For Loeb, Helping Children is its own Reward
CHICAGO, IL (August 2003) - Companies that share their wealth know the rewards philanthropy brings: industry-wide goodwill. According to Newman, spreading the word about Loeb’s philanthropy creates an industry-wide image that sets the company apart.
"Our industry is a predominantly male field -- buying, selling, packaging and processing equipment for various segments of the food, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries," she explains. "So we’re always glad to find a way for people -- within the organization, and those whom we do business with -- to feel they’re a part of what we do as a company to make a better world.
Right in its own neighborhood, Loeb is very active with Edward Hartigan Elementary, 8 W. Root St., across the street from Loeb’s location at 4131 S. State St. In this South Side neighborhood, Newman says, “for the past 15 years, Loeb has been working with the school in supporting the growth of its students. Whether we’re buying ice cream for the kids to reward them for cleaning the school grounds, giving them part-time jobs, or donating a new scoreboard to help promote after-school activities -- we just help the school any way we can."
Loeb’s help has been as thoughtful and creative as it is generous. Along with that new scoreboard, Loeb bought new uniforms for the school cheerleaders. Loeb offers incentives school-wide to reward high grades and bought the new computer that has boosted efficiency throughout the school. Even the Hartigan theater club received support by way of a Loeb-sponsored field trip to see a performance by Blue Man Group.
For its attention to the Hartigan community, Loeb has received the Chicago Public Schools Community Service Award. And there’s a special involvement with the Chicago YMCA, where Howard Newman serves on the executive board.
"As important as our daily jobs are at Loeb, we think it is just as important to give back to the community," Susan Newman says. "For the children at Hartigan, and in so many other areas, our giving really involves everyone here, and in a very personal way."
"There is great joy being able to put a smile on a child’s face," she says. "It keeps us humble and provides perspective."
"It’s been so gratifying," Newman says, "to share that with my husband and with all the ‘family’ at Loeb."
The giving doesn’t stop across the street from Loeb, as the company’s efforts have extended to all types of children, specifically children with life threatening illnesses.
Courtesy of Loeb via the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern and Central Illinois, the company was able to send a little girl and her family to Hawaii where they could escape the stresses of doctors and health issues for a week.
Making an ill child’s wish come true was a natural "yes" for Loeb, whose 120-year history has always included helping kids. "We are a family company," says marketing manager Susan Newman, whose husband, Howard, is Loeb’s vice president and its fifth generation.
"In the area of giving," says Newman, "most everything we do here at Loeb is about making children smile." That’s why Newman, a longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer, knew the Loeb "family" would connect with the 12-year-old who wanted to have some fun.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the largest wish-granting organization in the world. Since its start locally in 1985, more than 4,000 children have gained strength and hope as they experience a wish come true. Make-A-Wish has high ethical standards for fundraising and never solicits funds on the phone or by email. To learn more or to refer a child to the program, please call 312-943-8956 or visit us online at www.wishes.org.
