Posted 5 years ago in Guest Blog, Loop Locals by Stacey Vassil
2 MIN READ - The Kimpton Gray Hotel partners with nonprofit organization Daisie Foundation to bring much-needed school supplies to students at the South Side Chicago school.
In preparation to head back to school this fall, the students at Perkins Bass Elementary School will receive new backpacks and much-needed school supplies. In its ongoing community-building partnership with Chicago’s Daisie Foundation, The Kimpton Gray Hotel has kicked off a citywide backpack drive—now through August 21—to benefit the Englewood school.
With an ambitious goal to collect over 500 backpacks filled with school supplies, the four Kimpton Chicago hotels, as a part of Kimpton Cares — Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant’s philanthropic volunteer organization —are all joining in on the effort to raise funds and help Principal Carolyn Jones in her commitment to improve the quality of the school and lives of the students.
“The partnership has been instrumental in providing exposure to supplemental learning opportunities that we couldn’t otherwise provide as a school,” says Carolyn Jones, Principal of Perkin’s Bass Elementary School. “Far too often, people take for granted clean clothing, school supplies, book bags, the items that are vital to the function of the school day for students.”
In addition to the backpack drive, local artist Jason Farley created a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by the students and Kimpton’s commitment to social responsibility. Valued at $1,600, the canvas artwork will be on display throughout August in The Gray Hotel’s living room lobby and auctioned off to the highest bidder. All proceeds will be donated to the backpack drive.
“As a small child, my family moved from Detroit, MI, to Gary, IN, and I’ve seen first-hand the impact poverty has on society and the stress it places on families,” says Farley, who will also join Kimpton delivering the backpacks and will create a live installation on-site with help and participation from the students themselves. “Small contributions can generate hope and create change.”
Members of the community can donate here to help The Kimpton Gray and its partners reach this goal.
