Chicago Parking Meters Kicks Off New Philanthropy Program
Chicago Youth Centers Receives $10,000 Donation
Chicago Parking Meters, LLC (CPM) launched its new philanthropy program, "CPM Community Partners” with a donation of $10,000 to Chicago Youth Centers (CYC). CPM and its operating partner, LAZ Parking, plan to serve Chicago’s communities by investing both time and dollars in youth-focused organizations across the City of Chicago.
"The future of Chicago rests in the hands of its youngest residents. That’s why we are directing our efforts toward quality programs that enhance youth development,” said Dennis Pedrelli, CEO of CPM, the long-term leaseholder for Chicago’s on-street parking meters. “CYC has an impressive track record of working with at-risk youth. That made them the ideal recipient for our first donation.”
A portion of the donated funds will support the operations of CYC’s Elliot Donnelly Youth Center (EDYC), located in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community. EDYC is one of CYC’s eight community-based centers, providing youth programs and services to underserved children who can experience the greatest academic and social growth as a result of their intervention.
“We appreciate CPM stepping up to help us enrich these programs and better serve children who need it the most," CYC President and CEO Harry Wells said of CPM’s donation. “Through our programs ranging from Head Start to teen leadership development, CYC works tirelessly to meet the needs of young people in neighborhoods across Chicago.”
EDYC Director Sequane Lawrence expressed particular enthusiasm for the funds directed towards the center’s digital computer lab, stating that "this donation helps to improve the center's technological infrastructure for youth to learn the latest graphic arts and digital programming." Other notable features of the EDYC facility include a full-size indoor swimming pool, an Art Park recreation area, a running track within Lou Jones Fitness Park and a College & Career Readiness Center.
The donation to CYC signals the official launch of CPM’s new philanthropy program: however, this is not the first time CPM has invested in Chicago’s communities. During the past year, CPM implemented a pilot initiative, donating mini-grants to youth-focused non-profit organizations throughout Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Additionally, LAZ Parking employees often volunteer to participate in events for charitable organizations.
Chicago Parking Meters (CPM) principals kick off their new philanthropy program with a $10,000 donation to Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), joining CYC officials and 9-12 year-old youth at the Elliot Donnelly Youth Center (EDYC) in Bronzeville for the official launch. (Back: L to R) Sequane Lawrence, EDYC Director; Tony DiPaolo, Regional VP of LAZ Parking; Harry Wells, CYC President/CEO; Dennis Pedrelli, CEO of CPM, and Bill Hansen, CYC VP of Program Operations.
Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) officials lead Chicago Parking Meters (CPM) principals on a tour of the Elliot Donnelly Youth Center (EDYC) in Bronzeville, explaining how the $10,000 donation will enhance CYC’s programs and services. (Front: L to R) Sequane Lawrence, EDYC Director and Ashley Davis, an EDYC College & Career Readiness participant currently attending Northern Illinois University. (Back: L to R) Tony DiPaolo, Regional VP of LAZ Parking; Dennis Pedrelli, CEO of CPM; Bill Hansen, CYC VP of Program Operations and Harry Wells, CYC President/CEO.
