Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation and Beekman 1802 Launch “Summer of Kindness” Initiative For 2022

Sunmark Credit Union and the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation announced today that they have again partnered with Beekman 1802 to celebrate the “Summer of Kindness” in their local communities. Founded in Sharon Springs, NY, Beekman 1802 is one of the largest independent skincare companies in the United States, and has grown from a single act of kindness from one neighbor to another.

For the second year, children up to age 12 are invited to “deposit kindness” all summer by submitting their ideas on how they would spread kindness where they live. Kindness forms are available at any Sunmark Credit Union location, or online at www.sunmark.org/kindness. Children are invited to deposit their ideas into the Beekman 1802 goat banks located at any Sunmark branch, or via email at kindness@sunmark.org.

A Kindness Crew – comprised of Sunmark Credit Union and Beekman 1802 employees, and Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation volunteers – review all submissions and select ideas to become Kindness Projects. These projects will be fulfilled throughout the summer, with the Kindness Crew working together with the child who submits the form to bring their ideas to life and spread kindness in their community. This spring and summer, the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation and Beekman 1802 will be hosting “Kids Kindness Workshops” as a part of the Summer of Kindness initiative. Sunmark and Beekman 1802 will partner with area teachers and youth group leaders to bring kindness to their classroom or organization.

During workshops, children will learn what it means to be kind and how even the smallest act of kindness can leave a positive impact on the world. The Kindness Crew will facilitate a group discussion on the meaning of kindness and help children brainstorm how to spread kindness in their homes, communities, and school. Groups will complete a hands-on Kindness Project to benefit a local organization in their community.

Workshops are tailored to fit various age groups and schedules. For more information or questions, please contact Audrey Stone, Community Engagement Program Manager, at audrey.stone@sunmark.org.

“Sunmark Credit Union and the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation are excited to work together with the team at Beekman 1802 for another year to bring the ‘Summer of Kindness’ to the communities we serve,” said Amber Cooleen,  chief marketing officer at Sunmark Credit Union and president of the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation. Last year, we were able to complete eight Summer of Kindness projects, bringing the ideas of local children to life and extending kindness to so many. With the addition of Kindness Workshops in 2022, we are looking forward to completing even more kindness projects and continuing to cultivate kindness where we live.”

Alan Edstrom, Head of Events for Beekman 1802 said “Beekman 1802 is so happy to continue to help model kindness with Sunmark Credit Union and young people throughout the Capital Region and beyond. By finding ways to find kindness for yourself, your community, and the planet every day, we all can create a neighborhood that can grow and bloom."