For the sixth time, members of the Samsung Electronics America leadership team braved the elements to participate in the Covenant House Sleep Out: Executive Edition in Newark 2022. This annual event raises money and awareness to end youth homelessness and is close to the hearts of Samsung employees, who have supported the mission of Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) for many years through past Sleep Out events and Samsung Gives Day of Service activities.

Team Samsung braving the cold during the 2022Covenant House New Jersey Executive Sleep Out.

This year, Team Samsung was comprised of leaders from across the company who volunteered to support the cause. Giving up the comfort of their homes and beds, they took to the streets of Newark, New Jersey, or their backyards – for those participating virtually – where they bundled up in sleeping bags and cardboard boxes – all to shine a light on the youth homelessness crisis and raise critical funds for CHNJ to provide young people with 24/7 support.

“Many thanks to our friends at Samsung. Samsung’s leadership and long tradition and commitment to participate in Sleep Out inspire us all. All of our kids deserve the chance to have someone in their lives who believes in them, guides them, and supports them. Sadly, that is not the case for many of our young people until they arrive at our doors. But thanks to our staff and partners like Samsung, the youth are met with absolute respect and unconditional love. They finally know that someone does care,” says Jim White, Executive Director of Covenant House New Jersey. 

Collectively, Team Samsung, generated more than $64,000 to help CHNJ continue caring for the more than 4,585¹ homeless kids that come to their facilities across New Jersey each year seeking shelter, safety and support. Samsung’s own Renzo Villavicencio, Vice President, Process Innovation, also received Covenant House’s Rookie of the Year award for raising the most funds as a first-year participant in the Sleep Out. Team Samsung’s contribution was part of the $1.3 million raised from this Sleep Out in support of Covenant House New Jersey.

Members of Team Samsung shared their Sleep Out experience:

“This year alone, 4.2 million kids will be homeless in America. We don’t sleep out to pretend what it’s like. We do it to raise money so homeless youth can have a roof over their heads when they go to sleep. That’s what drives me to participate in this event each year and continue to support it year round. This is only the start of solving youth homelessness.” – James Fishler, Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment

“What an inspiring event. The young adults’ stories were very touching and we were able to relate to their suffering while sleeping (or trying to sleep) in the cold. And I am humbled to have received the Rookie of the Year award from Covenant House. I am grateful knowing that the funds I raised will help so many homeless youth who benefit from the services the organization offers.” – Renzo Villavicencio, Vice President, Process Innovation

“Covenant House provides a selfless gift of hope to those who seek and unyielding commitment with each step of the difficult journey. They are truly an amazing organization and the spirited heart of friends, family and community.” – Nick DiPonzio, Vice President, Human Resources

At Samsung, we are proud to support our employees as they work to make a difference through community service. Since Samsung Gives program launched in 2014, over 151,000 employee hours have been donated to non-profit organizations across the country. We’re honored these executives once again represented Samsung – and continued to support a cause that provides the support and systems that so many homeless young people need to change their lives for the better.

[1] Source: Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ)