CLEVELAND, Dec. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This December Two Northeast Ohio apartment communities owned and managed by Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. recently teamed up to host a "party with a purpose" at the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, raising close to $6,500 for two local charities.

Chestnut Lake, an amenity-rich apartment community in Strongsville, and Stratford Crossings, a luxury apartment community in Wadsworth, welcomed more than 150 guests for an elegant evening of fun in support of The Greater Cleveland Fisher House and Marian's Closet.

"The 2017 Forest City Care Together event was a tremendous success," said Stratford Crossings property manager Leah Skoczen. "Two amazing apartment communities rallied together to organize an unforgettable night that will have a lasting impact within Northeast Ohio."

The Greater Cleveland Fisher House raises funds to build veterans and their families a home where relatives can stay while loved ones receive medical care. Marian's Closet is an all-volunteer, free clothing and small appliance store in Wadsworth that has been improving the quality of life for the city's less fortunate for the past decade.

Attendees danced to tunes played by a local DJ while enjoying food and drink offerings and participating in raffles, hoping to be the lucky winner of one of a slew of big-ticket items.

The generous support of many Forest City vendors contributed to the success of the event, which served as a capstone celebration of each community's participation in the 2017 Forest City CARE Together Program.

Throughout the year, Chestnut Lake raised funds for the Greater Cleveland Fisher House, the regional affiliate of the Fisher Foundation.

"Service members from across the country come to town to receive medical care from our renowned health systems, and they deserve to be with loved ones in inviting, comfortable surroundings," said Chestnut Lake property manager Carla Pusateri. "We're proud to support all who have fought to protect us."

Through event proceeds and various fundraising efforts, the Strongsville apartment community has donated more than $3,500.

"A heartfelt thank-you to all event organizers and participants for the above and beyond donation," said Greater Cleveland Fisher House President Thomas Sweeney. "What a wonderful evening!"

Stratford Crossings has developed an ongoing partnership with Marian's Closet

"Marian's Closet has been improving the quality of life for the city's less fortunate for the past 10 years," Skoczen said. "We're proud to support a community resource that has helped more than 5,000 local families."

Through the Care Together event and ongoing initiatives, Stratford Crossings has donated more than $3,200 to Marian's Closet during the past several months.

"The Care Together event was amazing, and I'm so thankful to have been a part of it," said Marian's Closet Executive Director Michelle Boni. "The compassion shown by all shines so bright!"

Forest City's Care Together program, which began in 2010, creates rewarding experiences for residents and onsite teams at Forest City's apartment communities nationwide, while encouraging residents and staff to work together to give back to their communities.

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SOURCE Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.