In our LOOK WHO’S PITCHING IN story series, the Chicago Parks Foundation will introduce you to the volunteers who are making the 2021 season of Pitch In for the Parks + Green Teams citywide park clean-ups possible.

Today, we meet MarketStar!

MARKETSTAR joined us for a Green Teams clean-up on August 5th at Humboldt Park.

Who is MarketStar?

MarketStar develops innovative customer engagement solutions and accelerates growth for some of the biggest and most innovative companies across the globe. Founded in 1988, MarketStar has pioneered the sales outsourcing industry and today has more than 1,400 employees worldwide. Utilizing a blend of voice, digital, and field engagements, MarketStar has launched, sold and supported thousands of products and services on behalf of their clients.

In 2019, the MarketStar Foundation was established to strengthen and create growth in the community, a top priority for MarketStar. Since inception, the charitable work of the foundation has connected people and resources to expand educational opportunities, empower self-reliance and build better communities.

How did your organization hear about CPF and the Green Team program?

When we started our Season of Service project, our committee took suggestions within our group and we all came to a joint decision that this is the program we wanted to support.

Why is volunteering for the parks important to your organization?

Most of us are either currently located in Chicago, have lived in Chicago at some point, or are relatively close to Chicago – we’ve all utilized the parks in some aspect, so it just made sense for us to partner with the Foundation. It’s important because this is a small act that impacts hundreds of individuals that visit the parks daily. Mental health has certainly been impacted by the Pandemic and having a safe and clean environment to visit outside, whether it’s to safely gather, go on a walk, or simply enjoy some fresh air and sunshine is crucial and has provided some normalcy for most in these unprecedented times.

How does your organization’s mission relate to the work you’re doing with CPF?

Marketstar lives through our 6 values daily – one of them being We Care. We Care about our people, We Care about our environment and We Care about our communities. Not only do we Live the 6 in our professional lives, but our personal lives as well. This relates directly to our mission because this work has an impact that effects an entire community since so many utilize these parks and their programs daily. Having a safe, clean environment is key!

Thank you for pitching in, MarketStar!

YOU CAN PITCH IN, TOO!

Help us cover as much park ground as possible this season. The Chicago Parks Foundation’s citywide Pitch In for the Parks volunteer effort equips volunteer with the supplies and support you need to make an impact across our city’s 600+ parks!

Anyone can host a Pitch In clean-up group (free supplies delivered to you) or join a free volunteer event on our calendar. Or schedule a personalized volunteer event for your coworkers with our Green Teams corporate clean-up program. Both programs run June through October 2021.

You can also join us with a gift or become a Chicago Parks Foundation Member! Your support helps make vital park programming like Pitch In for the Parks possible. When you invest in the parks, you invest in the communities who love and depend on them!