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 $11,000 awarded to Beverly nonprofits.
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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Jorge Galvan, custodian at Cummings Properties’ Cummings Center office and research park, recommended Centerville Elementary School, where his son is a first grade student.
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“I chose to direct my donation to Centerville Elementary School because I believe that we should invest in the children in our community,” said Galvan. “My son was thrilled to present the check to his school.”
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.
Six other Beverly-based organizations were recommended: Bass River, Inc., Beverly Bootstraps, Beverly Little League, Farms-Prides Community Association, River House, and Spectrum Adult Day Health Program.
Cummings Properties carpenter Tom Moloney, a Beverly resident, recommended River House.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to direct a donation from Cummings Properties to an organization that helps so many individuals in need,” noted Moloney. “It is a great feeling to contribute to River House’s admirable work.”
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 Beverly, where it manages the landmark Cummings Center, as well as 50 Dunham Road.
