November Employee Spotlight: Nicole Beichner
Dear Pinnacle Team, Clients, Candidates and Friends,
As we approach the holiday season, I find my thoughts returning to a special tradition that plays a defining role in my life. I hope I can inspire you to share in the spirit of this special time of year.
Each year, I partner with Rainbow Kitchen Community Services near Pittsburgh to help those less fortunate experience the Christmas morning of their dreams. This tradition started out as a seed planted by my sister, who wanted to find a way to give back during the holiday season. Rainbow Kitchen became our consistent choice, thanks to their thorough Wish List, timely communication and heartfelt feedback from the families they help.
What began as a modest initiative among our immediate family members has now grown to about 75 participants among friends, family, social media and colleagues, all united by the same mission of spreading cheer and warmth during the holiday season.
Volunteering during the holiday season has had a profound impact on my life. It’s not only humbling, but it reminds me every day about the true reason for the season. This tradition has brought together people of diverse backgrounds, political views and opinions, all working towards the common goal of helping our shared community. It’s inspiring and serves as a reminder of how fortunate we are, not just during Christmas, but every single day.
What motivates me to continue this tradition year after year is the impact it has on the lives of our neighbors. When we started this tradition, I thought it would be focused solely on the children. But every year, we receive wish lists from single mothers asking for simple items, like cleaning supplies, diapers, socks or winter coats — things I now realize I have taken for granted.
This realization has helped me understand the gratifying parallels between working with Rainbow Kitchen and Pinnacle.
Both involve making a difference, building relationships and caring about the people you work with. Both involve understanding what someone is looking for and working to help fulfill that wish. Whether it’s placing a candidate in their dream role or ensuring a child wakes up to a Christmas gift, knowing that I’ve played some small part in bringing a smile to their face makes all the behind-the-scenes work worth it.
For anyone reading this who would like to start volunteering but is unsure where to begin, I can assure you, it’s simpler than you think. A quick Google search of a nonprofit or cause you believe in can point you in numerous directions to nonprofits, foundations and organizations looking for someone like you. And remember — nobody ever denies help!
As we welcome the holiday season, let’s remember the joy of giving, the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time of year.
Yours this holiday season,
Nicole Beichner
Manager of Recruitment & Client Services
