Causes: Give Something Back

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What's in a name? A mission to turn office supply and printing sales into nearly $3 million for dozens of charities.

By Sukhjit Purewal

A young patron at Loaves and Fishes celebrating the non-profit's 5 millionth meal; PAWS, dedicated to connecting people and pets.

AS SOMEONE who possesses a sizeable social conscience and who enjoys Newman's Own brand food products, former copier salesman Mike Hannigan describes the founding of Give Something Back in 1991 as a light-bulb moment: Open an office supply company and do what actor Paul Newman has done with spaghetti sauce and salad dressing, give something back to those in need.

Hannigan found a kindred spirit and partner in Sean Mark, who worked alongside him in management for Ricoh copiers in San Francisco. So with very modest means, $40,000 of their pooled money and a five-year business plan, Give Something Back -- the mission became the name -- was born.

Sixteen years later, the business-to-business enterprise is one of the largest independently owned office supply and printing companies. About 60 percent of purchases are made online.

Since its inception, the Oakland-based company with offices in Sacramento and San Diego has given away $3 million, or 78 percent of its profits; says Hannigan.

"Eventually someone gets those profits; stockholders, investors" points out Hannigan. "Who we give it away to is what is different."

In 2006, the company generated nearly $25 million in business and gave away $428,000 to 60 charities in Sacramento and the Bay Area, according to company officials.

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