Health & Fitness
Woburn charities to receive $18,000 in Thanksgiving grants
Cummings Properties launches staff-directed program through which it will donate $111,000 to local charities this Thanksgiving. Woburn not-for-profits will benefit from a total of $18,000.
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. Woburn not-for-profits will benefit from a total of $18,000—more than organizations in any other single community.
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.
Erica Wright, Cummings Properties leasing manager and a Woburn native, recommended the Tanner Ta Ta Foundation.
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Wright stated, “I was thrilled for the opportunity to recommend this fairly new organization. It provides support to women and families after a breast cancer diagnosis, which is when they need it the most.”
Ten other Woburn-based organizations were recommended: Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, Council of Social Concern, Friends of Woburn Veterans, Kids Be Aware, Social Capital Inc., VNA Hospice Care, Woburn Feral Cat Coalition, Woburn Host Lions Club, Woburn Public Library, and Woburn Youth Hockey. Some of these charities will receive $2,000 or $3,000, thanks to multiple nominations.
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Another Woburn native, George Holland, selected the Boys & Girls Club, noting, “It is very close to me personally.”
With 37 years of tenure, Holland is the firm’s longest standing staff member.
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.
