Towson Town Center is known in the Mid-Atlantic region as a destination place for shoppers who are looking for stores that offer something for just about anyone. What should be known just as well is their collaborative work with our community and surrounding neighborhoods, specifically their work with children.
On April 16, Towson Town Center opened their doors to students from the Baer School and provided opportunities for life skills development, with an emphasis on communication and math.
The Baer School, a non-profit organization in Baltimore City, serves children with multiple challenges, including orthopedic disabilities, fragile health conditions, and other developmental and mental health impairments.
Debbie Straka, of Towson, is the Individualized Education Program Chair at the school. "I love the teamwork that occurs to make the day happen," said Straka. "The children feel good about themselves, and they feel like they are part of something they didn't realize was possible."
Baer's Director of Development, Jen Descoteau, of Towson, agreed. "The Towson Town Center staff has accommodated our every need while ironing out the details," said Descoteau. "Without the cooperation and energy of Baer staff, and the understanding and willingness of mall staff to welcome us, this trip would not be a reality. It brings new meaning to 'it takes a village.'"
Annie Wildasin, Senior General Manager of Towson Town Center, echoes the sentiments of both Straka and Descoteau. "We at Towson Town Center are happy to support the learning and growth of the children in our area. The Baer School truly puts its heart into everything that they do and that makes their students, and our communities, stronger."
The mall also works with Cool Kids Campaign, a Towson-based charitable organization that devotes time and effort on improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families.
Since 2012, Towson Town Center has partnered with Cool Kids to host in-mall events that include the All American Girl Casting Call event, of which all proceeds go to benefit Cool Kids.
Another event is the Houses of Hope project. During the month of August, Towson Town Center displays 12 birdhouses throughout the mall, each one handmade and decorated by a Cool Kid to represent their cancer journey. Each has an artist biography displayed with their birdhouse.
"Towson Town Center goes above and beyond," said Sharon Perfetti, executive director and co-founder of Cool Kids. "The general public at the mall stops by and learns about the kids with cancer. They know the statistics, but this event brings about an awareness that provides a real face and a real name of our local kids. The mall helps provide that space to let our community know this is happening right here."