Within two weeks, the Trabilcys had moved into the one vacant unit in the Plaza Senior Apartments, an affordable-living complex for seniors that the Cusumano Real Estate Group founded on Olive Avenue. The developer worked to reduce the family’s monthly rent to help cover basic needs, while Krattiger — who works at the city’s Community Federal Credit Union — raised about $1,000 at work for furniture, kitchen supplies, toiletries and other basic needs.
The name Cusumano should look familiar to anyone who’s even driven through Burbank once. The company, founded by brothers Chuck and Roger Cusumano and continued by their sons, Michael and Charlie, built the Cusumano Civic Plaza across from City Hall and has founded a number of other commercial complexes around town.
The name, though, is also familiar to Burbank’s philanthropic community. The Cusumanos have regularly contributed to charities and fundraisers throughout their company’s existence and recently donated $300,000 to athletic field improvements at Burbank High School, John Burroughs High School and Jordan Middle School.
“They’re frankly sponsors of everything, whether it’s the Chamber of Commerce or any nonprofit event,” Burbank Mayor Dave Golonski said. “Frankly, the Cusumanos are part of this community, and they’ve shared their success with the community as well.”
Earlier this year, controversy brewed in Burbank over whether the city should house the homeless during the winter months. The recent wildfires, though, have shown that homelessness can come in different — and unexpected — ways. And the quick response by Cusumano and Burbank city officials shows that in trying times, our community is more than willing to extend a hand.
