Charity Miles was a fantastic way to include team members that weren’t able to make the event itself because they weren’t local. They were able to provide funding support simply by walking or riding a bicycle in their own town.”
In 2018, Justin Massey, an account executive at Salesforce, went through seven surgeries related to a childhood brain tumor.
“It was a rough year because I’m an active person,” he says. It gave him a deeper understanding of how frustrating it is to be limited in your activity. And it drew him to World T.E.A.M. Sports.
World T.E.A.M. Sports brings together able-bodied and adaptive athletes, many of them veterans who have survived serious injuries.
Justin wanted to contribute to this organization and help support and empower athletes overcoming physical, emotional, and technical challenges.
“I’ve recovered but won’t forget how frustrated I was,” he says. “I want to help others who are dealing with setbacks but still determined to be active.”
The face of America is World T.E.A.M. Sports’ largest event. The 112-mile, two-day bike ride from Arlington, VA to Gettysburg, PA honors military veterans. Justin decided to put a team together for Face of America 2021, with teammates from Salesforce and from one of his clients, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU).
“I've always liked to work on charity initiatives with my customers because it means more and it's good for both,” says Justin. “When NFCU introduced me to Face of America, it seemed like a great fit.”
Charity Miles helped Justin and NFCU take their efforts to the next level.
“Charity Miles was a fantastic way to include team members that weren’t able to make the event itself because they weren’t local. They were able to provide funding support simply by walking or riding a bicycle in their own town,” says Justin.
The teammates that couldn’t make the event itself were “happy they could still give,” says Justin. “The culture here at Salesforce is very giving. It makes you feel wonderful about yourself and what you can do for everyone. We’re all trying to help. We’re all trying to make things better for others.”
The team raised an incredible $10,000 for Face of America through Charity Miles in addition to direct donations and Salesforce matches to World T.E.A.M. Sports.
On October 9th and 10th, 2021, the Salesforce and NFCU team biked the 112 miles together, cheered on and supported by their colleagues who couldn’t be there.
“When I tell somebody it’s 112 miles, they’re a bit nervous,” says Justin. “But it’s not a race. We’re doing this as a group and we’re riding from rest stop to rest stop until the end. You can be included as long as you’re able to sit on the saddle.” Kids and families of employees were part of the team as well.
“It was an emotional ride, especially for those related to the military,” says Justin.
The team hopes to return for the next Face of America.
Congratulations to the whole Salesforce and Navy Federal Credit Union team for coming together and supporting each other in this incredible accomplishment! #EveryMileMatters