Thank You for Supporting CASPAR’s Strengthening Our Community Event!

On May 4, nearly 300 members of the extended CASPAR community came together for Strengthening Our Community, an amazing evening honoring our Homeless Neighbors, as well the dedicated individuals and organizations who support the critically important work we do.

At the event—which took place at the MIT Museum—CASPAR was able to raise more than $350,000 to support our range of emergency, outreach, therapeutic and housing services for neighbors experiencing homelessness and battling substance use disorder. Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink, and were inspired by Alexis Grandberg, Director of CASPAR’s First Step Outreach Program, who spoke eloquently and personally about some of the individuals she has served over the years, and capped it off with a reading of some of her original poetry.

We were also proud to present Mark Roopenian and Team DivcoWest with the CASPAR Catalyst for Change Award. This award is given each year to recognize an individual and/or group who brings positive change to the community through their leadership in helping our most vulnerable neighbors.

All of us at CASPAR extend our profound gratitude to our hosts, MIT; our emcees for the evening, Sarah Eusden Gallop and Michelle Lower; our event committee; and to all of our event sponsors and guests, who gave generously in support of the work we do and made this special evening possible.

About Our Honorees

Mark Roopenian leads all leasing initiatives for Cambridge Crossing. Mark is integrally involved in all aspects of planning, permitting, and community relations for Cambridge Crossing, and is focused on attracting world-class tenants to this distinctive project. 

Mark joined DivcoWest in 2015, bringing more than 34 years of ground-up development, leasing, and management experience. He held leadership roles in iconic Boston area properties including International Place and John Hancock Tower. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science from Boston College, and was a defensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills before starting his real estate career. He is active in numerous Cambridge-based community and charitable organizations including: CASPAR, Cambridge Family & Children Services, and East End House. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Kendall Square Association. Mark is a passionate, long term volunteer in CASPAR’s signature Cookin’ with CASPAR and Give Homelessness the BOOT Programs.

DivcoWest is the owner and developer of the Cambridge Crossing neighborhood, and its national real estate portfolio includes existing and development properties in the office, R&D, lab, industrial, retail, and multifamily spaces. DivcoWest is a vertically integrated, real estate investment firm headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Cambridge, Los Angeles, Menlo Park, Washington, DC, New York City, and Austin. www.divcowest.com