A fourth-generation East Passyunk Avenue business continues to spread its charitable wings.
Cramer’s Uniforms has provided the South Philly community with a much-needed service since 1922, especially during the back-to-school season; literally helping children dress for success. Although it continues to take great pride in maintaining low prices amongst only the highest quality of uniforms, its fourth-generation heir has recently used the company’s platform to encompass a charitable endeavor.
Expanding far beyond merely outfitting the next generation of graduates and professionals, the Cramer family has been awarding scholarships and recognizing scholastic hard work for decades. This year, Matthew Laken, chief operating officer and fourth-generation Cramer family descendent, found it especially fitting to name a specific memorial scholarship award after the previous CEO of their family business, David Cramer, who passed away on May 15, 2016.
“I want to carry the past into the future,” Laken, the nephew of current company president Robert Cramer and vice president Warren Cramer, as well as the son of Sue Ellen Laken, who heads human relations, said. “My grandparents, David and Marilyn, lived during a time period that reflected ‘The Golden Rule,’ where everyone was expected to treat others as they would wish to be treated. They always gave back to the community, and I am humbled, honored and appreciative to be able to continue that tradition.”
Laken spearheaded the David Cramer Memorial Scholarship as an opportunity to provide financial assistance to deserving scholars who continuously display “unconditional kindness, love and all-around joy,” while perpetuating “The Golden Rule.” In partnership with Chester Community Charter School, two students were selected by the administration for embodying these characteristics while serving as positive role models within the school’s everyday environment.
“Most businesses don’t make it to second generation, but I am fourth, and I say that with tremendous pride,” Laken said. “I look at those who have come before me and who work alongside me with admiration. Today, all of our administrators have become a part of our family, as we call and text them daily, always ready to serve their needs.”
Narrowing the student body to two awardees, eighth-grade students Kaniyah Roten and Zahnayah Bivings were decided upon as the first-year recipients of the David Cramer Memorial Scholarship. They each received hundreds of dollars in financial assistance at an awards ceremony on Friday, June 2 to be used toward their future, including necessary uniforms, books, tuition, etc.
“Matthew and the Cramer’s family have made their presence known in the Chester [Community Charter School] community. Whether it’s donating to students in need, sponsoring events or just volunteering to help around the school, Cramer’s has always gone above and beyond to help others,” Sharona Brown, assistant director of advancement at CCCS, said. “Our school and community is eternally grateful for their passion to give back.”
While this year’s David Cramer Memorial Scholarship is the first of its kind, throughout the remainder of the year, Cramer’s Uniforms stays busy in providing other means of support. For example, the company attends fundraisers, sponsors school-run events brought to its attention, donates to needy families, and often Laken will come into the school to read to classes. Furthermore, when schools call, its employees do their best to drop whatever task at hand to ensure delivery of the best customer service possible, recognizing these partner schools are the backbone of the company.
“As a family business, Cramer’s has been part of the South Philly community for over 30 years. The restaurants may rule Passyunk Avenue, but Cramer’s serves the children of our community by offering easy, convenient and affordable uniforms in their neighborhood,” Robert Cramer said. “More important than sustaining the fourth generation is knowing that the contributions Cramer’s makes to Philadelphia help our children and will continue to do so into the future.”
