About Us
CITYPAK was founded in 2011 by music industry executive Ron Kaplan, who was moved by the struggles of people experiencing homelessness in his hometown of Chicago. Wanting to ease the burden of carrying life’s essentials, Ron teamed up with Samsonite and High Sierra to create a backpack designed specifically for life on the move—durable, safe, and dignified.
Since then, CITYPAK has delivered more than 120,000 backpacks across the U.S. and around the world. Each PAK is more than just a bag—it’s a symbol of compassion and connection. With the support of our partners and community, CITYPAK continues to deliver dignity, one backpack at a time.
We Are…
Ron Kaplan, CITYPAK President and Founder
Ron is a Senior Booking Agent at Reliant Talent, President and Partner of the Selma Breskin Kaplan (SBK) Foundation, and the founder of CITYPAK, a nonprofit dedicated to providing dignity to people experiencing homelessness through custom-designed backpacks. Inspired by his mother’s legacy of giving, Kaplan has grown SBK into a benefactor for organizations such as Backline, CYCLE Kids, and Teen Cancer America, while making CITYPAK its flagship initiative. Since launching in 2011 with support from Samsonite and High Sierra, CITYPAK has distributed more than 120,000 backpacks worldwide—bringing compassion, practicality, and hope to those in need. Ron and his wife live in Los Angeles. When he is not booking tours for his music clients, Ron is probably cycling throughout the L.A. hills and hanging with his beloved golden retriever Layfay.
Carrie Lombardi, CITYPAK Executive Director
Carrie is a seasoned communications and public-relations professional with deep roots in the music industry, where she first connected with Ron Kaplan. She has extensive experience in project management and in growing brands, skills she has applied to support CITYPAK in various contractor roles since its inception. In 2023, Carrie officially joined CITYPAK as Executive Director, bringing her strategic expertise, organizational leadership, and storytelling ability to help expand the nonprofit’s reach and impact. Carrie lives in Denver, Colorado. With two daughters now in college, Carrie’s hobbies include gardening, golf, and music.
Join the Movement -
Donate or Partner with CITYPAK
Join the CITYPAK network today to support charity providing backpacks.
Order -
Give Backpacks to Homeless in your Community
Order CITYPAKs to provide backpacks for homeless in your community.
Donate -
Every Donation Delivers Dignity
Support CITYPAK and know that 100% of every dollar donated goes toward providing a CITYPAK to someone in need, and toward providing dignity for all.
Corporate Giving Partners -
Corporate Partnerships that Create Change
Join us in a corporate giving partnership-and learn about workforce volunteer opportunities. Make a big impact in your community by providing backpacks for homeless and disaster relief support.