While interning at the City Parks Foundation, I gained invaluable experience and built a strong foundation of important skills and knowledge. Working in the sports office, located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, I enjoyed the energetic, comfortab

le, and hard-working atmosphere provided by fellow employees and New York City residents whom we interacted with on a daily basis. As this was my first experience working with a non-profit organization, I have been able to broaden my horizons and understand the importance of such programs, appreciating the beneficial effects they have on individuals each and every day. Witnessing the smiling and happy faces of the hundreds of children who participate in our sports programs made my time and effort with the City Parks worthwhile.

Checking in a golfer at the Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament

As a rising junior at the University of Michigan, I am primarily interested in business and sports marketing. The daily tasks and hands-on experience I accomplished this summer have provided me with a plethora of knowledge and skills that will prove very useful in my future endeavors. The event planning and execution of the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament, Get-Up-And-Go Family Adventure Race, and Corporate Putting Challenge with companies such as ING, were just a few of the exciting events I contributed to this summer. Attending meetings and sitting

in on conference calls with my boss, Mike Silverman, set a foundation and enhanced my interest in business, as well as taught me the power and importance of networking. While assisting Mr. Silverman with preparation for the annual U.S. Open Tennis Benefit Dinner, I improved my communication skills by reaching out to restaurants and companies in an effort to secure donations.

Explaining the CityParks Putting Challenge rules to employees of Bank of America

Working with the City Parks Foundation has been a wonderful experience where I have been able to witness how an organization runs efficiently and successfully. I was surrounded by a great group of people who helped me thrive in a new environment and pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and succeed in different and challenging tasks. I am grateful for the opportunity to become involved with such a multifaceted and influential organization, and I leave this summer further grown and on my way towards achieving success in the future thanks to the valuable skills and knowledge taught through the City Parks Foundation.

Sara Lustberg was a Summer 2012 Sports Department Intern