Building Bonds Beyond the Office: HFA's Summer in Review

As the days grow shorter and the leaves fall, we reflect on a summer filled with sunshine, teamwork and unforgettable moments here at HFA. From golf and snow cones to birthdays, baseball games and bobbleheads, our team embraced every opportunity to connect, celebrate and uphold our values.

Celebrating Team Spirit and Leadership in Action

July was a busy month, starting with the St. John's Foundation Golf Tournament on July 14. HFA proudly sponsored a foursome that included Caleb, Steve and two friends. The group enjoyed perfect weather, and — while they didn't take home the trophy — had a great day on the greens.

On July 22, the team came together for the State of the Company meeting and our Employee Picnic at Kusak Lodge in Camp Eastman. Everyone enjoyed a throwback-style picnic with delicious food from Forest Hill Catering, fun yard games, music and dessert from Netsins Ice Cream food truck.

We also recognized excellence with our quarterly High Five Award, honoring an employee who embodies one of HFA's Core Values. This quarter's award went to Bob, who exemplifies the Leadership value, "Step Into the Breach." Bob received a laminated certificate, a gift card and the honor of displaying the legendary Ken Burke bobblehead on his desk for the next quarter!

On July 24, we celebrated our summer interns, Sal and Connor, and the successful completion of their Financial Literacy Project. They presented their work to the HFA team for feedback, and then everyone cooled off with snow cones on an 80+ degree day! We're excited to share this meaningful project with Bethel Express this fall.

Baseball and community came together on July 25, when HFA hosted children and leaders from Bethel Express at a Red Wings baseball game. It was the perfect summer evening, with great weather and a private suite stocked with classic ballpark food, including hot dogs, hamburgers, salad, popcorn, cookies and more.

The highlight of the night? Steve's ceremonial first pitch. Tim may have called it "a ball — high and outside," but Steve insists it was "a strike down the middle at 90+ mph." Either way, it was a win for everyone in attendance.

Ending Summer on a Sweet Note

We closed out the season with a special celebration on August 26, marking another trip around the sun for Tim Verna and Carm Sacco! The team came together with an off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday," followed by apple pie, ice cream and a Ho Ho cake.

Looking Ahead

We're grateful for the wonderful moments shared this summer. Each event reminded us that HFA is more than just a company; it's a close-knit team that celebrates together and supports one another. Here's to carrying that same spirit into the rest of the year!