Tim Baxter is the President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, responsible for the growth and success of the company’s $30 billion+ business across the U.S. and Canada. Since joining the company in 2006, he’s been instrumental in maintaining Samsung’s leadership position as an innovator in cutting-edge technology for consumers and businesses alike and believes Samsung’s greatest asset is its people. Follow Tim Baxter on Twitter: @Timbaxter1.

Samsung’s halls are full of everyday heroes. Champions who work hard day in and day out to make a difference in our business and in the communities where we live and work. But here, we define ‘champion’ in two ways: those who achieve and those who advocate for others.

This definition doesn’t only extend to champions at Samsung, it extends to those around us at any moment. That’s why, every year, our Samsung Annual Charity Gala recognizes champions outside our organization. This year, I’m pleased to share that we’re recognizing Mariska Hargitay with our Samsung Champion of Hope Award.

Hope is the North Star that guides our journey, the human spirit that offers strength to those in need, and the destination that all who attend our annual gala strive to reach. But Mariska Hargitay won’t be the only champion at the Annual Charity Gala; the room will be full of them.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Mariska Hargitay speaks onstage at the Samsung Charity Gala 2018 at The Manhattan Center on September 27, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Samsung)

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Mariska Hargitay speaks onstage at the Samsung Charity Gala 2018 at The Manhattan Center on September 27, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Samsung)

At Samsung, our commitment to recognizing and honoring the champions around us is a reflection of our drive to create a better world for everyday people around the world. Often, champions who achieve the most meaningful impact are those who strive to rise above their circumstances, and who have demonstrated a heroic pursuit of a better life. That’s why, on this special night, we celebrate all of those who selflessly and humbly champion a cause.

Today, having a real impact requires true dedication to a cause. It’s about more than one event, and for us, the Gala is just one part of a much bigger initiative. October kicks off our Global Month of Giving and Day of Service, when our employees across the country leave the office for a day to join forces with local charity partners in the communities where we live and work.

Much of this is only possible with the support and dedication of our partners like the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Global Wildlife Foundation, Lollipop Theater Network and the SLAM Foundation, as well as others that share our vision for a building a sustainable future for tomorrow’s leaders.

Without them, we couldn’t make such a significant impact. After all, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and organizations that work together can ignite movements for change.

And while these are big organizations with expansive reach, it’s truly the individuals who are making a difference, one small act a time. Every day, our Champions of Hope lead and inspire others. They do whatever it takes to make a difference. This year, and every year, we celebrate them.

While we know there is always more work to be done, we also believe it’s important to take time to celebrate those who are helping Samsung create a meaningful impact. It’s vital to us that our customers, employees and partners understand that we are continuously striving to make a positive impact in the places we call home.