Cummings Properties recently adopted a new variation to its charitable giving, inviting staff members to each select a local charity to receive a $1,000 donation. At the end of August, through its Employee Directed Giving program, the Woburn-based commercial real estate firm distributed a total of $182,000, with a collective $3,000 going to Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham, Stoneham Historical Society, and Stoneham Theatre.
The program was open to all full-time staff with one or more years of seniority at any Cummings entity, including the firm’s affiliated New Horizons retirement communities in Marlborough and Woburn. In an effort to support local communities, the program guidelines stated that selected organizations must be based and provide services in or near colleagues’ hometowns.
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Cummings Properties senior graphic designer Mike Lamothe, a Stoneham resident, recommended Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham.
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“My 11-year-old son is a member of the Club and was thrilled to hand-deliver the check,” noted Lamothe. “I am grateful to be able to provide him the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is so important to him.”
The diversity of the recipient list is striking, with participants choosing to support education, youth sports, animal welfare, social services, healthcare, historic preservation, the arts, and more. Several charities received $2,000 or $3,000, thanks to multiple employee nominations.
Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham executive director Gerard DeViller stated, “We are extremely grateful for this donation from Cummings Properties. The upcoming 2014 season is shaping up to be very exciting, with new programming and equipment, thanks to the support of the Cummings organization.”
Cummings Properties president and CEO Dennis Clarke said, “The Company is proud give back to the community and to support such deserving local charities, especially in honor of valued staff members.”
Several employees elected to hand-deliver the donation to their selected organization, while the remaining checks were mailed directly to nonprofits during the last week of August.
Cummings Properties has a presence in 10 greater Boston communities, including Stoneham, where it manages the buildings at 38, 41, and 92 Montvale Avenue.
