By Anna Lippe
Many parents attempt to instill a love for community volunteering and activism in their children. But husband-and-wife team Harel and Randi Turkel always try to practice what they preach, both at home and work.
For Harel, CEO of SOS Technology Group, and Randi, the firm’s senior vice president of business development, giving back is a core family value and hallmark of their company culture.
On Saturday night, Mar. 28, the Turkels, who live in Pikesville, and SOS Technology Group will be honored at The League for People with Disabilities’ “Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs” gala at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in downtown Baltimore.
“For years, SOS Tech Group has shown what true partnership looks like,” said David A. Greenberg, The League’s president and CEO. “Their commitment goes far beyond volunteer hours. They bring energy, compassion and genuine connection to our community. We are thrilled to be able to honor SOS.”
A Northwest Baltimore-based IT company founded in 2004, SOS Technology Group supports several local nonprofits but maintains a special partnership with The League. Over the past three years, SOS team members have regularly stepped away from their day-to-day work schedules to volunteer at The League.
The Turkels say the team finds meaning and fulfillment in immersing themselves in projects fostering creativity and connection with individuals with disabilities. In conjunction with professional art therapists, they assist participants with various creative projects.
“It’s a feel-good all around,” said Randi, 44. “We’ve really gotten to know the participants. We’re building this relationship where everyone is happy to see each other.”
One project that stands out for her was building bird feeders with League participants, hanging them on trees in a garden and checking back multiple visits later.
In an industry where employee burnout is common, Harel, also 44, said the volunteer outings are a “human reset” mechanism for his hard-working and dedicated crew.
“When the team zooms out and sees how fortunate they are, they come back and appreciate their place in this world,” Harel said. “It allows me to leverage my team to not just get our hands dirty but also put our philanthropy in a place that is going to make Baltimore a better place for the long term.”
This commitment to personal and professional wellbeing and balance is such a central component to the SOS culture that the company even requires quarterly time off to ensure the team stays invigorated and maintains perspective.
“We really want the team to come back refreshed,” says Harel.
For Harel, who is a member of Jmore’s Board of Directors, being recognized by The League alongside larger local firms is a point of great pride. The Turkels said the gala will be a night to celebrate with League participants who they’ve gotten to know well over the years.
They also hope their story inspires other local business owners to take that first step toward deeper community involvement and volunteerism.
With their three children in local Jewish day schools, Randi and Harel said they are conscious of an insular “bubble” that can sometimes exist in the Northwest suburbs. They want to demonstrate to their children a model of giving back and appreciating everything they have.
One personal story remains particularly close to the Turkels’ hearts. When Harel was traveling years ago for a leadership mission to India, their daughter, who was 7 at the time, was upset that her dad would miss her school program. When Harel explained he was going to help people in need, she went into her room, returned with a favorite bracelet and asked him to give it to a little girl in India who needed it more than she did.
“You model it for your children,” Randi said. “What they see you doing they realize is important to the family and the community.
For information about “Tastes, Toasts, & Triumphs,” visit facebook.com/events/1111-e-cold-spring-ln-baltimore-md-united-states-maryland-21239/tastes-toasts-triumphs/644001361476846/.
Anna Lippe is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer.
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