Community, purpose and a 5K: Delta Dental of California employees support those who have served with Carry the Load

Across Alpharetta, GA, Camp Hill, PA, and Cerritos, Oakland, and Rancho Cordova, CA, Delta Dental of California employees gathered to commemorate Memorial Day with Carry the Load events, organized by employee impact groups Families First and MPACT (Military Partnership for Advocacy, Community and Transition).

Carry the Load is a nonprofit organization that honors our nation’s military, first responders, and their families. Founded by two Navy SEALs, Carry the Load connects Americans across the country to recognize the sacrifices made by service members, including raising funds to support those who have served.

At Delta Dental offices, team members walked 5K to show appreciation for those in uniform. Remote employees also joined in, walking, running, and biking from their own neighborhoods across the nation.

For some, Carry the Load is deeply personal. “I come from a huge military family. I was born and raised at the Fort Bragg military base. My dad was in the Army, and my grandfather was in the Marines. All of my uncles served in a branch of the military,” shared Caitlin Godfrey, Executive Assistant at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “This cause really hits close to home, and those who serve don't always get the recognition they deserve. It means a lot that Delta Dental supports our military and our veterans.”

What started 7 years ago, has now become a tradition. Since 2019, over 1,092 employees have participated in Carry the Load events, with over $120,000 raised for the cause through donations and grants.

Gathering in person this year gave employees an opportunity to discuss their “why” for participating. “I’m very thankful for the country we live in and want to really honor those who served and the sacrifices they made,” said Sean Mullen, Senior Director, Actuarial at Delta Dental, “Delta Dental’s presence in the community is an important part of our mission, and participating in Carry the Load is one way we can give back.”

After 7 years, Carry the Load has “become a shared experience and a signal of what’s possible. People showing up for each other. Stories being shared. Communities strengthened,” shared Shelly Blakeman, Principal, Change Management Consultant at Delta Dental. “This is the kind of work that shapes how change truly happens—grounded in people, activated through purpose, and sustained through shared experience.”