Three years ago, Scott Schmadeke was talking with his neighbor when he first learned about NECC. Kevin Coleman, vice president of Ross Mortgage Company and a member of NECC’s President’s Council, encouraged Schmadeke to take a tour.
“Once you enter the doors, walk the halls, and understand the mission and purpose of NECC, you cannot resist being part of supporting the organization. That’s how it all began,” Schmadeke explained.
Schmadeke, senior vice president of operations for BJ’s Wholesale Club, immediately joined Coleman on the President’s Council. “I felt that in addition to donating to NECC, my experience, both personally and professionally, could serve as a resource,” Schmadeke said. “My goal in joining the President’s Council was to make an impact and become a catalyst to create more support for autism and NECC.”
Although Schmadeke doesn’t have a direct family connection with autism, he’s been close to it throughout his career. He said that he’s supported several team members with autism over the last 30 years working in retail and has worked with several leaders who have connections to autism in their families. Involving his employer in his mission to support NECC was an easy sell.
“At BJ’s, our purpose is to take care of the families that depend on us. I believe that our purpose directly ties to the mission and purpose of NECC and together we can make a positive impact in our communities,” he said. BJ’s Wholesale Club, which is headquartered in neighboring Marlborough, MA, has over 240 locations in 20 states.
In just three years, BJ’s Wholesale Club has become a valuable community partner. In addition to sponsoring events, BJ’s has donated goods and supplies, pumpkins for the decorating contest at Halloween, literacy kits for students, and is one of NECC’s newest vocational partners.
This year, BJ’s signed on as the presenting sponsor of the NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism. All funds raised through this beloved community event benefit NECC’s programs and services including vocational opportunities, student outings, specialized equipment and technology, research, and professional development. Schmadeke and his colleague, Chris DeSantis, senior vice president of merchandising, are serving as the 2024 Corporate Co-Chairs for the NECC 5K, soliciting corporate support for the event. The pair has already brought in 17 new partnerships for NECC.
“My ultimate goal is to leverage my experience, network, and energy to help bring awareness and resources that will allow people with autism to live fuller lives,” said Schmadeke. “If I can make a meaningful impact on a single student at NECC, or any individual with autism, I will be happy.”
Although he is excited about the fundraising and the impact the donations will make at NECC, he’s most excited about experiencing the atmosphere of the NECC 5K.
“I personally cannot wait to see the community, the students, and our own team members participate in the event itself,” he shared. “It should be a fantastic day with a meaningful impact!”
This article appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Insight.