Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) comes in all shapes and sizes, and is typically driven by a dedicated company culture. The team behind a company’s CSR mission must keep a bigger picture at the forefront of everything they do. Understandably so, the leader of this team will need to be someone who inspires, supports and encourages those around them.
That’s exactly what Walter Hastey, General Manager of California Pizza Kitchen in Manhattan Beach, is all about. When Walter was growing up, volunteer work played a major role in his life. His mother was a dedicated volunteer within the community and she was sure to make it a family affair.
It Takes A Leader
Fast forward to present day, and Walter is passing those same values on to his team of roughly 100 employees at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in Manhattan Beach. A true team leader who inspires, supports and encourages, Walter makes it a point to partner with local charities throughout the community as a way to use business for good. One of the first organizations he began working with locally was The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, taking Marine veterans surfing.
“We work with a handful of nonprofits throughout the year, I try to create opportunities for the whole team to get involved and give back to the community.”
Walter and his team have made a profound impact on the community. In fact, last year alone, his CPK location donated $60,000 to local nonprofits and charitable organizations; $25,000 of which, went directly back to Manhattan Beach schools – incredible! Our Walk With Sally families have had the pleasure of spending the day with the CPK crew on a handful of occasions, creating their own pizzas, dying eggs for Easter, and even painting pumpkins at Halloween.
Another one of the programs Walter enjoys working with is the South Bay Adult School. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 22, and who have some form of intellectual disability, are welcomed into CPK Manhattan Beach a few days a week where they work alongside the staff; learning valuable life skills. The idea is that these students will gain the knowledge and experience needed to go out into the working world, and be self-sufficient.
When it comes to his “why”, Walter says it’s simple, “I have a personal goal to volunteer at least one day a month.”
Walter definitely deserves an award of recognition, especially during National Volunteer Month! If you find yourself at CPK in Manhattan Beach anytime soon, don’t forget to say “hi” to Walter and maybe even give him a high five for his amazing work. Thank you Walter!!
