By Stacey Rago, executive director, Chicago Charity Challenge

People want to work for and do business with companies that give to charities, whether in volunteer hours or financial contributions. As a result, corporations are increasingly seeking ways to show a tangible impact of their giving by going beyond the “one-and-done” form of charity events held within their business. Last year, 23 Chicago-area firms found a fun, engaging and motivating solution to keeping employees focused on their favorite cause or charity, while making a significant contribution to the communities they serve.

Last year, more than 4,500 employees from 23 businesses competed in the Chicago Charity Challenge, a unique corporate giving contest designed to motivate participants to fundraise and volunteer. Affectionately dubbed “the Cha Cha,” the Chicago Charity Challenge is the only corporate giving initiative that harnesses the competitive spirit to maximize employee engagement. The challenge serves companies interested in developing more meaningful and ongoing relationships with their select charities.

Corporate employees who joined the 2015 competition logged over 46,000 volunteer hours and raised more than $14 million for Chicago-area charities.