CSM's sophomore charitable giving campaign deemed a success and announces the 2010 charitable partner.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 8, 2010 - CSM announces they have chosen Children's Miracle Network as the 2010 charity and is celebrating a successful 2009 campaign that was dedicated to Hope for the City.
2009 marks CSM Corporation's sophomore charitable giving campaign, and in spite of a dismal economy, there was not a slump in sight! After their freshman effort in 2008, the company wanted to encourage their employees to do more to help CSM's charity. Partnering with Hope for the City for the second year, CSM set ambitious goals for 2009.
Vice president of human resources Mary Weber explained, "After our first year, we had a better understanding of what CSM employees can do and want to do for their community. Our goals reflected their enthusiasm to donate time, money and food." At the beginning of 2009, CSM Corporation asked its 125 employees to donate 1,000 volunteer hours, to gather 6,000 pounds of food, and to raise $20,000 over the course of the year to Hope for the City. Based on the prior year's results, this was a reasonable request.
Then the bottom fell out of the U.S. economy. It would've been easy for the employees of this small company to say, "We just can't do it this year" and give up, but they didn't. CSM associates saw the economic recession hit their neighbors, their friends, and their families, and they recommitted themselves to raising money and giving time and food to Hope for the City. When asked why she donates, CSM's Collections Manager, Lynne Young, had this to say: "The Hope for the City events radiate HOPE, and I know that my time and money is spent funding that HOPE and filling needs."
By December 2009, CSM employees through fundraisers such as penny collecting, pizza tasting events, ice cream truck sales and the 2nd annual Shop and Sip silent auction event, raised $27,547, besting the goal by $7,600! And through a 50% match by CSM owner and founder, Gary Holmes, $41,320 is being donated to Hope for the City. The employees also donated 1022 hours of labor and collected 6507 pounds of food, also beating each of the original goals. "After the economy kept getting worse, we were concerned that we wouldn't reach our goals, but - what can I say - CSM employees have stepped up and are making it happen. I'm proud to be a part of a company that cares about its community," comments Kelly Ramstad, CSM cares committee member.
Children's Miracle Network is the 2010 charity partner that has been selected and the goals are to raise even more money this year. The goal is to raise $32,500, donate 750 volunteer hours and collect 300 items, such as blankets, toys and backpacks for Children's Hospitals.
About CSM Corporation
CSM Corporation engages in the acquisition, development, leasing, management, and ownership of quality real estate assets. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn, CSM's extensive portfolio includes retail, industrial, multi-family residential, and hotel properties across the continental United States. For more information visit www.csmcorp.net.
