Newark Company Will Donate Part of Purchase Price to CERT, Other Local Charities

For more than a year, Newark’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been operating with no budget.

CERT lost its funds in 2009 when the City of Newark was forced to make cuts, but now a Newark-based company hopes to help the organization increase its monies.

Petersen Dean Roofing and Solar Systems is launching a campaign to help out the organization that hosts emergency preparation classes for community volunteers. 

Through the “Giving for Living” campaign, Petersen Dean will donate up to $1,000 to a charitable or non-profit organization when you purchase a roof or solar system through the company.

CERT is the first organization taking part in the campaign program and members of the organization said they are appreciative of the assistance. 

“We’re really excited about it,” said CERT Vice Chairperson Lisa Cisneros. “It’s huge for us.”

While CERT’s previous funds from the City of Newark were minimal, Cisneros said the absence of resources has been difficult, forcing CERT board members to pay for classes and materials out of their own pockets. 

“Nobody minds doing it, but it’s really tough,” she said.

And that’s the reason why Petersen Dean decided to get involved in help the greater community, said Rosemary Petersen, director of public and educational outreach for the roofing company.

The idea to help charitable organizations stemmed from talking with an employee who voiced how much money it was taking to contribute to her child’s school.

Dean said that made her realize how most people are struggling financially because of the economy. 

So with CEO Jim Petersen a plan was developed to offer a campaign that could benefit charitable organizations.

“It’s about helping people who are helping others in the community,” Rosemary Petersen said.

The campaign is ongoing and Petersen Dean invites other organizations to start their own campaigns. To do so, call 510-494-9982 or send an email to rpetersen@petersendean.com. For more information on CERT, click here.

See the table below to see how much of a donation will be made based on the cost of your purchase with Petersen Dean Roofing and Solar Systems.

Solar System/Roof Price

Donation Made on Your Behalf

$10,000-$15,000

$250

$15,000-$20,000

$500

$20,000-$25,000

$750

More than $25,000

$1,000