Santa made two stops recently for CPM Community Partners, the philanthropic arm of Chicago Parking Meters, LLC (CPM). The organization stepped in to brighten the holidays for Special Olympics-Chicago athletes and for women and children at a local shelter.
“The holidays are special for everyone, but especially for children,” said CPM General Counsel Rahsaan Sales. “It was wonderful for us to be able to make these kids and their families happy while also supporting two fantastic organizations.”
Santa and Sales attended Special Olympics-Chicago’s snowshoeing and cross-country skiing competition at Mann Park, where CPM made a donation of $10,000 and Santa mingled with some of the 300 participating athletes and passed out hats.
“We are truly grateful to Chicago Parking Meters for their support,” said Susan Nicholl, Executive Director of Special Olympics Chicago. “Their generous donation will enhance the programs enjoyed year -round by our 5,000 Chicago athletes. It was terrific to have members of the CPM team join us at our most successful event to cheer on our athletes and witness, firsthand, the difference their donation will make.”
Special Olympics-Chicago recognized CPM’s contribution with a plaque, but Sales said, “the recognition really should go to this organization and these athletes.”
A few days earlier, CPM’s Santa and a few elves visited the holiday party at Connections for Abused Women and their Children, distributing toys, books and gift certificates to approximately 60 children, as well as gift bags for their mothers.
“The looks on the faces of the families, especially the children, really said it all,” said Stephanie Love-Patterson, Associate Director of Connections for Abused Women and their Children. “They were all so excited, and through the generosity of Chicago Parking Meters, they were able to experience a wonderful time.”
CPM Community Partners launched in June 2010 with a goal of providing financial assistance to organizations that promote growth and development of children and support for issues that affect families. CPM Community Partners has already contributed to a number of Chicago organizations, including the Greater Chicago Food Depository, National Foundation of Teaching Entrepreneurship and Chicago Youth Centers and Girls-on-the-Run.
From Left to Right: Ald. John Pope (10th), a Special Olympics athlete, Kevin O'Hara of LAZ Parking, Special Children's Charities/Special Olympics Chicago President James "Skinny" Sheahan and CPM General Counsel Rahsaan Sales pose with athletes at the snowshoe and cross-country skiing competition at Mann Park
Staff at Connections for Abused Women and their Children pose with Santa at the shelter's holiday party. Santa distributed gifts to the children while his helpers gave gift bags to the women. From the Left to Right: Counselor/Advocate Liz Fernandez, Counselor/Advocate Roxana Licona, Kevin O'Hara (Santa), Development Director Anne Borg and Family Trauma Therapist Beth Enterkin
