(Greensboro, NC) December 18, 2013 – Boutique investment banking firm Wharton Gladden & Company held its Annual Christmas Party and Toy Drive at the Piedmont Club, collecting over 100 toys for ChristmasToyDrive.com.

More than 70 clients and friends attended the event, which included a silent auction benefiting the Power of One Fund. Wharton Gladden established the fund in 2009 to support organizations that work in the areas of homelessness, domestic violence and substance abuse. Several local businesses donated items for the auction, including the N.C. Zoo, Sebastian Photography, Pro Shots Range, Winding Creek Golf Course, Carolina Girl Furniture, The District Rooftop Grille, The Olio, Chopstix and Spring House Restaurant. Another item included lunch for two with Mayor Allen Joines.

One of the guests, Simpson “Skip” Brown Jr., who is the new assistant athletic director for student-athlete development and operations finance at Wake Forest University, said: “I think it’s important this time of year to recognize that there are folks in our community in need. Christmas is an important time to reach out and help our fellow man, which is why I came tonight to support the Power of One Fund.”

New Power of One Fund member, Dr. Eboni Ellis, who is a MD at Novant, said: “I truly want to make a difference in our community and my gift to the Fund will allow me to help many people, not to mention, my investment combined with others will make a difference beyond what I could do on my own.”

Wharton Gladden has partnered with ChristmasToyDrive.com, which collects toys each year for area children. The effort was launched by Nathan Tabor, a local entrepreneur and political leader, The Salvation Army partners with the organization to distribute toys across the region.

“We have a simple mission at Wharton Gladden to help change communities across the world and we can achieve that goal by investing our time and profits into the local areas that we serve,” said Algenon Cash, managing director of the firm. “Our partnership with ChristmasToyDrive.com gives us a special opportunity to touch the lives of many families, which aligns perfectly with our mission.”

About Wharton Gladden & Company:

Wharton Gladden & Company is a uniquely designed boutique investment banking firm that specializes in providing strategic advisory services, underwriting, capital placement and private equity for a diversified client base that includes corporations, real estate developers, financial institutions, investors, municipalities and high net worth individuals.