This Holiday season, you might be wondering where to donate or how to contribute to those in need who might be lacking on vital supplies or funds this Christmas. Kotythe community for many years now, both as an organization and as individuals, putting valuable time and resources towards helping out these vital organizations and their missions. Kotys Wealth Professionals are a wealth management firm dedicated to providing sound financial advice and enabling clients to achieve their financial goals. Having celebrated their success with their ten-year anniversary this year, Kotys founders, Sarah and Wes Kotys, have also had some time to make their mark on the community by giving back.
“Giving has always been a deep core value for both Wes and I,” said Sarah Kotys. “As we’ve continued to grow, we’ve brought people onto our staff that, across the board, place a high value on giving. Both as a company and for each individual on our team, there’s a lot of involvement in various organizations and random acts of kindness that go completely unnoted. That’s fine with us too, because, honestly, it’s difficult to really talk about giving because it’s so personal to us.”
Whether it's the Christmas season or any other time of the year, Kotys Wealth and their employees are always looking for new ways to give back to the community. And, with a community as active and motivated as Valparaiso, there is no shortage of amazing and vital causes to work with and support. Sarah and Wes, as well as many of the other members of the Kotys Wealth, which include Ryan Kotys, Jennifer Reed, and Megan Myers, have lent a hand to nonprofits in need. Some of these amazing groups include: Empower Porter County, Bethel Valparaiso, Meals on Wheels, Tri Kappa, The Valparaiso Family YMCA, Valpo Chamber, Opportunity Enterprises, Porter County Community Foundation, Our Greater Good, Heroes of the Nation, American Heart Association and Saint Paul Catholic Church. Through these organizations Kotys has served on boards, provided vital sponsorships, and given time to support and volunteer.
“OE is a big one for us, we love what they do and what they’re about. It’s been several years that we’ve supported the Gala, as well as Artability. Wes has a cousin that is a client there, his aunt works there, we have a lot of ties and love for OE so it’s an easy yes in our hearts. The Gala is one of the only events that I go to and cry every time,” said Sarah Kotys of the nonprofit.
Being long time members of the Valparaiso community, Sarah and Wes are always looking for ways they can provide help to the nonprofits of Valparaiso, and a few that lie beyond.
“It’s home for us,” said Sarah, who has lived here with husband Wes for many years. “We all have families here and our roots are here. I just think we have a wonderful, thriving small town.”
“We’re all willing to help each other, if there’s anyone in need, the community really does pull together,” added Megan Myers.
This emphasis on giving back to the community goes back to when Wes and Sarah had first gotten together in their early 20s and someone asked them what they would do if they had all the money in the world. At that time, they were not in the financial position they are now with a growing business, but this thought certainly gave them a motivator.
“Wes and I got married very young and when we started we had nothing, but giving, whether financially or of our time, has always been something we’ve wanted to maintain and to grow. I think it’s one of our driving forces for everything we do and why we want to see longevity and growth for all of those efforts,” said Kotys.
Kotys wealth has made sure that core was never lost, allowing time for employees to be involved in the community as well as Sarah and Wes themselves. Megan Myers uses that time to mentor and have lunch with a little girl through Our Greater Good once a week.
“Giving back to this great community and serving the community in which we live is great. I’m one of the newer members of the team, so that’s been very purposeful, to be able to live and work in the community. With Wes and Sarah’s passion to give back, it means a lot,” said Myers.
Still, when deciding where to spend their time, Tri Kappa has been a favorite for Kotys and Myers, who find it to be a great hands-on opportunity to get involved with a diverse set of organizations.
“Tri Kappa is one of my favorites, actually, because you get to volunteer with a number of organizations and are not only be restricted to one,” said Kotys. “Sign me up for everything that has to do with kids. I will go to that preschool vision screening, I’ll go read to children, I love to do those things as well as the fundraising efforts they do.”
“I’m a newer member to Tri Kappa, and I’m amazed at how many avenues there are to volunteer and give back within that one organization and how many people and organizations Tri Kappa can help in the community.” Said Myers.
Coming together and forming a cooperative and giving community has always been something that Kotys has been dedicated to and enthusiastic about being a part of. Tri Kappa is a prime example of that, as well as the Chefs Around the Table event which benefited Our Greater Good.
“For me, that one has been really fun from the beginning. Seeing everybody coming together from business leaders, community leaders, government, education, and healthcare to tackle an issue that is so widespread,” said Kotys. “Everybody has really pulled together all these men from the community coming together to cook and do something fun, yet it tackles this important issue.”
For a community to work together and tackle these issues, it truly takes the collaboration of people from all walks of life.
“I’m thankful that we can live in a place to have a business and also so many organizations that we can give back to and people like to give back and be involved,” said Kotys.
This season, consider giving time or funds to one of these groups and the important work they do to make our community, and world, a better place for all.
