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 $4,000 going to CACHE in Medford, Friends of Medford High School Rowing, Medford Family Network, and Saint Raphael 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 operations coordinator Keri Armstrong, a Medford resident, recommended Medford Family Network.
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“As a new mother, I recognize the importance of parenting support and resources,” noted Armstrong. “I admire the work Medford Family Network does for families in the community, and hope to become more involved with the organization in the future.”
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.
Marie Cassidy, Medford Family Network family specialist, stated, “Medford Family Network exists because of the generosity of organizations like Cummings Properties. We are so thankful for this donation, which will be directly applied to fund our family support program.”
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 Medford, where it manages the buildings at 196 and 200 Boston Avenue.
