Matt Lazzeri

Matt is the Tax Partner for Ernst & Young LLP, and as a personal supporter of DRM for 13 years, Matt introduced the firm to the Mission where they have been faithful supporters for several years, including as a Turkey Drive sponsor for four years.

How do Ernst & Young’s values line up with the Mission’s values?

Our tagline is “Building a better working world.” We’re in the tax and accounting business, but the broader vision of just building a better world is what we try to do as a firm and is what Denver Rescue Mission is doing.

What have you learned throughout the years of supporting the Mission?

Number one is how much the Mission does above and beyond the basic needs of food and shelter. It’s more than the downtown location; there are other programs and ways that the Mission is helping people besides serving them a meal. It’s helping them hopefully turn their lives around.

Why do you think it’s important to support the Mission during the holidays?

Now that we’re part of the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, we will collect turkeys at drop off locations or go to the warehouse and fill the Thanksgiving boxes, which I like to do. It’s a time of year where we’re all thankful for the gifts and the blessings we have, and we want to share some of those gifts we’ve received with others. A lot of those turkeys are going out to people who may not have the opportunity to get a turkey or a Thanksgiving box and is helping them have a celebration with their families.

This post is part of November’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re telling the story of our chefs who prepare every meal at the Mission, be especially our Thanksgiving celebrations, providing A Thanksgiving with Dignity & Grace.

A Thanksgiving with Dignity & Grace 9