Arundel Mills Valet Parking Money to Benefit At-Risk Youth

The largest retail shopping location in Maryland recently added a feature that seeks to convenience shoppers while doing a bit of charity at the same time.

The mammoth shopping center implemented a valet parking service several months ago, and plans to raise funds to help local at-risk children.

The mall will take 100 percent of its proceeds from the valet service and donate it exclusively to the Simon Youth Foundation, said Lauren Horsley, a spokeswoman for Arundel Mills.

Establish in 1998, the foundation helps at-risk students earn high school diplomas and scholarships in an effort to send more students to college. A release from the shopping center said the charity group provides scholarship money to two Anne Arundel County students each year.

Originally priced at $6, the valet parking service has been lowered to $2 per vehicle. Shoppers can drop off their cars are four designated points located near Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse, the food court, Books-A-Million and the Cinemark movie theater entrance.

The service is offered seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., but valet staff will stay on site until the last vehicle is returned, according to the release.

The mall also hopes to take advantage of social media by offering shoppers exclusive valet parking deals through the Arundel Mills Facebook page.

“Ensuring that there is ample parking remains our top priority during this exciting time and we appreciate the patience of our loyal shoppers and employees,” said Gene Condon, general manager of Arundel Mills.

As the mall’s current construction of the highly contested gaming center including new slots, employees like Condon will use satellite parking through the valet service to ensure enough spaces for patrons. The satellite locations will offer employees shuttle services plus free snacks and beverages for those who utilize the additional parking space, according to the release.