Northern Virginia data center community raises $26,410 for skilled trades nonprofit

Nearly 300 people from Northern Virginia’s data center and mission-critical sector gathered Sept. 28 in Lansdowne for the 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter’s annual charity golf tournament, which raised $26,410 for Cornerstone Craftsman. The event underscores how the region’s data center industry is using philanthropy to help build a local skilled trades pipeline.

Why it matters: - Northern Virginia’s data center industry depends on electricians, mechanical workers, construction crews and other skilled trades professionals. - The tournament funded training and mentorship for local youth who may enter those careers. - The donation supports a workforce pipeline in a region that already has sustained demand for mission-critical talent.

What happened: - Nearly 300 members of the Northern Virginia data center and mission-critical infrastructure community attended the 16th Annual 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, Sept. 28. - The sold-out fundraiser took place at The Golf Club at Lansdowne in Lansdowne, Va. - The event drew professionals from data center construction, engineering, operations, security and related industries across all three courses. - Cornerstone Craftsman received $26,410 from the tournament, along with additional contributions from attendees. - DPR Construction, the tournament’s Platinum Sponsor, selected Cornerstone Craftsman as this year’s charitable beneficiary.

The details: - The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter said the tournament is its premier annual fundraiser. - The chapter uses the event to support education, workforce development and community impact. - Cornerstone Craftsman provides local youth with hands-on instruction, tools and mentorship for careers in the skilled trades. - The nonprofit’s mission is to create pathways to economic opportunity and help break cycles of generational poverty. - The organization also aims to build a proficient, marketable skilled trades workforce. - The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter represents hundreds of organizations across Northern Virginia and the greater Washington region. - The region is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers. - The chapter supports charitable giving, scholarships, educational programs and workforce development initiatives. - The chapter works to leverage the resources and expertise of the mission-critical industry to strengthen local communities. - The chapter’s website is 7x24DC.org.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser reflects a broader push by the data center industry to shape its future labor pool, not just its physical infrastructure. - Workforce development has become a shared interest for both employers and nonprofits in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. - The event also shows how industry philanthropy is being tied directly to local economic mobility. - Roberto Gomez, executive director of Cornerstone Craftsman, said the nonprofit sees young people as future builders and leaders who need mentorship and opportunity. - Lillian Rivera, executive director of the 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter and managing partner of 21st Century Ops, said supporting young people entering skilled trades helps build the workforce the region will rely on for generations. - Phil Baroody, a 7x24 DC Chapter board member and Rosendin senior director of business development, said workforce development is essential to the future of the industry.

What's next: - The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter said it will continue using charitable giving, scholarships, education and workforce development to support the region. - Cornerstone Craftsman will keep focusing on hands-on training and mentorship for young people pursuing skilled trades careers. - The partnership points to more collaboration between data center employers and community organizations seeking to expand the local talent pipeline.

The bottom line: - Northern Virginia’s data center community used its biggest annual fundraiser to invest in the skilled trades workforce its own growth depends on.