Luster Products, through its philanthropic arm, the Black Heritage Foundation (BHF), recently donated more than $50,000 to its 2009 beneficiary organizations: the American Cancer Society, The Joseph Assignment Global Initiative, and the Richard C. Haley Scholarship Foundation.
Freddie Luster II, who is chairman of the BHF, as well executive vice president and director of R&D for Luster Products; Jory Luster, president of Luster Products and Sonja Luster-Munis, vice president for Systems Administration, presented checks to representatives from each organization at the company’s headquarters in mid-December.
“Despite a greatly strained economy, Luster Products is fortunate to be in the position to continue to assist people, organizations and causes that are important to the company and to the community at large,” said Freddie Luster II.
“Without the generosity of the Foundation’s partners, we wouldn’t be able to support critical cancer research, provide scholarship money for deserving, Chicago-area college students and help dig desperately needed fresh water wells in Ghana, West Africa.
As a family- and African American owned- company, helping people who are in need has always been a part of what it means to us to be a successful business.”
The Joseph Assignment Global Initiative was established in 2005 as a non-profit corporation and an international NGO Christian global relief organization dedicated to assisting people living in poverty around the globe.
Enabled in part by contributions from the BHF, The Joseph Assignment Global Initiative has dug fresh water wells in villages such as Sunkwa, Ghana, West Africa.
“We’re proud of the support we provide to each of our beneficiaries, but knowing that we are helping to bring fresh water to people in Africa who lack access to natural resources is something that everyone associated with the Black Heritage Foundation takes particular pride in,” said Luster.
Since it was established in 1989, the Black Heritage Foundation has donated more than $1 million to numerous worthy causes. The Foundation’s annual golf outing, which serves as its lone source of funds, takes place every August.
About Luster Products
Luster Products, Inc. has served the needs of African American families through its premium personal care products as well as its contributions to the community for more than 50 years. Today, Luster Products employs more than 400 people worldwide. The company’s products are sold nationally and internationally through a dynamic sales force and numerous retail outlets.
Luster Products’ main facility — corporate offices, plant and warehouse – is situated on 17 acres in Chicago’s Stockyard Industrial Park. An aerosol production plant is located in suburban Blue Island, Illinois. The company also has branch offices in London and South Africa.
About the Black Heritage Foundation
Established in 1989 by the late Fred Luster, Sr., founder of Luster Products, the Black Heritage Foundation is a non-profit, charitable foundation whose primary purpose is to support community-based organizations that promote positive values, community service and aspiring role models for the African-American community.
To date, more than a half-million dollars has been distributed to a host of beneficiary organizations. With the Foundation’s ongoing support, these organizations will continue to provide much-needed hope and encouragement throughout the African American community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Brown, 312-543-3946
christopher@owensmorris.com