Last week, Cummings Properties distributed $253,000 to local nonprofits, including four Wakefield-based organizations. The donations were made in honor of the commercial real estate firm’s full-time staff members, who were each invited through the Employee Directed Giving program to select a charity to receive $1,000.
The Wakefield recipients of the cash awards are Odyssey Day School, Wakefield Alliance Against Violence, Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, and Wakefield Memorial High School Alumni Foundation.
In an effort to support local communities, the program guidelines state that selected organizations must be based and provide services in or near colleagues’ hometowns. Several charities received more than one check, thanks to multiple employee nominations. The maximum allowed for any one organization is $5,000.
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Carmen Urbonas, a 24-year Wakefield resident who has long been active in local educational and arts nonprofits, designated Wakefield Alliance Against Violence, an all-volunteer organization.
“WAAV addresses some critical issues in our society, such as civility and bullying,” said Urbonas, Cummings Properties’ HR manager. “These volunteers commit themselves wholeheartedly to making Wakefield, and the world, a better place.”
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Employee Directed Giving is open to all full-time staff within any Cummings entity, including the firm’s affiliated New Horizons retirement communities in Marlborough and Woburn. The program will be held again in November, in conjunction with the Thanksgiving season, and then each November thereafter.
“Engaging our colleagues in Cummings Properties’ philanthropy has been a win-win situation,” said president and CEO Dennis Clarke. “The funds are benefiting a wide range of worthy local nonprofits, and employees and their families are becoming even more involved in their communities.”
Cummings Properties has a portfolio of 10 million square feet of commercial real estate in 10 suburban Boston communities, including Wakefield, where it manages the buildings at 30-40 and 50-60 Audubon Road.
More information about Employee Directed Giving, including a complete list of recipient organizations, is available at www.cummingsproperties.com/employee_directed_giving.htm.
