Come for the goods; stay for the giving-back experience. That’s not the official motto of Outlets at Castle Rock, but that’s pretty close to what the shopping center strives for, says Jen Simpson, marketing director.
The Outlets hosts several events throughout the year, including this year’s 14th Annual Shopping Extravaganza, which raises money for various local charities.
“We work hard to become an integral part of the community and provide a gathering hotspot with free entertainment and family-friendly events throughout the year,” Jen says. “In addition, the 30-people team at Outlets at Castle Rock comes from local neighborhoods, and we all have causes close to our hearts, so giving back to the community where we live and work has always been top of mind and important for us.
The Outlets typically raises about $100,000 in combined cash and in-kind donations for local charities throughout the year, Jen says. The Outlets also tries to find opportunities to share the property’s space with local non-profits. For instance, she says, this year the Outlets hosted a Make-a-Wish recipient with a shopping spree. And the Outlets hosts several events throughout the year that bring attention to what some nonprofits are doing in the community.
Jen says the Outlets at Castle Rock and their partner shopping centers strive to become a year-round resource for existing charity partners by spreading the word about their fundraising events through the center’s digital channels.
“For me, it’s one of the most meaningful parts of working at Outlets at Castle Rock—being empowered to give back to others through fun community events,” Jen says. “To hear the stories of how the money we raised has benefitted an organization or provided for a family in need, I just can’t help but be excited to have the opportunity to add some good into the world around us.”