Waltham, MA. (November 23, 2009) —Commonwealth Financial Network^® celebrated its 30th anniversary by giving back to the host communities where the independent broker/dealer–RIA held its 2009 educational conferences. In recognition of this year’s economic effect on nonprofit organizations, Commonwealth committed itself to making a positive impact. Giving back programs were offered to Commonwealth’s network of advisors, guests, and home office staff in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, three local Boys & Girls Clubs, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Green Coalition.

“Commonwealth has a long history of giving back in our Waltham and San Diego home office communities,” said CEO Wayne Bloom. “In honor of our 30th anniversary, we wanted to extend our initiatives to our entire network.”

Most recently, while in Orlando, Florida, for the firm’s National Conference, Commonwealth partnered with three local charities. One group of more than 60 Commonwealth volunteers joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to help with a site-build at Staghorn Villas, Habitat Orlando’s largest effort to date. When completed, the “village”—an $8 million, 3.9-acre energy star-rated townhome community—will provide affordable housing to 58 local families. The volunteers installed framing for the villas, in addition to priming and painting interior units.

A second group of volunteers hosted a clean-up day at the Downtown Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. The Commonwealth team assisted with gardening, mulching, painting, constructing, and cleaning the club house and surrounding play areas.

In conjunction with the Conference host hotel, JW Marriott Grande Lakes, guest attendees prepared more than 200 meals for the Second Harvest Food Bank to deliver to local families of Orlando, Florida.

“The results were over-the-top successful, and everyone who participated felt a great sense of accomplishment,” said Bloom. “We foresee giving back to be an integral part of our Conference experience moving forward.”

During the President’s Club conference in Maui, Hawaii, Commonwealth worked with a second Boys & Girls Club to paint over a graffiti-covered outdoor recreation facility, build garden beds and canopies, clean the landscape, and build and paint a fence.

At the Winners Circle Conference in Marco Island, Florida, Commonwealth’s team of volunteers—equipped with rollers, scrapers, and scrub brushes—joined together to paint the pool area, scrub the gym bleachers, and power-wash the cement around the building to spruce up the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County.

While in Ojai, California, Commonwealth teamed up with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition to plant organic gardens for resident who are unable to afford the materials or who are physically unable to do the work.

“Ironically, in each city, the recipients of our donations and physical labor showed their appreciation in spades, as we were repeatedly thanked for our efforts. Yet, in each city, it was apparent to me that these same recipients had no idea that we left with far more than we had given. It felt great,” said Bloom.

A monetary offering was made to each organization to supplement the sweaty equity contribution by each group of volunteers.

Founded in 1979, Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, and a registered investment adviser, is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a leading, privately owned independent broker/dealer, with offices in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California. The firm supports more than 1,200 independent registered representatives nationwide and makes available a comprehensive array of financial products and services.


Contacts:
Emily Guadagnoli
Manager, Media Relations
Commonwealth Financial Network
www.commonwealth.com
781.736.7980, x9639
eguadagnoli@commonwealth.com