Volunteers from the American Rental Association Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation donated time and equipment to help clean up and transform the grounds of the Center for Independence through Conductive Education, located in Chicago, Illinois, on July 23, 2024. The work was done in collaboration with Untied Way of Metro Chicago and was one of many Impact Projects across the country improving communities in which ARA members live.
The ARA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the equipment and event rental industry. It is affiliated with the ARA and offers scholarships, mentoring opportunities, employee training assistance and disaster relief to the industry.
The Toro eDingo has no fuel costs and zero engine exhaust emissions. It features an operating capacity of 515-lbs. Plus, the new design has a hinge pin height of 81-in., which allows for clearing into most standard dumpsters, and 6.5 GPM hydraulic flow.The American Rental Association Foundation
Volunteers and equipment from The Toro Company, Ditch Witch, First Place Rental, Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Carol Stream, Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Countryside, American Rental, Event Essentials, Marquee Event Rentals, Ditch Witch Midwest, National Lift Truck and House of Rental joined forces to make significant repairs and improvements. Their efforts included installing a sound garden and a butterfly garden, landscaping, and repairing and painting entryways and awnings.
“Children with disabilities have unlimited potential. Unfortunately, many families face significant barriers to accessing quality therapy and services due to income or insurance limitations. No parent should have to choose between groceries and therapy for their child. The Center for Independence is deeply grateful to the United Way of Metro Chicago, the ARA Foundation and the Toro Company Foundation for helping break down these barriers. Your support ensures that children with disabilities can grow up healthy and reach for the stars with an "I CAN!" attitude. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many hardworking children and their families - you made our playground and building a beautiful place to play and learn!” says Patricia Herbst, Executive Director, CFICE.
The American Rental Association Foundation
Matt Shinofield, Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. and ARA of Illinois Vice President was a lead on the project. “During the planning process I visited the Center to confirm the project scope, during the visit I knew that the work we were going to do would have a lasting impact on the kids and teachers for years to come. I was overjoyed by the amount of volunteer participation we had from the local rental community. The most rewarding part of the day was at the end. The kids went straight to the instrument garden and started playing with them. They were using the mallets to listen to what the different sounds were from each leaf of the instrument tree. Their faces were all smiles. They were laughing and playing. I knew we had made an impact.”
