In 2015, Tracy Roberts, a Relocation Consultant at Atlantic Relocation Systems of Indianapolis challenged her sister, Robin Guyon, of Ardsley Management Corporation, to a holiday food drive competition between their respective offices. Together, they collected a combined total of 839 pounds of food. Atlantic Relocation Systems, however, earned the victory with 464 pounds to Ardsley's 375 pounds.
The siblings agreed to renew the rivalry in 2016. This time, Guyon was determined to win.
"My sister and I are very competitive," said Roberts, with a laugh.
This year's goal was to collect 1,000 pounds of food combined. Employees from both offices were asked to donate non-perishable food and beverages to provide help to the more than 328,000 people, including 1 in 5 children, who are facing hunger in the greater Indianapolis area.
Not only did they reach their goal - they nearly doubled their total from the previous year. Together, they collected 1,700 pounds of food - 1,400 meals - for The Society of St. Vincent DePaul. And, true to her word, Guyon's team came out on top this time. Ardsley Management Corporation brought in 879 pounds and narrowly defeated Roberts and the Atlantic Relocations crew, who collected 819 pounds.
Roberts collected 295 pounds herself, while her co-workers Bob Fox and Robert Lynch collected 143 pounds and 110 pounds, respectively. Atlantic Relocation's Vice President and General Manager, Jay Strong, also contributed 271 pounds through his work with Claude & Annie's. A special thanks goes out to Joe Eickhoff of Bunzl Distribution, who donated 10 cases (350 bottles) of water.
The work the Indianapolis branch did in 2016 was a big reason why Atlantic Relocation Systems, an Atlas Van Lines agent, was named our Mover of the Year. Roberts and her colleagues collected 2,800 pounds of food last year, bringing their all-time total to 5,338 pounds - that's the equivalent of 4,440 meals.
When asked if the sisters planned to hold the event again in 2017, Roberts didn't hesitate.
"We're up for it every year."
Roberts said the goal for this year is to collect 2,500 pounds of food. That's an ambitious projection, but the competitive spirit that she and her sister share might be enough to help them reach it. In fact, Roberts said the trash talk has already begun.
"Robin told me that she's going to win again this year, too."
