Four Wilmington charities to receive grants

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. Last week, 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 Wilmington-based Children’s Theatre Workshop, Wilmington Community Fund, Wilmington Youth Hockey, and Women of Wilmington.

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.

Cummings Properties purchasing agent Ray Garrett, a Wilmington resident, recommended Women of Wilmington.

“It is a privilege to direct my donation to an organization that is so active in the community in which my family and I live,” noted Garrett. “I am thrilled to support Women of Wilmington’s admirable work.”

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.

Cummings Properties accounting manager Jim Cheney, also a Wilmington resident, recommended Children’s Theatre Workshop.

“My daughter is a member of Children’s Theatre Workshop, and my family and I are avid supporters of the program,” Cheney stated. “We were happy to be given the opportunity to contribute to the organization.”

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.”