The ARA Foundation completes impact project and donates $20,000 in Chicago
The American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation in collaboration with United Way of Metro Chicago donated volunteers and equipment to clean up and transform the grounds of Center for Independence through Conductive Education (CFICE) Chicago, IL, on July 23rd.
This is just one of the many ARA Foundation Impact Projects that take place across the country to improve communities in which ARA members live.
Volunteers and equipment from The Toro Company, Ditch Witch, First Place Rental, Sunbelt Rentals,
Inc. Carol Stream and Countryside, American Rental, Event Essentials, Marquee Event Rentals, Ditch Witch Midwest, National Lift Truck and House of Rental joined forces to make significant repairs and improvements. Their efforts included installing a sound garden and a butterfly garden, landscaping and repairing and painting entryways and awnings.
“Children with disabilities have unlimited potential. Unfortunately, many families face significant barriers to accessing quality therapy and services due to income or insurance limitations. No parent should have to choose between groceries and therapy for their child. The Center for Independence is deeply grateful to the United Way of Metro Chicago, the ARA Foundation and the Toro Company Foundation for helping break down these barriers. Your support ensures that children with disabilities can grow up healthy and reach for the stars with an "I CAN!" attitude. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many hardworking children and their families - you made our playground and building a beautiful place to play and learn!” says Patricia Herbst, Executive Director, CFICE.
In addition to working on CFICE, The ARA Foundation donated a $20,000 grant to UW of Metro Chicago to support the expenses associated with the project.
Matt Shinofield, Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. and ARA of Illinois vice president was a lead on the project. “During the planning process I visited the Center to confirm the project scope, during the visit I knew that the work we were going to do would have a lasting impact on the kids and teachers for years to come. I was overjoyed by the amount of volunteer participation we had from the local rental community. The most rewarding part of the day was at the end. The kids went straight to the instrument garden and started playing with them. They were using the mallets to listen to what the different sounds were from each leaf of the instrument tree. Their faces were all smiles. They were laughing and playing. I knew we had made an impact.”
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