North Shore charities to receive $13,000 in Thanksgiving grants

WOBURN, November 21, 2012 – Given its close affiliation with Cummings Foundation, Cummings Properties is no stranger to philanthropy. The commercial real estate firm is taking an unusual approach to giving this holiday season, however, by asking its longtime staff members to select local charities that will collectively receive $111,000 in donations. A total of $13,000 will benefit organizations in Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, and South Hamilton.

Through the new Staff Giving on Thanksgiving program, employees with 10 or more years of seniority with the Cummings organization were each invited to choose a locally based not-for-profit to receive a $1,000 donation. Some of these charities will receive $2,000 or $3,000, thanks to multiple nominations.

Wenham resident Tim Parziale selected Beverly Bootstraps, noting, “I have seen firsthand how helpful and generous Beverly Bootstraps is within the community, and this is a great opportunity to give back to the organization.”

Parziale is a field division manager at Cummings Center in Beverly, where about 75 Cummings Properties personnel oversee the management and maintenance of the 2 million-square-foot office and technology park.

Reflecting the diverse interests of the staff, the contributions will support a wide variety of North Shore causes, including Day by Day Adult Care in Gloucester, Farms-Prides Community Association in Beverly, Friends of Swampscott Sailing, Marblehead All Sports Foundation, Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, and Pingree School in South Hamilton.

In addition, four Peabody-based organizations were recommended to receive donations:  Haven from Hunger, John E. Burke School, North Shore Community Action Program, and Peabody Civil Air Patrol.

Cummings Properties president and CEO Dennis Clarke said, “Cummings Properties has always been extremely active in local philanthropy. This year, the Company is delighted to do something extra special by involving more than 100 staff members in this new donation program. It is truly our pleasure to support such deserving local charities during the holiday season, especially knowing that they are so meaningful to our most senior colleagues.”

Cummings Properties will distribute the donations during the week of Thanksgiving.