Being a good neighbor and staying true to its priority of serving people through quality community development, Weiss Entities has made a significant contribution to the Merrillville and Valparaiso school districts. Parent company to The Lakes of Valparaiso living community, Weiss Entities donations and sponsorship opportunities to the local schools will total $500,000 over the next five years.
Valparaiso Community Schools and Merrillville Community School Corporation each will receive a total of $250,000 over a five-year period beginning in 2023. These funds will be allocated to programs and projects highlighting the high-quality experiences and unique educational opportunities presented to students, teachers, and staff. Weiss also will be sponsoring each school through community service days.
Weiss Entities operates a diverse portfolio and is committed to enhancing the quality of life of its employees, partners and the communities in which they operate. Weiss Entities’ philanthropic values took root more than 80 years ago when the company first opened its doors as a small, home-grown grocery store called WiseWay. Through the years, Weiss Entities has grown into Northwest Indiana’s premier real estate developer specializing in multi-family and commercial properties, including The Lakes of Valparaiso.
"First with WiseWay and now with the Lakes of Valparaiso and WiseGuys, we have been honored to be part of these wonderful communities for many decades," said Don Weiss, president of Weiss Entities. "It gives us great pleasure to give back to them by investing in their great schools and students."
Financial support from Weiss Entities aims to enhance Merrillville and Valparaiso academic social-emotional growth. Funding will help to provide additional outdoor classrooms and challenge education and invest in the health and culture of children, teachers, and staff. Funding also will help to supply adaptive classroom equipment, lab areas, and playgrounds for students receiving special education services.
"We couldn't be more grateful for the generosity and commitment demonstrated by this ongoing donation from Weiss Entities," said Dr. Jim McCall, Valparaiso Community School superintendent. "Valparaiso's students, staff, and community will benefit from the positive impact of Weiss Entities' acts of service."
Some of the other ways the funding will be used includes providing elementary students with recess equipment. High school students entering college or trade school training will have additional scholarship opportunities. The contributions also will help to support efforts to increase family and community engagement initiatives and promote community programs, opportunities and events.
"We appreciate this opportunity from Weiss Entities to support many of our initiatives," said Nicholas Brown, superintendent of Merrillville Community School Corporation. "We look forward to facilitating these generous funds to meet the needs of our children.”
For more about Weiss Entities properties, real estate development and philanthropic history in Northwest Indiana, visit https://weissentities.com/about/.
To learn more about The Lakes of Valparaiso apartment community, click here.
