Orlando-based Williams Company has been making community and charity a priority since its inception 100 years ago. The former family-owned business’s founder J.J. Williams passed along his passion for social responsibility first to his sons, Ralph and Randall, and then to his grandsons, Bruce and Alan. The charitable seed first planted in 1920 has now grown into a hulking tree with well-watered roots.

Now, as a 100% employee-owned company, the Williams team does not just embrace charity, but incorporates it as a primary facet of their work.

“Proudly, for 100 years, Williams Company has shared our success with our local communities,” says CEO Taylor Huddleston.

“All employees are encouraged to participate,” he says. “Our goal as a company is to have 1,000 volunteer hours at a minimum every year.”

In 2019, Williams company volunteered more than 1,000 hours for Feeding Children Everywhere—packaging meals, providing hundreds of canned goods and hosting events. And for the past 20 years, Williams Company has prepared more than 3,200 meals for local Ronald McDonald Houses. In 2020, the firm has already raised more than $100,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charity Tampa Bay chapter.

Cycling is also a large component of the company’s charitable activities. For the past 10 years, Williams Company has served as a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure cycling event in Orlando. Twenty-five cyclists signed up to ride earlier this year, and they were able to raise $121,525.

“We are fortunate that Williams Company has a deep understanding and commitment to the work of the ADA and is passionate about giving back to the community,” says Cesar Cesareo, associate director– development at American Diabetes Association. “Without the generous support of companies like Williams Company, our Tour de Cure at Lake Nona would not have developed to the great event it is today.”

In 2019, Williams Company fielded a team of 14 cyclists for their ninth year supporting the Annual Ride-For-RMHCCF at Lake Nona; $15,750 was donated to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.

To commemorate its 100th anniversary, Williams announced individual gifts of $10,000 each to 10 charities: Urban Think Foundation, Give Kids the World, Seniors First, Elevate Orlando, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, Camaraderie Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, UCP of Central Florida and Ronald McDonald House of Charities.

In addition, the company supports Canstruction, the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, UCP of Central Florida, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.

“Working for Williams Company has been a pleasure and a privilege because we share the same values. We value our people, our family, our clients and our communities,” says Angel Garcia, safety manager at Williams Company. “We are well aware of our social responsibility to our communities via our exceptional service and charitable work.”