DALLAS (March 19, 2019) – Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, announced today that it will recognize Microsoft with its prestigious Commitment to Service Award at the organization’s annual New York City Salute to Service Awards gala. Microsoft has earned this award for their thought leadership and support surrounding Team Rubicon’s digital transformation.
“We’d like to thank and recognize Microsoft for their strategic partnership and worldclass support of Team Rubicon and our mission to help people on their worst days,” said Art delaCruz, President and Chief Operating Officer at Team Rubicon. “By partnering to move all our employees, volunteers, and systems onto a Microsoft platform, we can bring all Team Rubicon data and analytics into one place. This allows us to develop greater awareness, build an even better understanding of our operations, and ultimately drive more efficiency into what we do, which translates into being able to help more people and communities stabilize and recover after a disaster. It’s also important to note that we’re sharing what we create. Our efforts will also help other nonprofits. Without the help and tireless support of Microsoft and their employees, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Microsoft partnered with Team Rubicon and Wipfli to develop a cutting-edge Volunteer Management System (VMS) built on the Microsoft Common Data Model for Nonprofits. The VMS and the Microsoft platform will make Team Rubicon more efficient, effective, and flexible – allowing the disaster response organization to help more people in the wake of a devastating disaster. The cloud based intelligent platform connects Microsoft Office 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and Teams to provide a seamless user experience, which allows Team Rubicon staff to spot and eliminate inefficiencies saving thousands of hours of administrative work in the process.
“We are honored to support Team Rubicon’s work, building on the deep talent and skills of its 90,000 amazing volunteers, to respond to disasters with greater ability and precision through digital technology,” said Justin Spelhaug, General Manager for Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact. “We’ve seen day in and day out how much Team Rubicon is working to innovate, not just to realize their mission, but to help other nonprofits have a greater impact by sharing innovation and best practices such as their Volunteer Management System.”
Rubicon’s 2019 New York City Salute to Service Awards gala will be held on Wednesday, May 1 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. This year’s Salute to Service Awards host is Willie Geist, host of NBC News’ Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, and co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
The New York City Salute to Service Awards gala, held annually, highlights the outstanding support and dedication to our nation’s veterans and their continued service to our communities. Recognizing the contributions of partner organizations, individuals, and thought leaders, the Salute to Service Awards offer a unique perspective into the mission of Team Rubicon.
For more information, please visit: TeamRubiconUSA.org/salute-to-service/
Team Rubicon boasts a 90,000-strong, highly skilled volunteer force that helps communities stabilize and recover after a devastating disaster. Since its inception following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Team Rubicon has responded to over 320 disasters in the U.S. and around the world.
Through a strong communications infrastructure supported by cutting-edge technological solutions, Team Rubicon volunteers efficiently and effectively respond to natural disasters and help families return to their homes as soon as possible. By giving military veteran volunteers the opportunity to continue their service through disaster response, Team Rubicon provides them an avenue to gain a renewed sense of purpose, community, and identity.