SPARK is the go-to event for electrical and systems contractors, business owners, chapter leaders, and industry pros. Every year, thousands of people head into a new city intent upon learning, meeting colleagues, and gaining useful information to make them better. The IEC Foundation is there as well, supporting those efforts as it always does. But, true to its mission, it is there for more — it wants to give back to the city that welcomes the group.
“Five years ago, we started the IECF Community Service Project because I felt it was important for our Board of Trustees to give back during SPARK week,” says LaNa Al-Amin, Foundation executive director. “Each time we visit a new city, we want to serve and honor the people who welcome us. Today, that simple idea has grown into the annual Gene Mini IEC Foundation Community Service Project — a tradition that carries our heart for giving back wherever we go.”
Gene Mini was a founding member of the IEC Foundation. His friendship, leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication to the Foundation’s mission will forever be celebrated through this project.
In 2025 in Phoenix, the Foundation chose to direct its charitable efforts to serving The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP). The society harnesses the power of community and partnerships to feed, clothe, house, and heal individuals and families in the community who have nowhere else to turn for help. As important, SVdP provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers to serve their neighbors in need with love and compassion. Its Phoenix location is the largest in the world and includes support services beyond homelessness and food insecurity with onsite medical and dental clinics, family wellness education programs, youth education, and college scholarships.
Dean Kredit, founder of K2 Electric in Phoenix, serves on the Foundation Board of Trustees. He put the full weight of his company’s year-round efforts with SVdP behind the September Foundation service project.
“It’s exciting to see people come together around service to others,” Dean says. “You build close relationships with others through these types of efforts while helping address significant community needs.”
K2’s Workforce Development Manager Laurel Wise, through her role on the K2 Electric Community Service Committee, was boots on the ground organizing a food drive before the SPARK event. K2 gathered 602 canned food items that were given to SVdP along with a financial contribution.
“As a single mom of four, I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to rely on community support to feed my children,” Laurel says. “That kind of help can be life changing and I’ll never forget it. That’s why I’m so passionate about the work we do on the K2 Community Service Committee. With full support from fellow committee members and K2 leadership, we’re empowered to serve others with purpose and compassion.”
On September 25, IEC Foundation volunteers visited SVdP to pack bag lunches, food boxes, and learn more about the important work of the society. Graybar and Schneider Electric, corporate sponsors of the event, also had representatives at the facility digging into the work alongside Foundation Board members, IEC contractors, and chapter staff.
“Participating in the SPARK event and volunteering with the IEC Foundation at St. Vincent de Paul was a truly rewarding experience,” says Schneider Electric Director US Contractor Channel US Operations Tara Canfield. “The electrical contractor community plays a vital role in our business, and we’re proud to support their efforts, not just professionally, but by standing beside them in service. Their growing impact in local communities inspires us to continue showing up and giving back.”
Dean is quick to note the increasing support of IEC industry partners over recent years.
“It’s exciting to see how the Foundation has grown over the years expanding from its beginnings with scholarships and grants to creating other means of helping IEC members and those entering the electrical industry,” Dean says. “The overwhelming support of our IEC industry partners over recent years has been fantastic in allowing us to grow and offer more. We have found that many continue to support the needs of these community service projects even beyond the SPARK event. We are beyond grateful.”
Marketing Manager Lily Reasoner says Graybar was proud to sponsor the Gene Mini service project at St. Vincent de Paul because it gave them a perfect opportunity to team up with others in the industry to strengthen the community.
“During the service project, half of the volunteers spent their time packing lunches, and the other half spent their time sorting donated food items and organizing them into boxes for distribution,” she notes. “The project gave volunteers a meaningful opportunity to connect with others, give back, and see firsthand the impact of our collective efforts. It was truly inspiring to contribute to a cause that brings hope and resources to those in need. At Graybar, community involvement is an expression of our core values. We give back generously to our communities through financial contributions and by encouraging employees to volunteer their time and talents to help others. Our philanthropic efforts align with the interests of our employees, customers, and suppliers, and we are proud to support local nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”
IEC Foundation Chairman Tom Alexander, Atkins and Stang, served that day and is grateful for the opportunity.
“Working together at St. Vincent de Paul was a highlight of the trip to Phoenix for me,” Tom says. “The Foundation remains committed to serving in the community as Gene modeled for us, and I look forward to our events at future SPARKs.”
And, it’s clear that these efforts are appreciated by those communities served.
“Volunteering with the IEC Foundation at St. Vincent de Paul during the SPARK event in Phoenix was a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together,” says Schneider Electric Contractor Program Manager of North America Operations Jessica Hayward. “Schneider Electric is proud to support organizations, like the IEC Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and others, not just through business, but by showing up for our communities and the electrical contractor industry in meaningful ways.”
You Can Still Contribute!
At press time, the Foundation had raised $7,300 toward its $10,000 goal. You can help the Foundation reach — or exceed — its $10,000 goal. Go to https://givebutter.com/FoodfortheHungry today.