Zengeler Cleaners: Making a Difference in the Community

Northbrook, IL, August 15, 2017: Zengeler Cleaners celebrated 160 years of service in northern Illinois earlier this year. During this impressive run, one constant is their rich history of giving back to the communities they serve. In keeping with that philosophy, Illinois' oldest and largest dry cleaner donated time, money and manpower to dozens of local organizations so far in 2017. The contributions have added up to thousands of dollars of cash and many, many times that amount in donated cleaning services.

"When my great-great-grandfather founded our company before the Civil War, he strongly believed it was the responsibility of local businesses to be partners in the community," said Tom Zengeler, company President. "It's been my privilege to continue his legacy some five generations later, including his belief that a true partnership includes support for our youth, the elderly and the arts. We trust that our support for these services makes a meaningful difference in the towns and villages where our customers, employees and family live and work."

Community involvement and Zengeler Cleaners is most closely tied to support for Coats for Vets and the Glass Slipper Project. While these so-called "signature events" are important, Zengeler knows there are many, many other organizations that need support, as well. Towards that end, the company strives to help a variety of organizations, each with a unique focus. For example, the next sponsored event for Zengeler Cleaners is the 8th annual Northshore Wine, Beer, Food & Cigar Festival in downtown Libertyville on August 26th. The event offers more than 100 different tastings of wines, beers, cigars, and food, with 100% of the proceeds going to Rotary Charities.

Youth programs and local schools are another important focus for Zengeler Cleaners. Examples include sponsorships of the Winnetka School Foundation, Montessori School of Lake Forest, St. Mary of the Annunciation, Ascension Greek Orthodox Church and Glencoe Junior High programs, just to name a few. The company also sponsors youth sports for girls and boys, cultural programs such as the Buffalo Grove Symphonic and "Welcome Wagon" for new residents moving into the communities the company serves.

Another objective of Zengeler Cleaner's approach is to support worthy causes in each of the eight communities where their stores are located. "Every town is different, every town has needs," continued Zengeler. "Because a 'one-size-fits-all' approach isn't practical, we try to identify projects, organizations and activities where our help can make a difference, then work closely to provide the best possible support. Sometimes, that means we provide labor and other cleaning and services and sometimes it means offering financial support. Either way, we try to identify the best way to forge the most effective partnerships possible."

For more information about community involvement at Zengeler Cleaners, contact Tom Zengeler, President, at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14 . . . or visit Zengeler Cleaners' at www.zengelercleaners.com. Zengeler Cleaners . . . America's First Family of Dry Cleaning™, with locations in Northbrook, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northfield, Hubbard Woods, Long Grove and two stores in Libertyville.