Simon Youth Foundation donors pop into action

People often ask exactly who or what the Simon in Simon Youth Foundation stands for, and we are proud to answer that it is a reference to the employees of Simon Property Group, who are some of our most fervent supporters and donors. SPG team members showed it again Friday, June 17, the date of the most recent SYF Jean for Teens fundraiser at the corporate headquarters building in Indianapolis, Ind.



Supporters paid $5 to wear jeans into the office, and in a first for a Jeans for Teens day, SYF added a special Balloon Pop contest to the day's celebrations. For an additional $3 donation, SPG employees were entered into a raffle for a chance to pop one of 60 balloons. Each balloon contained a number that corresponded to one of 60 prizes.

In all, the event completely popped its estimated revenue amount, bringing in an amazing $2,640 to benefit SYF initiatives, like the Pathways to Pharmacy program that SYF sponsors in partnership with CVS/pharmacy to help at-risk students earn valuable summer internships.

SYF Board of Directors member Susan Massela attended the Balloon Pop, encouraging participants and making a donation of her own to SYF. Haagen-Dazs from the Circle Centre Mall also was on hand to serve sample-size cups of ice cream to balloon poppers and their supporters.