Founded in 2008 by Tarl Robinson and Alec Clark, Plexus Worldwide has grown from selling its Breast Chek™ Kit to offering more than 20 health and wellness products, including its flagship “pink drink” Slim Microbiome Activating. Yet, beyond Plexus’s product line and its expansion into international markets like Canada, Mexico and Australia, its true impact can be felt in its philanthropic efforts. Plexus’s core mission of providing hope, health and happiness extends far beyond its business model, reflecting a deep commitment to community engagement and charity.
Plexus has structured its philanthropic initiatives around three key pillars: alleviating hunger, creating healthy environments and supporting communities. These broad pillars allow the company to partner with a wide range of organizations, tailoring its efforts to address specific needs while maintaining a forward-thinking approach. “We want to be strategic in our assistance and what aligns with our mission,” shares a Plexus representative. “We’re very passionate about health and wellness and assisting people who experience food insecurity, not just on a local level but nationally and internationally.”
One of Plexus’s most notable initiatives is Nourish One®, launched in 2018 in partnership with Feeding America® and global hunger relief organization Mary’s Meals. Through this program, Plexus contributes a meal for every purchase of certain products; since its inception, the company has delivered more than 43 million meals worldwide. “For more than two decades, Plexus has been a consistent and dependable partner in the fight against hunger,” says St. Mary’s Food Bank President and CEO Milt Liu. “Their volunteer efforts help us keep pace with the need among our neighbors, and their financial contributions in just the past eight years have provided more than a million meals to Arizona children, families, and seniors.”
This focus on hunger relief is a cornerstone of Plexus’s charitable activities, but its contributions extend far beyond food. The company supports a variety of organizations, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Junior Achievement of Arizona, Foster Alliance and Ryan House, a hospice and palliative care center for children. By fostering long-term relationships with these partners, Plexus ensures that its efforts create lasting, meaningful change. The annual Pima Center Community Walk, hosted at Plexus headquarters in Scottsdale, raises funds for the Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care. Last year’s event raised more than $127,000, and Plexus has spent months preparing for its seventh walk this November 8th.
Plexus also encourages its employees and Brand Ambassadors to give back, offering 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually. These volunteer opportunities are not only encouraged but often organized by Plexus, with activities ranging from volunteering at local organizations to virtual events for employees working remotely. One Plexus employee, who plays guitar for a local retirement center, exemplifies the company’s flexibility in allowing employees to support causes they’re passionate about, whether or not they align with a traditional 501(c)(3). “We really wanted to help with the entrepreneurial space and provide youth with a positive experience as well as education on the direct selling industry,” a Plexus executive explained. Plexus’s three-year commitment to Junior Achievement of Arizona’s BizTown allows students to experience running a business in a simulated environment, giving them real-world experience in the world of entrepreneurship and commerce.
The impact of Plexus’ philanthropy isn’t felt just through monetary donations or product giveaways. The company takes pride in its volunteer-driven culture, which has become an integral part of its brand identity. Whether it’s raising more than $82,000 for Three Square Food Bank during its Las Vegas convention, organizing monthly volunteer activities or sponsoring events for its nonprofit partners, Plexus has woven charity into the fabric of its corporate culture. As Plexus CEO Gene Tipps expresses, “Plexus is deeply committed to positively impacting communities, both locally in the Valley and globally. Our One Plexus team achieves this through intentional partnerships and organizing volunteer events with our dedicated independent brand ambassadors and corporate staff. We believe that by working together, we can make a greater difference in the lives of others.”
In addition to its corporate giving and volunteer efforts, Plexus regularly donates its products and swag to various organizations. Most recently, it contributed health and wellness products to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and HonorHealth Foundation as part of Nurses Week celebrations. This kind of in-kind support, coupled with financial donations, allows Plexus to “cover all the bases” in supporting the needs of its community partners.
Looking forward, Plexus remains dedicated to growing its charitable initiatives and maintaining its commitment to the communities where its employees and customers live and work. By continuing to align its business model with its philanthropic mission, Plexus is ensuring that its legacy of giving will endure for years to come.
The Power of Partnerships
Plexus Worldwide’s charitable efforts are amplified by the strength of its partnerships. By collaborating with organizations like Feeding America®, Mary’s Meals, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Junior Achievement of Arizona, Plexus is able to leverage the expertise and reach of these partners to make a greater impact. “We feel that all our partnerships are not done alone,” a Plexus spokesperson shares. This year, the Nourish One initiative received several prestigious awards, including the global Communitas Award, the Stevie Award for Employee Giving and Volunteerism and the Direct Selling Association’s Vision for Tomorrow Award, highlighting the power of collective action in addressing global challenges like hunger and health disparities.
Tyler Butler is the chief social impact officer for a private portfolio of companies, where she spearheads initiatives that benefit humanity. She is also the founder of Collaboration for Good. She is a recognized expert; her insights are frequently featured in Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, U.S. News & World Report and other leading publications.
Photo courtesy of Plexus Worldwide
