LPA and Fontaine Brothers teamed up this spring on a fundraising effort to support Recreation Worcester, a program of the City of Worcester that offers recreational, educational, and enrichment opportunities through summer camps and after-school programs.  LPA and Fontaine Brothers kicked off the fundraising effort by making donations to Recreation Worcester and reaching out to all the companies that have been working on the Nelson Place Elementary School Project. Because of the firms’ work on the soon-to-be completed building, they have seen both the need and the value of programs like Recreation Worcester.

More than two dozen companies contributed funds to the cause, raising $30,000 for the program, enough to fund one site for a year.

“Community partners like Lamoureux Pagano Associates are the reason programs like Recreation Worcester exist. Their funding ensures our children have the opportunity to get outside, play, learn, and enjoy all that the program has to offer,” said City Manager City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

Since its founding almost 50 years ago, LPA has fostered a culture of service to the community, encouraging staff to participate in professional associations, local boards, or volunteer at nonprofits.

“We all have a responsibility to contribute in some way to making our communities better,” said Mike Pagano, President of LPA.  “Getting involved with community organizations, industry groups, or other volunteer opportunities is important and mutually beneficial, and something I encourage everyone to do.”

A number of staff have been involved with industry groups like the AIA and USGBC, including Leo Parker’s recent involvement with the programming committee of the Central Massachusetts AIA and Christina Bazelmans’ participation in the Central Massachusetts chapter of the US Green Buildings Council. These efforts strengthen and support the field of architecture and a network of professionals who learn and share among one another.

Some staff members use their professional skills in support of local nonprofits’ missions, like Rob Para, who has been serving as president for Preservation Worcester, offering his architectural skills in support of their mission to save and preserve local historical structures. Rob was among many partners across Worcester who offered his time and expertise for free to save and relocate the historic Stearns Tavern late last year.

Caroline Deltoro in LPA’s marketing department brings her expertise to Brimfield nonprofit Hitchcock Free Academy, serving on their Board of Trustees and on their marketing and fundraising committees.

“As a community center, we are always planning events and fundraising activities. Our volunteers’ time, experience, and insights are invaluable to us as we work to enrich the lives of folks of all ages in our community,” said Susan Gregory, Executive Director of Hitchcock Free Academy.

Mary Bulso has been volunteering for the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor for more than ten years, helping organize clean-up efforts across the Blackstone Valley.

Other times staff members take the lead in organizing office-wide opportunities to do good. Pam Farley, LPA Administrator organized “Team LPA” for the local Worcester Breast Cancer walk last October. Christopher Lee took the lead in implementing a recycling program in the LPA offices, and the office came together last summer to participate in a plane pull at the Worcester Airport to support autism programs at the Seven Hills Foundation.

A company-wide culture of giving back to the community must begin with the leadership, and Mike Pagano as president has modeled volunteerism over the years, most recently giving his time as a board member for the Edward M. Kennedy Health Center. Katie Crockett, as vice president also encourages and models community participation, serving on multiple boards, including Mechanics Hall, Higgins Armory, Hope Lodge, and the Worcester Community Action Council.

“I can’t overstate the value of volunteering, said Katie Crockett. “In my experience, you can make a difference for a community or cause you care about, you can connect with other people who support that cause to multiply your impact, and it is inevitably a learning experience and chance to grow both personally and professionally.”