Bill and Joyce Cummings receive triple honors

Founders of Cummings Properties and Cummings Foundation recognized by NAIOP, North Shore Chamber, and Irish International Immigrant Center

WOBURN, December 12, 2013 — In the course of the past month, three major local organizations have honored Bill and Joyce Cummings for their leadership in business and philanthropy. The Winchester couple’s Cummings Foundation, which is the principal beneficiary of commercial real estate firm Cummings Properties, has granted more than $20 million to greater Boston nonprofits during the past two years.

On November 7, the Cummings accepted the Edward H. Linde Public Service Award from NAIOP, the leading commercial real estate association in Massachusetts. After being introduced by friend Jack Connors, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, Bill and Joyce spoke to an audience of more than 1,000 industry professionals at Boston’s Westin Waterfront Hotel.

“Bill and Joyce Cummings have spent their lives redefining what it means to give and they are more than deserving of this award,” said David Begelfer, CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts. “Bill and Joyce have made a huge impact in our industry and they continue to create and fund causes close to their hearts.”

Less than two weeks later, North Shore Chamber of Commerce named Bill a 2013 North Shore Distinguished Citizen at its 95th Annual Meeting. The evening event, held at Danversport Yacht Club, drew about 550 members of the North Shore business community.

Chamber chairman Rob Lutts, who is also president and CIO of Cabot Money Management, presented the award. As Bill and Joyce were in Cuba at the time, Cummings Center general manager Steve Drohosky accepted on Bill’s behalf.

Wrapping up a month of recognition, Bill and Joyce were honored on December 6 with the Irish International Immigrant Center’s Solas Award. Named from the Gaelic word for “light,” the award is given to leaders who are committed to working toward a society where people from all countries enjoy equal opportunities, protections, and respect. Past recipients include President Bill Clinton and Senator Edward Kennedy.

The Cummings spoke to the more than 500 attendees at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum about their commitment to helping ensure greater Boston is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Although Bill and Joyce established Cummings Foundation more than 25 years ago, their philanthropy began attracting widespread attention in 2011, when they became the first Massachusetts couple to join Bill and Melinda Gates’ and Warren Buffet’s Giving Pledge.

With more than $1 billion in net assets, Cummings Foundation is one of the largest foundations in New England. Its website states that it will award $20 million in grants during 2014, once again mostly to local area nonprofits.

More information about Bill and Joyce Cummings, Cummings Foundation, and its grants programs is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.