As we collect these #BetterTogether stories, a common theme emerges: Technology connects people with causes, but human connections keep them involved. Cha’s story is no exception.

You never know how you’ll meet the people who become important to you. TechBridge’s humble copy machine is responsible for connecting us with one of our most enthusiastic advocates.

Four years ago, EDGE Business Systems LLC co-founder and partner Cha Holmes stopped by TechBridge to help us fix our aging copier. He discovered that he lives in the same neighborhood as our CEO, James Franklin. He got to know more about how we help nonprofits and has been a true advocate for us ever since.

Connections like this aren’t out of the ordinary for Cha. He’s a passionate networker who strives to build relationships between nonprofits and the private sector. People are so busy, he says. they want to help, but their schedules keep them buffered from emotional attachment to an organization. Cha knows that emotional involvement in a cause is integral to social change, and he tries to foster that involvement.

Since he’s in the technology business himself, Cha understands that having appropriate technology can help an organization do more with less. Part of his mission as a partner of EDGE is to help nonprofits save money on copier-related expenses. That mission pairs well with TechBridge.

In the course of his work, Cha takes the time to spread the word about how TechBridge helps nonprofits improve efficiency and effectiveness by helping them leverage technology in ways that manage their data better. Nonprofits want the latest technology in a way that’s affordable, Cha stresses. I can’t imagine not thinking of TechBridge when I meet a nonprofit organization.

We want our supporters to feel a real connection with our mission. Cha’s story is also a great example of what that can look like. Becoming a champion for TechBridge doesn’t have to be complicated. Just show up. Help us tell our story. Cha shows up for TechBridge again and again. He’s been involved with the Tee IT Up for TechBridge Golf Tournament. He asks how he can help. He even brings us lunch from time to time. He thinks TechBridge is awesome, and the feeling is mutual. Thank you, Cha!

About TechBridge’s #BetterTogether Campaign

TechBridge is proud to have assisted so many organizations on the front lines of social change in our communities — alleviating homelessness, fighting poverty, helping kids do better in school, making sure seniors get proper meals, and so much more.

We created the #BetterTogether campaign so that we can showcase some of the important efforts of the nonprofits and people we’ve worked with. And because social change is a community effort, we also wanted to showcase the generous sponsors, amazing technology partners, tireless volunteers, and TechBridge staff who enable us to do our work.

We feel that these stories exemplify the transformational work that can happen when organizations and individuals work hard — together — towards a common goal. We hope that hearing these stories is as inspirational to you as it is to us.