267 Volunteers, 52,920 Meals: CAI-Illinois Service Day 2026
Based on “CAI-Illinois Service Day 2026: Small Acts, Big Impact” by Karen Schroeder, CMCA, AMS, Vice President of Business Development, Retro Community Management, and member of the CAI-Illinois Community Relations Committee, featured in the Fall 2026 edition of CAI-Illinois’ Common Interest magazine.
On June 26, 2026, CAI-Illinois members, business partners, managers, homeowner leaders, families, and friends gathered in Schaumburg for the 3rd Annual Service Day with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). As Karen Schroeder of Retro Community Management writes, it was a reminder of what makes this industry special: a shared commitment to strengthening communities, extended beyond the neighborhoods we serve every day.
A Morning That Mattered
This year’s event drew 267 volunteers from management companies, community associations, business partners, and their families. Parents worked alongside their children, coworkers brought loved ones, and new connections formed while old friendships grew stronger. There was plenty of laughter and encouragement, and even some friendly competition over which table could pack the fastest.
Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit dedicated to helping children facing hunger around the world. Volunteers hand-pack nutritious meals that FMSC distributes through its network of partner organizations, providing reliable food while supporting communities working toward long-term stability.
The Results
Together, volunteers packed 245 boxes containing 52,920 meals. That’s enough to feed about 145 children for an entire year, all from a few hours of working side by side.
Join Us in 2027
Schroeder thanks everyone who took part and notes that planning for Service Day 2027 is already underway. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve volunteered before, the Community Relations Committee hopes even more members, business partners, families, and volunteers will join next year. As Schroeder puts it, you may only spend a few hours packing meals, but you’ll leave knowing you helped change lives. Watch for updates on future service opportunities from CAI-Illinois.
Read the full article. “CAI-Illinois Service Day 2026: Small Acts, Big Impact” appears in the Fall 2026 issue of Common Interest magazine. Read it in full at Common Interest – Fall 2026 :: 14
CAI - Illinois Chapter
The Illinois Chapter of Community Associations Institute serves the educational, business, and networking needs of community associations in the Chicagoland Area. Members include condominium, cooperative, and homeowner...
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Fred Schroeder 
