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 $2,000 going to The Center for Performing Arts and Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry.
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 human resources generalist Carmen Urbonas, a Wakefield resident, recommended The Center for Performing Arts.
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“When I told my friends about this fantastic Employee Directed Giving opportunity, several of them suggested that I nominate The Center for Performing Arts,” noted Urbonas. “I was happy to take their advice and direct my donation to an organization that meaningfully impacts so many students in the community.”
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.
Peter Scott, president of The Center for Performing Arts, stated, “We are delighted to receive this donation from Cummings Properties. The funds will be put toward the fine-tuning construction of our space, providing students with an even better place to display their talents.”
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.
