On Sunday, September 8, dozens of Korellis employees and their family members converged on Lemon Lake Park for one of the company’s most beloved traditions – the annual Family Picnic.
The picnic features a summer cookout, games and activities for children and parents, raffles with huge prizes, and a company-wide bags tournament. It’s both a celebration of Korellis’ accomplishments and a chance for attendees to spend time with co-workers whom they might rarely have the opportunity to see.
“This is an important day when all of us are able to come together, whether we work in the office or in the field,” Kat Gellert, Korellis marketing specialist, said. “Those of us who work in the office don’t get to spend time with the field crews very often. Today is a big chance to make connections and meet their families. It’s also about showing appreciation to our entire team.”
The picnic, first hosted in 2016, lasts all afternoon and sees over 100 people RSVP most years. Korellis team members make a point of marking it on their calendars well in advance and bringing their families to enjoy the food and fun. Debbie Wargo, office administrator at Korellis, leads the effort to organize it each year.
“We’re so busy during the day. The office is working, the field is working, and this gives us a chance to be together as one,” Wargo said. “Year after year, you see the kids, and they keep growing and growing. Then more babies are coming – it’s really nice to see that.”
Darrel VanCleef, a masonry foreman with Korellis, has been with the team for eight years. He has attended every picnic except for the two years Korellis had to cancel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He always looks forward to sharing a drink with his co-workers and their families.
“You don’t see a lot of the guys throughout the year when everyone’s busy,” VanCleef said. “They might be on different jobs around the area all year, but today gives you a chance to catch up with everyone you don’t get to see. It’s fun, and you get to meet their families and kids, too.”
One of the event’s other big draws is the huge variety of raffles, which featured prizes ranging from giant coolers to $2,000 vacation packages.
“Somebody’s going to be a lucky winner today,” Wargo said. “I actually won two years ago and took a trip to Cabo. It was very nice, and I wouldn’t have gone if I hadn’t won.”
Korellis President John Ziolkowski always makes an appearance at the picnic, though he leaves the organization to Wargo and her team of volunteers from the office.
“It’s all about giving back. Without these people, we wouldn’t have a business,” he said. “The best part about this is the kids. Seeing them run around is what the company is all about. It’s why we do what we do. We want to provide for these families and be a place where they can earn a good living.”
To learn more about Korellis, visit korellis.com.
