The Gift of Inspiration

Some say actions speak louder than words. At the Simon Youth Foundation Northeast Bowling for Education event, a record breaking amount was raised for SYF. More than $275,000 was raised with more donations still coming in to benefit the efforts to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth. There is a story behind the story here. The efforts to make this event special were spearheaded by Deborah Weber, Mall Manager at Walt Whitman Shops in... Read More

History Lesson Moves Students

Philosopher and Novelist George Santayana once said, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Though sometimes difficult, it is important to learn about historical events that transformed the landscape of the world. World War II and the Holocaust are not pleasant topics with a powerful but not happy ending. Students at Simon Youth Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy at Knoxville Center in Knoxville, Tennessee were tasked... Read More

Simon Regional Conferences Welcome SYF

The 2013 Simon Property Group Regional Meetings kicked off with the New England Region on Wednesday, April 3rd and Simon Youth Foundation will be present at all SPG Regional Meetings to update the field based mall teams on the support they have provided to SYF. SYF President and CEO Dr. Michael Durnil will be on hand to thank the mall leaders for the important roles Simon employees play in SYF. SYF’s theme for the presentation “YOU are the... Read More

Ameripark’s Holiday Valet Program Nets SYF $43K

It takes $1,000 to get a Simon Youth Academy student to graduation. At a reception at Shula’s Steakhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on Thursday, March 28, Chip Patterson, the CEO of AmeriPark, one of the country’s leading parking management companies, presented a check big enough to give 43 more students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. AmeriPark raised the $43,207 donation through its 2012 Holiday Valet Program at Simon® malls... Read More

Two New SYF Advocates

Simon Youth Foundation works to ignite hope in at-risk youth across the country. In order to spread this message, it requires academy faculty and students, Simon Property Group employees and mall teams, and supporters to help champion the cause. Strong advocates help create awareness that is immeasurable. SYF has two new allies in the Indianapolis, Indiana area – sports radio personalities Jake Query and Derek Schultz. Query & Schultz host... Read More

Della Lefevers celebrates 10th anniversary with SYF

Dedicated, thoughtful, caring, energetic and humble – these are just a few of the words co-workers, colleagues and friends use to describe Della Lefevers. Simon Youth Foundation is proud to recognize Della as she enters her 10th year on staff. Her impact on the success of SYF is immeasurable, but one thing is for sure – the education programs team would not be complete without her daily efforts to make a difference. “Della comes in each... Read More

From Obstacle to Reward

Four individuals, each with different circumstances, came to the Simon Youth Pacers Academy at Washington Square for the purpose of graduating high school. While doing their studies they were offered an opportunity to participate in an internship with CVS Caremark called the Pathways to Logistics in Indianapolis, Indiana. This unique partnership gives deserving students an opportunity to get real work experience so they can get on track towards a... Read More

National valet company parks big donation check in hands of Simon Youth Foundation

Chip Patterson, the CEO of AmeriPark, one of the country’s leading parking management companies, built his business from scratch. While in college, he started parking cars at a local business, paying rent to the property owner for the spaces and keeping the remaining revenue from the valet services he provided. Today, his company still utilizes that model, providing services to more than 150 U.S. corporate clients. Earnest, left, with Patterson... Read More

Simon Malls® wrap up a big holiday gift for Simon Youth Foundation

On top of making 2011 holiday gifts look great this year, the gift wrap centers at 35 nationwide Simon Malls are pledging their seasonal proceeds to Simon Youth Foundation and other local charities in their communities. The gift wrap program is expected to raise more than $192,000 with half of that total going to SYF to benefit its two major initiatives: Simon Youth Academies and Simon Youth Scholarships. Click here to read more and see a complete... Read More

Simon Youth Foundation President: corporate support of public alternative education is good business

Simon Youth Foundation President and CEO J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D., was a featured guest on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick for the week of August 21, 2011. The program, which is broadcast on a network of 15 local affiliate television stations, is Indiana’s only statewide business news program. During his interview, Durnil explained that students who dropout of high school will earn nearly $300,000 less over their lifetime and are twice... Read More