Small Business Big Heart, a local business organization, hosted an interactive career day for kids, teens and adults alike at Washington Lake Park on August 11, just three weeks before Washington Township’s first day of school.
This event was the first of its kind. In previous years, Sam DeMaio, the founder of Small Business Big Heart, said the organization has hosted backpack drives, where they have given out hundreds of bags to kids before the school year begins.
“We’re not a networking group. We don’t have to refer each other, but what we do is help each other grow their businesses, learn from our mistakes, and then when you become successful, you’re gonna be able to give back. Hence why every year we give out book bags,” DeMaio said.
300 free backpacks were given out at Small Business Big Heart’s Career Day.
Coming into this year, the members of the organization wanted to do something bigger to unite the community. In addition to giving out 300 free backpacks, the organization brought a variety of local businesses together – plus food, drink, and entertainment vendors – to create a fair-like event, taking up most of the space in the park’s amphitheater.
The event helped show kids what kind of career options are out there. Although most attendees were younger children, the businesses and organizations at the event intended to help kids feel excited about different options and start to consider what they may want to eventually pursue. It also showed them how these careers are locally accessible.
Being able to spotlight local businesses and give back to the community is the whole mission of Small Business Big Heart, according to DeMaio. He founded the organization three years ago, and over time, he has connected with more local business owners and town officials who align with the same values as him.
Some of DeMaio’s team members include Councilman Peter Del Borrello III, Mayor Anthony DellaPia, Billy McElroy from Cross Country Mortgage, Reggie Foster from Restaurant Enterprise Group and Carli Maurice from Forward Thinking Insurance.
Ultimately, they want to support the community and give back in ways that have helped them within their own endeavors. With an event like the career day, it was a great way to achieve their goals, while bringing fun to kids and families.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to be successful in a lot of different areas, and in doing that blessing, I want to be able to give that back,” DeMaio said, who is the owner and founder of general contracting business Showcase Remodels in Turnersville. “Our company motto is ‘Get it, and then give it.’”
“It took me 22 years to figure out my mission statement,” he continued. “And that’s what (the people in our organization) and the community I built all do.”
The team worked to secure vendors, businesses and professionals that would satisfy a wide range of professions.
“I tried to split up as best as I possibly could to only have one person in each trade. I wanted to try to have a multitude of trades and try to find a little bit for everybody,” DeMaio said.
The New Jersey Army National Guard had a punch machine set up for attendees to use.
In addition to the businesses represented by the team members, there were professions ranging from construction firms to healthcare and higher education.
Washington Township’s police department, fire company and emergency medical services were also present, and they had their vehicles set up for kids to tour. Members from the New Jersey Army National Guard also attended the event.
All the representatives at their stations shared information about their field. Plus, several businesses had interactive experiences and giveaways.
Pasta Pomodoro had personal pizza making stations, and kids could then take their baked pizza with them. Paisanos Barber Lounge had barbers providing free haircuts for kids. Home Depot had DIY workshops.
“We have so much support in the community and so many different things from this community to do. And we actually love it here,” DeMaio said.
For more information about getting involved with Small Business Big Heart and staying up to date on future events, follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram (@smallbusinessbig_heart).
Local businesses set up tents throughout Washington Lake Park’s amphitheater for Small Business Big Heart’s Career Day on August 11.
