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The Simon Family Receives National Major Benefactor Award for Support of IMCPL
November 2, 2005
The Simon Family, whose real estate investment trust is headquartered in Indianapolis, was awarded the 2005 Major Benefactors Honor by the Association for Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), a division of the American Library Association, for its ongoing support of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library during ceremonies held November 2 at the East Thirty-Eighth Street Branch library, 5420 E. 38th Street.
The award is given to individuals, families or corporate bodies for their major benefactions to public libraries.
In June 2003, the Simon Family made a major gift to the IMCPL Foundation for the Central Library renovation and expansion. Various family members also provide ongoing support for the Library’s reading initiatives for children and families.
Simon family members on hand to receive the citation were Cynthia A. Simon Skjodt, who serves on the IMCPL Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Deborah J. Simon, both daughters of Melvin Simon.
“Your gift to the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation is just one example of the generosity you have shown our state over the years,” stated U.S. Senator Evan Bayh in a letter presented to the Simon Family at the reception.
“The Simon Family’s contributions to the Library can’t be measured in dollars only,” said Danny Dean, President of the IMCPL Foundation. “What’s equally important is their voluntary donation of time and energy that underscores their strong belief in the mission of our public library,” he added.
The Simon Family recognition comes as the IMCPL Foundation embarks on the “Learning for a Lifetime” community campaign to establish a permanent endowment benefiting the Library’s lifelong learning initiatives, including childhood literacy outreach and cultural and educational programming.
Other recipients of the 2005 ALTA Major Benefactors Honor were the Hemlock Federal Bank in Bolingbrook, Illinois and James T. Smith, Baltimore County (MD) Executive.