer efforts, the Torch Helps Board members realized that they needed a more intentional approach to service that included planning and coordination of potential volunteer opportunities for employees.

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As Torch continues to grow, so does our corporate charitable giving. Our Corporate Charitable Giving Committee meets quarterly to review all applicable charitable requests and provide recommendations. Our Corporate Charitable Giving Committee receives and recommends charitable requests for those organizations that do not meet the requirements for a Torch Helps grant.

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