CLD partners with local business to expand reach in the community
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) and RCI are kicking off a new collaboration with a commitment to support the CLD endowment. CLD is building the endowment to bring more programming and services to Black youth in Central Indiana and to build on the organization’s rich history of developing future business and community leaders.
RCI is a worldwide leader in membership travel services for the vacation ownership industry. The company offers an industry-leading vacation exchange platform to its 3.7 million members around the world, providing access to more than 4,200 affiliated resorts in approximately 110 countries.
“Giving back to the community and supporting our youth is always top of mind,” said CLD President Dennis Bland. “Together with RCI, we are able to make an even greater impact. The formation of a new partnership is more than just a professional relationship, it is another step toward enriching the lives of Black youth in the community.”
Making a commitment to donate to CLD’s effort to build its endowment, RCI officially kicked off its new support for CLD with a $10,000 gift presented at the Minority Achievers Awards & Scholarship Gala earlier this year. Coupled with a 2-to-1 match from Lilly Endowment, RCI is supporting an initiative that will allow CLD to expand and impact more lives down the road.
RCI currently employs more than 20 CLD Alumni, many of whom now have children currently participating in CLD’s leadership and character-building programming.
“RCI understands that a culture of rich inclusion and diversity enhances our ability to serve our customers and our communities,” said Richard Ruff, managing director of RCI North America. “We are so excited to embark on this journey with the Center for Leadership Development. Not only does this organization have a history of incredible success in its mission to help our community’s youth become better leaders, but it has also provided those opportunities to our very own associates and their family members. We’re looking forward to broadening CLD’s impact on our community through our partnership and associate volunteer opportunities.”
RCI associates have the opportunity to choose CLD through a Company Match program. The organizations will continue to partner for future volunteer opportunities with the goal of supporting the mission of CLD.
