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Windermere Community Service Day 2025: 41 Years of Connection, Care, and Impact
Since 1984, Windermere offices have closed their doors for one special day each June to roll up their sleeves and give back. Community Service Day unites agents, staff, and franchise owners across our network in a shared mission: to support the places we live and work through hands-on projects that strengthen communities and bring people together.
This year marked Windermere’s 41st annual Community Service Day, and our teams came out in full force. From painting barns and tuning bikes to organizing diapers and digging garden beds, each office contributed something meaningful and close to their hearts.
Here’s a look at how a few of our offices showed up this Community Service Day.
Community Service Day 2025
California
Windermere Signature Properties, formerly Lyon Real Estate, got a jump start on Community Service Day this year, kicking things off in April and setting the tone for what was to come. It was their first year taking part in this cherished Windermere tradition, they embraced it wholeheartedly, bringing the energy, care, and community spirit to every project. From park cleanups and food banks to care packages and foster youth support, their impact spanned the entire Sacramento area.
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- Davis
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- Auburn
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- Fair Oaks
In Auburn, agents took to the Auburn Recreation District, where they painted benches, tended the rose garden, and brought new life to the local park. The Davis / Woodland office partnered with the local YOLO Diaper Bank to assemble and organize donations and presented a $5,000 Windermere Foundation check to support families facing diaper insecurity. Meanwhile, the Roseville / Granite Bay and Fair Oaks offices teamed up with All About Hope, helping put together “Hope Boxes” filled with art supplies and creativity tools for children facing trauma and hospitalization. And at Compassionate Planet in Rocklin, the West Roseville / Rocklin team helped transform the organization’s new barn workshop—a space designed to provide job training and life skills to aged-out foster youth and at-risk young adults.
Whether they were painting, packing, or planting, Windermere Signature Properties made a memorable debut, bringing our Community Service Day values to life through meaningful, hands-on work that reflects the true spirit of Windermere.
Oregon
Windermere offices across Oregon made a significant impact this year, taking on a wide variety of projects that reflect their deep roots in the communities they serve. In Salem, agents and staff from Windermere Pacific West Properties spent their second year in a row volunteering with Marion Polk Food Share at the organization’s Youth Farm. This year, they helped replant rows of peppers, eggplants, and other fresh produce that will later be harvested and distributed to local food pantries and partnering health clinics. Marion Polk Food Share plays a vital role in the region’s hunger relief efforts, supporting over 70 local partner agencies and distributing millions of meals each year. With the rising cost of groceries and ongoing challenges around food access, this kind of work remains essential in communities of every size.
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- Pacific West Properties
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- Heritage
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- Bend
Also in Salem, the team from Windermere Heritage spent their day caring for Minto-Brown Island Park, one of the city’s most treasured outdoor spaces. Their efforts focused on preserving the park’s natural beauty, removing invasive plants, clearing pathways, and maintaining the surrounding green space to ensure it remains a safe, accessible place for the community to gather, explore, and connect with nature.
In Bend, the Windermere Realty Trust team dedicated their Community Service Day to The Giving Plate, a local nonprofit committed to providing food assistance with dignity and compassion, because how people are treated matters just as much as the help they receive. After a tour of the nonprofit’s Community Store, volunteers got to work restocking shelves and preparing the space for open hours so that every guest would experience a welcoming, well-stocked, and thoughtfully presented environment.
Montana
In Montana, Windermere offices brought their A-game, showing just how powerful small-town care and collaboration can be. From Bozeman to Missoula to Hamilton, agents teamed up with local nonprofits to make a lasting difference for their neighbors.
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- Bozeman
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- Missoula
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- Hamilton
In Bozeman, agents, owners, and staff from the Windermere Great Divide office partnered with the HRDC and Gallatin Valley Food Bank to support the Story Mill Learning Garden, a public access garden designed to foster food security, sustainability, and education. They filled the day by tending to garden beds and replanting fresh produce that is open to all and serves as both a vital fresh food source and a hands-on learning environment for the community.
The Windermere Missoula team headed over to the YWCA of Missoula, a global nonprofit dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and advancing justice and dignity for all. With paintbrushes and tools in hand, they built a new storage shed and stained the surrounding fences—improvements that help create a more welcoming and functional environment for women and families seeking shelter and support services.
A bit farther south in Hamilton, participants from Windermere Hamilton showed up for the Haven House Food Bank, where they tackled a landscaping project at the request of the organization’s board. Originally planning to repaint the interior, the team quickly shifted gears to address the overgrown shrubbery, clearing and cleaning up the exterior to improve the property’s appearance and accessibility. They also helped relocate food donations that had been delivered to the wrong location, proving that a little flexibility and a lot of heart can go a long way for a nonprofit that relies on community support.
Utah
Utah
Heading East to Utah, Windermere offices carried the same spirit of service into a new setting, coming together to support a local initiative that blends education, agriculture, and community into one impactful mission. Windermere’s Utah offices united for a meaningful day of service at Roots Charter High School in West Valley City, a one-of-a-kind, farm-based school where students care for animals, grow food, and gain hands-on life skills through agricultural learning. Agents and staff spent the day weeding garden beds, feeding chickens, and painting the school’s interior. The day was made even more memorable by a visit from the West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang, who stopped by to thank volunteers and show her support. As Utah Foundation Director Amy Dobbs shared, “While our work in real estate can indeed change financial trajectories, Community Service Day is a profound reminder that our greatest investment is in people.” The work completed that day left a lasting impression, not just on the school, but on every volunteer who walked away, reminded of what it means to be rooted in community.
Idaho
Across Idaho, Windermere offices showed up in ways that were thoughtful, hands-on, and deeply connected to the local communities they serve. From outdoor spaces to food banks and free bike tune-ups, these powerhouse teams took on projects that reflect the everyday needs and outdoor lifestyle of their communities.
In Coeur d’Alene, agents spent the day at Canopy Village, a trauma-responsive safe haven for children and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, or crisis. The team humped into painting, weeding, planting flowers, and repairing bikes, bringing warmth and care to a space that plays a vital role in helping children and families feel safe, supported, and full of hope. After their hard work, volunteers were treated to lunch and a presentation from the Canopy Village staff about the organization’s mission and the growing impact of its programs.
Click here to watch Windermere Coeur d’Alene in action!
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- Lewiston
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- Sun Valley
Over south in Lewiston, the Windermere Lewiston / Divide Property Management office joined forces with the Idaho Food Bank to help provide nourishment to families across the region. Volunteers bagged oatmeal and oranges for distribution, working side by side in a fast-paced assembly line that made the hours fly by. With every bag sealed and sorted, they moved one step closer to helping local families put food on the table.
In Sun Valley, agents continued their annual Bike Tune Week, a much-anticipated partnership with the Black Tie Ski and Bike Shop. Together, they offered free bike maintenance for clients and community members alike. In a place where biking is practically a way of life, this tradition blends practically with generosity, making it easier for locals to ride safely, confidently, and stay connected to the community all season long.
Washington
Throughout Washington, Windermere agents and staff leaned into what matters most: showing up for their neighbors and investing time, energy, and care into the places they call home.
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- Whatcom
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- Mount Baker
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- Bellevue Commons
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- Lori Gill & Associates
Over in the north, Windermere Whatcom lent a hand at Lions Camp Horizon, a nonprofit offering a summer camp experience for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. During their time at the camp, volunteers power-washed, painted, landscaped, and tidied up the grounds to help ensure campers are welcomed into a secure, clean, and joyful environment where they can feel safe to step outside of their comfort zones.
In Seattle, the Mount Baker office partnered with Wellspring Family Services for a neighborhood cleanup, walking nearby streets to collect litter and debris. With homelessness being a cause close to the hearts of many Windermere agents, supporting an organization that works to end family homelessness through early intervention and prevention made Mount Baker’s project all the more meaningful.
On the Eastside, the Bellevue Commons office carried on one of Windermere’s longest-running Community Service Day traditions, volunteering for the 24th year at the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. From cleaning horse paddocks and prepping for upcoming events to painting and gardening, the team’s efforts supported a nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities. It’s a partnership that is rooted in care, consistency, and a deep connection to the community.
And in Renton, the Lori Gill & Associates team spent the day serving at Vision House, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness for families in need. Supporting families and youth facing housing insecurity is a mission that deeply resonates with Windermere’s values, and the team’s impact was tangible, completing nearly three weeks’ worth of work in just one afternoon by gardening, spreading mulch, and making the outdoor spaces more welcoming and beautiful for the residents.
Read more about Windermere’s philanthropic efforts, past Community Service Day events, the Windermere Foundation, and more on our blog: Windermere Blog.
Kicking Off the 35th Anniversary of the Windermere Foundation
This year we’re celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Windermere Foundation, the non-profit arm of Windermere Real Estate. Since 1989, agents and offices across our network have given back to the communities where Windermere operates. We’ve raised over $53 million and supported thousands of our neighbors in need throughout the Western U.S.
Last year the Windermere Foundation donated $3.7 million to 607 non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting low-income and homeless families. Donations provided emergency assistance, supported youth programs, food support, and shelter.
Our 2023 Community Impact Report outlines our efforts and is available to download and read here.
To start off 2024 on the right foot, our offices in Spokane, WA, and Lake Oswego, OR are doing their part to support low-income and homeless families in their communities through grants and fundraising events.
Helping Refugees Thrive in Spokane, WA
Image Source: Windermere Spokane
In their annual grant review, Windermere Spokane considered 32 applications for their 2024 Windermere Foundation donations and were able to grant funds to 11 organizations. While they were able to support a handful of organizations they have donated to previously, they were able to add some new non-profits to their list, including Thrive International.
The stories submitted by Thrive about their temporary housing for refugees struck a chord with a group of Windermere Foundation representatives who come from seven Spokane-area Windermere offices. The funds will help refugee families access housing in a moment when shelter is so important. In addition to temporary housing, Thrive also offers education and empowerment programs to residents, which have helped lead so many into further housing and successful transitions as immigrants to the greater Spokane area. Read on for a story about Yuliia, a Ukrainian refugee who was assisted by Thrive.
Yuliia’s Story
Image Source: With Permission from Thrive International and Windermere Spokane
Yuliia is from Ukraine. She unexpectedly started her journey to come to the United States in May of 2022, just three months after the Russian-Ukrainian war started. Initially, leaving her homeland was not a part of Yuliia’s plans. However, when bombs blasted in her city, she made the difficult decision to seek a secure haven for her family.
“Everything was so good. My life was good before everything happened,” said Yuliia. She was a hardworking administrative manager at a company in Ukraine. Yuliia and her husband had just bought their first home; however, their lives took an abrupt turn when their city became a danger zone, leading them to sell their car to afford flights for their journey to the United States in pursuit of refuge.
Arriving in the U.S. with little more than the clothes in their suitcases, Yuliia faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life from scratch. She said, “When we came here, we didn’t have anything. We didn’t have money. We didn’t have any documents. It just looked like we were starting from zero.”
Amidst linguistic and cultural barriers, Yuliia discovered Thrive Center in June, becoming one of its first residents. With the support of Thrive staff, she found not only employment but also a community where she could make connections with other Ukrainian refugees and get help with medical insurance, workshops, and educational resources. Starting as a front desk assistant at a dental clinic, Yuliia’s journey has come full circle as she now serves as the Assistant to the General Manager at Thrive Center.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given, Yuliia finds joy in empowering others to thrive. Yuliia’s story shows resilience and hope amidst adversity. From the once-thriving administrative manager in Ukraine to the unexpected refugee seeking safety in the United States and helping others at Thrive Center, her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Stories like Yuliiua’s inspired the Windermere team reviewing applications to fulfill the grant with their available Windermere Foundation funds.
Emma Reeves, with the Windermere Foundation in Spokane, said, “we are excited to continue working with Thrive in the future to ensure that having a ‘home’ is a possibility for all.”
Sally Knauss Tulip Sale in Lake Oswego, OR
Image Source: Windermere Lake Oswego
The agents at the Windermere office in Lake Oswego, OR hosted their 27th annual Sally Knauss Tulip Sale in March. Named for the Realty Trust agent who started it, who has since passed away, the tulip sale culminated in an order for 8,000 tulips from Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, which were used to create 800 bouquets.
“Rain or shine each year [our office] is happy to enable this iconic event,” said Valerie Ross, Principal Broker at Windermere-Lake Oswego
Taking shifts from 8am to 1pm on Friday, March 29, fifteen Windermere agents volunteered for the cause, which raises money for the office’s Windermere Foundation fund. Donations from the sale allow the office to support local non-profits throughout the year. This year’s sale raised $5,800 which will go to one or more of their favorite organizations, like Clackamas County Women’s Shelter, Bridge Meadows, New Avenues for Youth, and Friends of the Children.
Windermere Foundation Brings Cheer, Laughter, and Basic Needs in the Final Months of 2023
Windermere Real Estate offices throughout the Western U.S. brought holiday cheer and laughter to their local communities during the holiday season of 2023, wrapping up a year of giving that raised over $2.9 million for the Windermere Foundation, bringing the total raised since 1989 to more than $53 million.
Here are a few examples of the support provided by Windermere offices through the Windermere Foundation in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Bringing Holiday Cheer
Under Cover Elves in Central Washington
Windermere Group One continued a tradition and brought some holiday cheer to 21 deserving local families with their “Under Cover Elves” program. Since 2010, they have worked with the counselors at local schools to find and “adopt” families who were not able to buy gifts due to their financial situations. This year, some of the families were homeless, others were struggling after layoffs.
The school counselors mentioned too, that many support programs were not happening this year for families in need and they were grateful that the local Windermere offices were making this happen with Windermere Foundation funds.
More than 40 Windermere Real Estate agents and staff volunteers went shopping with the kids to buy presents for their parents and siblings. Many of the kids didn’t ask for things themselves, most lists consisted of everyday essentials like food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. But the volunteers were determined to add a few surprises too, so they did some digging while they shopped to find toys that they could add to the presents under the tree.
“The families were blown away from this event, so many thank you’s and tears of gratitude,” said Mikaya Blossner-Hill, the Marketing Director for the Windermere Group One offices.
Image Sources: Windermere Bozeman, MT on Facebook
Giving Back in Bozeman, Montana
The team at the Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office is fully devoted to supporting their neighbors in need and have a collective commitment to bettering the community they call home. One example of this is the $5,000 donation they made from the Windermere Foundation to the during the Greater Gallatin United Way weeks leading up to the holidays. The Greater Gallatin United Way raises funds from the community in order to invest in local non-profits working in four impact areas: basic needs (shelter, food security, transportation, and childcare), early learning, youth success, and behavioral health and mental well-being. The members of the Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office say that they feel incredibly fortunate to have the Greater Gallatin United Way looking out for their neighbors and their community.
Image Source: Melissa Freels, Director of Marketing Windermere Services, Oregon
Raising Funds with a Crowd Favorite in Portland, Oregon
The Windermere Johnson office in Portland, Oregon held a fundraiser that made many people smile and raised money for the Windermere Foundation. At the end of 2023 they put together a “Dogs of Windermere” calendar for the year 2024. This adorable fundraiser earned over $1,100 for the Windermere Foundation by selling copies of the calendars and with submissions from agents who sent in the cutest photos of their dogs they could muster; it wasn’t that hard. With such a successful first run they plan to do it again next year.
Windermere For Kids in Bellevue, Washington
Continuing their yearly tradition, Windermere East, Inc. helped deliver holiday spirit to low-income and homeless families from in and around Bellevue, Washington with their “Windermere for Kids” event. In December, they invited over 100 local children to the Marketplace at Factoria to do their holiday shopping with 250 agents from six Windermere offices.
Each child and their families received $250 to buy gifts at Target, which were then wrapped by the Windermere Real Estate agents while the families enjoyed snacks and took photos with an elf. And as an added treat, the agents who helped them shop added a surprise gift for each “Little Shopper.”
Image Sources: Windermere Missoula, MT on Facebook
Can the Cats in Missoula, Montana
The agents in the Windemere Missoula office continued their tradition of collecting and donating food to the for their annual “Can the Cats Food Drive”. Now in its twenty-fourth year, the Can the Cats Food Drive is held every November leading up to the University of Montana vs. Montana State University “Griz-Cat Brawl of the Wild” rivalry football game. Missoulians are encouraged to donate food and cash which benefits thousands of households experiencing food insecurity in Missoula County. The Windermere Missoula team collected over 2,000 pounds of food from their local community which was delivered in bags donated by WinCo Foods Missoula. This was the eighth year Windermere Missoula participated in this event which Managing Broker John Brauer says is great fun and an incredible team-building experience.
Bringing Laughter and Raising Funds in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington
Comedy Night
The Windermere Foundation expanded the annual comedy night held in Portland, OR for the last 22 years to bring even more laughter and raise more money with another event in Seattle, WA.
Both events in 2023 featured Saturday Night Live comedian, Colin Jost. Together they raised over $1.1 million for local organizations supporting youth and families in need.
The annual Steve Allen Comedy Show in Portland, OR was founded by Windermere and benefits non-profit organization New Avenues for Youth, which is dedicated to the prevention and intervention of homelessness for Portland-area young people. The event helps New Avenues for Youth provide programs and services to young people in Portland that focus on the individual – their experiences, identities, needs and goals—and helping them make positive changes in their lives. From meals and counseling to job training and housing, their equity-based services address the many barriers to stability and well-being that young people face.
The inaugural Windermere Foundation Comedy Night in Seattle was organized by and benefited the Windermere Foundation, which has been giving back to the local communities where Windermere Real Estate agents live and work for 35 years. More than 400 people came together for a laughter-filled evening that included dinner, drinks, and an amazing amount of generosity. The money raised from ticket sales and the paddle raise will support organizations in the Seattle area that provide services to low-income and homeless children and families.
Windermere Offices Support Communities Through Donations & Volunteerism
Windermere Offices Donate to Local Organizations
The true essence of the Windermere Foundation’s work is to make enduring community connections . The relationship between Windermere Columbia River Gorge and SafeSpace Children’s Advocacy Center of the Gorge is a shining example of that mission. Last year, someone close to the Windermere Gorge family experienced an unfortunate and devastating situation. SafeSpace came in with open arms and resources to support all members of the family, and their care and dedication to the community struck a positive chord with Windermere Gorge owner Kim Salvesen. Feeling inspired to sing their praises, Salvesen hosted a podcast episode to help bring attention and donations to the business. She followed that up by making SafeSpace the beneficiary of her Windermere golf tournament in 2022. Sadly, Kim Salvesen passed away earlier this year. In her memory and her support of the organization, the Gorge office is donating $10,000 of Windermere Foundation funds to sponsor a room at SafeSpace’s new care facility. It will be named “The Kim Salvesen Room.”
The Windermere Coast offices in Oregon know that reading is the gateway to learning and opportunity for young children, a belief shared by local organization SMART Reading. For the past 13 years, they have supported SMART with their donations and volunteerism to help them continue to provide resources and education to local kids. This August, the offices were proud to present a $1,000 check to go toward their educational programs.
Pictured L to R: Deborah Marion, Pam Ackley, Melissa Eddy, Stacy Goodwin, Sharon Benson | Image Source: Pam Ackley
For years, the Windermere Spokane offices have hosted a socks and shoes drive for local low-income schoolchildren. Over time, the event has picked up steam and continued to grow. For the local Windermere staff, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get to pick out a brand-new pair of shoes is the best part. This year, the Spokane offices put $6,484.49 toward the drive, providing 148 kids with new socks and shoes to go into the school year. It’s fulfilling for the Windermere folks to know that these kids children will walk into their new classrooms proudly.
Pictured: Terry McKanna | Image Source: Emma Reeves
This summer, Windermere Utah continued their tradition of supporting the local Make-A-Wish Foundation. Their support goes back several years to the point where now, Make-A-Wish is an ingrained part of our Windermere community in Utah. Windermere agent Cathy Sneyd has been volunteering with Make-A-Wish for years and is passionate about helping children live the best lives possible. She started the relationship several years ago with the idea of granting the wishes of local children experiencing critical illnesses. This has become a staple of Windermere Utah’s giving. This year, they made a $5,000 donation, which is enough to fund one full wish for a child in the Make-A-Wish program.
Pictured L to R: Summer Ehrmann and Grady Kohler | Image Source: Alisa Scott
This year, Windermere Gig Harbor made a lasting connection with a local organization. The NW Furniture Bank’s mission to help restore hope, dignity, and stability in the community by recycling donated furniture makes people feel at home, a notion that the Windermere Gig Harbor folks understand well.
They transformed their office parking lot into a quick and easy one-way drive-through for friends, neighbors, and clients to donate. NW Furniture Bank parked their box trucks on-site and the Windermere team got to work unloading, loading, passing out donation receipts, and cheering visitors on. They also presented the NW Furniture Bank with a $2,000 check of Windermere Foundation funds. Jeremy Simler, Executive Director of NW Furniture Bank said that the event “far surpassed their expectations” and that they “would love to make it an annual event.”
A group of Windermere agents and staff from Gig Harbor, WA present a $2,000 check to NW Furniture Bank | Image Source: Claudia Gentzkow
Other notable contributions from throughout the network included a $5,000 donation from the Windermere Sun River office in Oregon to Neighborhood Impact, a housing assistance program based out of Bend dedicated to strengthening the Central Oregon community through homeownership opportunities, and the Camano Island office’s backpack drive that donated over $800 worth of backpacks to local schoolchildren in need.
Pictured L to R: Denise McDonald, Jerry Evans, Doug Nemo, Jill Vail, Dianna Pence | Image Source: Dianna Pence
The Salt Lake Parade of Homes brings awareness to homelessness in Utah by gathering community members from throughout the region. The Windermere Utah office was involved in this year’s parade, trading off shifts at the tiny home known as the HomeAid Collaboration Cottage. This project helped further HomeAid’s mission to build safe housing for the local homeless population by introducing visitors to their work. The cottage is one of 10 units in a planned village to provide affordable housing for those transitioning out of chronic homelessness.
Windermere Utah also recently gathered for an annual tradition: The Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This event is near and dear to the Windermere community, particularly agent Lisa Jungemann. Here’s what she had to say about this year’s effort:
“Windermere Real Estate Utah is proud to be a sponsor for the fourth year in a row. They have backed me and my team for several years. Our local chapter of the Windermere Foundation is focused on kid-related organizations in need of help, and we all know that suicide has wreaked havoc on our youth. We are very proud to be here and to step up our efforts by having our agents volunteer to help this year.”
The Utah office also donated $5,000, which will go toward bringing AFSP’s Interactive Screening Program to a college or university. The online program allows mental health services at institutions of higher education to provide a safe and confidential way for individuals to take screenings for mental health conditions and anonymously communicate with program counselors to receive support.
A group of staff from Windermere Utah at the Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | Image Source: Alisa Scott
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the button below.
Featured Image Source: Alisa Scott, Windermere Utah
Stories and Memories from Windermere’s 39th Annual Community Service Day
Community Service Day has been an annual tradition at Windermere since 1984. Each year in June, our offices close their doors for a day to volunteer in their local communities. Windermere agents, office owners, and staff join together to complete various neighborhood improvement projects for local organizations. Here are several Community Service Day stories from across the Windermere network this year.
Community Service Day 2023
California
The Golden State was well represented during this year’s Community Service Day. The Alameda office’s relationship with their local food bank began three years ago when they helped set up the organization’s Island Community Market, and they’ve done their part to ensure the event goes off without a hitch ever since. This year, Windermere folks restocked shelves and lent a hand wherever they were needed to feed as many people as possible. For their efforts, they got a heartwarming shoutout on social media from the Alameda Food Bank.
Front row (L-R): Karen Bierwith, Kathy Ratto, Karen Miller, Sharon Mancillas, and Peter Fletcher. Middle row (L-R): Dona Fuller, Hanna Fry, and Sally Anne Rudloff. Back row: Chris Curtis & Shannon Reese | Image Source: Shannon Reese
Windermere Tower Properties in Riverside, California has served the local area for over 30 years. The owners, agents, and staff there are deeply connected and care about the wellbeing of the community. These values are shared by local organization Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful, so they were a natural partner for CSD. 25 agents cleaned up Shamel Park, where many of their children often gather to play. They picked up trash, picked weeds, removed graffiti, and by the end of the day, the park felt brand new.
Top Row: James Monks, Scott Gieser, Dan Clark, Tom Tilden, Brent Lee | 2nd Row: Lisa Buchanan, Leighton Silva, Jonathan Steele, Jacob Gamble, Jake & Roger Halstead | 3rd Row: Sarah Ayala, Cheryl Smith, Tracey Ayala, Patti Triplett, Kelly Alfaro, Carol Karidakes, Chris Silva, Sid Chapoose, Maya Landrum | Image Source: Darla Monks
Oregon
Moving north, the Windermere offices in Oregon were busy helping their communities. The Gearhart office, along with staff from Windermere Realty Trust helped out their longtime friends at Camp Kiwanilong this year, whose mission embodies the positive change the local Windermere offices strive to effect in their community. In the past, they’ve worked together to provide scholarships to families undergoing financial hardships and make sure local kids have equal access to summer camp. This year, the volunteers spent a day painting cabins, power washing canoes, and performing trail maintenance. They also donated $2,250 through the Windermere Foundation for Kiwanilong’s scholarship fund.
L to R: Tina Chapman, Katy Walstra Smith, Jenny Frank, Craig Weston, Pam Ackley, Cynthia O’Reilly, Josie Davis, Pam Birmingham, Kate Merrell, Barbara Maltman | Image Source: Josie Davis
Children experiencing homelessness all too often face the unfortunate reality of not having a place to sleep at night. This is where Portland Shed comes in. The agents and staff at the Portland – MLK Office had been in talks with the local organization for months, trying to find the most effective way they could help. They encouraged Portland Shed to apply for a grant, which was approved by the Windermere Foundation in March for $5,000. When it came time for CSD, the MLK office knew where they were headed. 25 agents helped build 20 beds for Shed’s “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” program, and a small group of agents delivered two beds to children and families in need.
L to R (back): Joe Spanish, Cathe Woodruff, Amy Romberg, Tony Carpenter, Matt Moran, Doug Meyer | Middle/Front: Mel George, Jenny Nickila, Jeanne Dixon, Renee Susak, Teresa Peyralans, Andrea Baffaro, Emma Pulitzer, Daniel Fagan, Andrea Young, Willow Emmett, Darren Balogh, Gina Gunderson, Meg Barrett, Lisa Stevens, Sarah Renard, Chelsie Coon | Not Pictured: Tammy Going | Image Source: Daniel Fagan
Sometimes a common name can bring people together. Windermere Heritage in Salem, Oregon found common ground with Powerland Heritage Park, both in their name and their purpose. Powerland is a community of museums that collectively preserve antique farm equipment. This wasn’t the typical partner for the local Windermere folks’ CSD plans, but they felt the need to do something out of the ordinary this year and raise awareness for an organization people may not have known about. They spent the day boosting curb appeal and completing various landscaping projects. And riding tractors!
Front Row L to R: Melissa Irvin, Ashleigh Fordham, Shelli McKenzie | 2nd Row: Kelly Swift, Patti Williamson, Alysha Condit. Alexandria Dillon. Laura Fordham, Ryan Fordham, Paula Fordham, Juan Vasquez, Debbie Aldrich, Shelly Sampson, Sarah Roelof, Back Row: Chris Aldrich, Jerod Condit, Gerrit Roelof | Image Source: Paula Fordham
Montana
Windermere Bozeman-Downtown continues to do great things in the Bozeman community. For Community Service Day this year, they continued their tradition of volunteering for Eagle Mount, a local organization providing sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people impacted by cancer. The Windermere team gathered to set up and support The Western Rendezvous, Eagle Mount’s largest annual fundraiser.
First Row L to R: Kevin Schwartz, Haley Krueger, Kelly Martin, Bobby Goodman, Tony Neal, Susie Dixson, Kim Stevens, Alicia Schmidt, Sami Ormesher, Tyler Wilkinson | Back Row: Tyler Johnson, Isaac Nelson, Bart May, Jennifer May, Aaron Ziegler, Mike Stem | Image Source: Natalie McDonald
Anyone who’s been to Montana knows how connected the communities are to the natural land. For the residents of Whitefish, knowing about the surrounding wild lands and contributing to their upkeep is of utmost importance. Whitefish Legacy Partners was a natural fit for their CSD efforts, given the organization’s dedication to maintaining Montana’s natural beauty. The Windermere Whitefish team spent the day working as a crew maintaining the existing trail and supporting new trail construction. Not only were they happy to do their part to preserve their natural surroundings, but they also now feel more confident in their ability to teach other community members how they can do the same.
L to R: Seth Dornbusch, Dave Peterson, Trevor Howard, Coco Jensen, Ty Heaton, Ian Padron, Sarah MacCormick, Kelly Ortmeier, Tim Killen | Image Source: Natalie McDonald
Utah
“The National Ability Center is close to our hearts,” says Alisa Scott, Social Media Manager at Windermere Utah. The NAC empowers individuals of all abilities to build self-esteem and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and education. As residents of Utah, the local Windermere team is at home outdoors. They were motivated by the local non-profit’s dedication to providing outdoor recreation opportunities for children and adults who might not otherwise have it, so for their CSD project they completed a variety of landscaping tasks to help improve the facilities. But the connection between these two didn’t stop there.
NAC’s mission aligns with the Windermere Foundation by providing self-esteem, confidence, and a safe place for children to thrive. This inspired Windermere Utah to donate $5,000 last year, and after another year of developing the relationship, they were happy to double their philanthropic efforts for this special organization in 2023. After a long day of hard work, they presented a $10,000 check that brought ear-to-ear smiles throughout the room.
Pictured: Front: Tracy Meyer, Jeff Fons, Leanne Dannacher, Grady Kohler, Monica Wells, Megan Amis, Baylee Vaughn, Lexi Relleve | 2nd Row: Amy Dobbs, Cherie Major, Angelique Mealing, Cameron Carpenter, Karen Brown, Ali North, Jessie Lanning, Michelle Still, Zacharie Dunn | Back: Rachael Burks, Damon Fetters, Kelly Cherry, Peter Clark, Daimon Bushi, Andrew Phillips, Cameron Boone, Jim Kelley, Haley Soto | Image Source: Dallin Green
Colorado
Community Service Day is all about making our neighbors’ day a little brighter. A group of 20 agents from the Fort Collins and Windsor offices in Colorado did exactly that. They partnered up with Neighbor to Neighbor, energized by their dedication to provide sustainable housing, supportive services, and education to local families. The agents helped clean up one of the organization’s properties in a rental community that was undergoing massive renovations. Neighbor to Neighbor needed lots of landscaping help to get the property rent-ready again, and with Windermere Colorado’s help, they were able to get back up and running.
Pictured: Rondi duPont, Jenn Frank, Karla Laferriere | Image Source: Natalie Parsons
Washington
Neighborhood improvement projects come in different sizes. For their community service efforts this year, Windermere Bellevue South dug out an 80-yard-long area that had been taken over by an invasive group of blackberry bushes. They partnered with the Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center, who plan to plant a new batch of native plants in the area. It was hard work, but with a workforce of 40 strong, the Bellevue South team was able to completely clear the bushes by the end of the day. Oxbow looks forward to restoring the balance of natural biodiversity in the area. Great job, team!
Pictured: A group of 40 agents and staff from Windermere Bellevue South | Image Source: Windermere Bellevue South
Windermere Mercer Island started the month of June off with a donation to the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club, combining agents’ “over and above” contributions to the tune of over $2,600. The funds will go toward sponsoring children in summer programs who may not have the means to pay, which means more children can participate in enriching activities and have memorable summer experiences. For CSD, the Mercer Island agents supported the Boys and Girls Club’s All Island Track and Field Event. They helped check in over 1,200 kids, acted as timers on the field, and distributed awards at the end. The event ran smoothly, and the agents left feeling proud they were able to create a meaningful summer memory for so many kids.
Pictured: Doug McKiernan, Lis Brown, Rachel Mehmedagic, Anni Zilz, Donna Cowles, Jake Kanev, Tori Franzen, Jessica Livingston, Trish Coy, Julie Barrows, Jennifer Craven, Erin Ewing, Petra Varney, Allen Hovsepian, Lisa Dong, Yvonne Willard, Robert Craven, Marianne Parks | Image Source: Sara Katayama
Get your tissues ready. Windermere Northwest Living takes pride in their close connection with the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools and the Fruit Valley Community Learning Center, which hosts a food drive for students who rely on the school for food. As summer approaches, this food drive helps families when school is out. After gathering $3,000 in agent donations to buy groceries, they donated over $5,400 for the organization to ensure they’re able to continue to support the community. The agents at Windermere were left speechless by the gratitude Fruit Valley showed them, but Fruit Valley principal Matthew Fechter was able to put the impact of the event into words. Pictured: Matthew Fechter | Video Source: Sophie Dziak
Read more about Windermere’s philanthropic efforts, past Community Service Day events, the Windermere Foundation and more on our blog: Windermere Blog
Featured Image Source: Dallin Green | dallingreen.com
Windermere Foundation Funds Shelter for Low-Income and Homeless Families
When the Windermere Foundation was started, the original mission was to provide housing for community members facing homelessness. The mission has expanded since then, but Windermere offices across the Western U.S. continue the cause, donating to organizations that make a difference for homeless and low-income families in our communities. From supporting homeownership to providing shelter and beyond, here are some recent stories of how the Windermere Foundation is helping our neighbors in need.
Windermere Fort Collins Helps Families into Homeownership
Time and time again, the folks at Windermere Fort Collins find a way to make a meaningful and lasting impact in their community. This time around, they directed their giving efforts toward Neighbor to Neighbor, a local organization helping local families in need regain stability through homeownership, providing various support services and education. After collaborating with the organization’s philanthropy coordinator and Executive Director, the Fort Collins office was able to make a $20,000 donation and present a check at a recent industry event (pictured above). This impactful donation will go directly to Larimer County residents who need housing assistance.
Pictured: Paul Hunter, Natalie Parsons, Jennifer Nethery & Julius Luciano (Stepping Stones of Windsor), Windermere Northern Colorado agents & staff – Photo Credit: Blue Sage Photography
Windermere Northern Colorado Steps in to Prevent Eviction
Staying in Colorado, Windermere Northern Colorado started their year of giving off on the right foot by partnering with Stepping Stones of Windsor. Stepping Stones targets a critical stage of the homelessness cycle by providing funds directly to landlords after eviction or utility shutoff notices. The Northern Colorado Windermere team rallied for their neighbors in need, raising $15,000 to help them stay in their homes and keep the lights on. The team was able to present the check in person on February 1 at the Marriott Fort Collins.
Pictured: Julie Phelps, Ayumi Doll, Janel Stoneback, Philip Heier, Caprice Davis, Bruce Bright, Linda Conn, Rich Menti, Kim Steward, Candy Wagner, Kerry Dean, Chantel Akres
Windermere Real Estate/South, Inc. Builds Transitional Housing
Transitional tiny homes help move the needle in the fight to end homelessness by providing shelter for those who need it. Sound Foundations NW is committed to being part of the solution. Their low-cost structures are getting people off the streets left and right, improving the lives they touch. Windermere Real Estate South/Inc. in Burien, WA was deeply inspired by Sound Foundation’s work and got a crew together to build a tiny home for their community members in need. The structure will provide a safe, warm, and dry home for years to come.
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the donate button below.
Featured Image Source: Blue Sage Photography
Windermere Foundation Continues Tradition of Supporting Local Schools & Children
A portion of every commission a Windermere agent earns is donated to the Windermere Foundation and distributed to non-profit organizations that provide support to low-income and homeless families. But it doesn’t stop there, many offices also host fundraisers so they can make a larger impact in their community, or they’ll volunteer their time. Here are a few recent stories about how members of the Windermere network went above and beyond, making a positive impact for children and families in their area.
Pictured above: A group of agents and staff from Windermere Utah volunteering in a warehouse putting together donation kits for local organization Granite Education. Pictured: Back Row L-R: Alice Ray, Brittney Hudalla, Lana Ames, Brendon Drury, Abbey Drummond, Sarah McNamara, Cathy Sneyd, Taylor Peterson – Front Row L-R: Mimi Sinclair, Amy Dobbs, Hillary Walker, Andi Walker
Windermere Kettle Falls
The Windermere Kettle Falls office has a specific process for helping local children in need during the colder months of the year. This process has been refined over 30 years of working directly with representatives within the Kettle Falls School District to donate through their Secret Santa program. Every year, they obtain a list of students in need from administration ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. Each student is interviewed by a teacher and asked what they would like for Christmas. Kettle Falls agents and staff wrap items and deliver them to each student, leaving it up to the school and parents if the children will open their gift on the spot or wait until Christmas. The difference these items make in these students’ lives is evident in their joy and near disbelief when opening each gift. This year, the Kettle Falls office donated $908 through Secret Santa Christmas, plus another $50 in Walmart supplies. Way to go, Kettle Falls!
Windermere Salt Lake and Park City
The Windermere network has a long tradition of providing food supplies to community members who need it, and the Windermere Salt Lake City and Park City offices continued this tradition in February. After an agent identified the Granite Education Foundation as a candidate for their giving, the Windermere offices rallied to partner with the organization and make a positive impact for kids in the community. The offices rounded up $5,000 in donations to boost the organization’s support of local schoolchildren in need and a team of volunteers spent a day creating take-home food packs for students on free or reduced lunch programs.
Pictured: Front: Lana Ames & Brendon Drury – Back: Brittney Hudalla, Alice Ray, and Andi Walker
Left side front to back: Taylor Peterson, Cathy Sneyd, Abbey Drummond, Sara McNamara – Right side front to back: Amy Dobbs, Ani Walker, Alice Ray, Brendon Drury, Lana Ames – Front: Mimi Sinclair
Windermere West Seattle
The Windermere West Metro office in West Seattle wanted to do something special for local school kids participating in an after-school arts program. A West Metro agent knows the folks at White Center Elementary School well and made the connection to the Windermere Foundation reps at the office to discuss how they could help. Shortly thereafter, they donated $2,000 to the school program to purchase supplies. They received the following letter of gratitude from the school’s PTA in response to the donation:
A big thank you for your generous grant to the White Center Heights PTSA! Your funds will make a huge difference in our kids after-school programing. Our after-school art class is volunteer-taught by five middle-schoolers who come from Cascade Middle School, Summit Atlas, and Denny Middle School, and this will be one program which will directly benefit from the Foundation funds to help with supplies for their art program. Thank you for supporting our kids!
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the donate button below.
Featured Image Source: Windermere Utah
Windermere Offices Give Back Throughout Final Months of 2022
Windermere offices throughout the Western U.S. stepped up for their neighbors in need during the final months of 2022, organizing fundraisers and clothing drives left and right. Windermere offices use the monies that they raise for the Windermere Foundation to help fund non-profit organizations that support low-income and homeless families in their communities.
The Windermere Foundation raised nearly $1 million in November and December to finish the company’s 50th anniversary year with an outpouring of giving. Here are a few examples of the great work done by Windermere offices across the network in late 2022.
Windermere Foundation: End of 2022
Windermere Walla Walla
Many people are in need of warm clothes during winter, and organizations like the Walla Walla YWCA help provide them with the resources they need. Windermere Walla Walla directed their donation efforts this winter to the local YWCA branch, giving $3,600 to help improve the lives of the women and children in their programs. They also collected coats and seasonal supplies to help ensure that these families have their basic needs met this winter. (Pictured above)
Windermere Trails End Real Estate
The folks at Windermere Trails End in Shady Cove, Oregon also jumped at the chance to support local schools by donating nearly $800 worth of winter clothing to Shady Cove Elementary and Middle School. The office used their Foundation funds to purchase leggings, sweatpants, and boxes of new athletic shoes to ensure that students in need would have proper winter gear and warm, supportive shoes.
Shoes donated by Windermere Trails End to the students at Shady Cove Elementary and Middle School – Image Credit: Amanda Richardson
Windermere Real Estate PSK and Lake Tapps
The holiday season is a time of giving, and the Windermere Real Estate PSK and Windermere Lake Tapps offices have been shining examples of that giving spirit for quite some time. 15 years ago, after having conversations with local school counselors about how homeless students were going without proper winter gear, they met with school administrators to see how the local Windermere offices could help. The owners, agents, and staff forged a relationship with the local Fred Meyer and their annual Christmas drive for underserved elementary students in the Sumner-Bonney Lake and Kent school districts was born.
After Windermere staff, agents, and owners gather donations from local businesses, the neighborhood Fred Meyer opens an hour early on a designated day so volunteers staffing the drive can shop freely, selecting supplies like coats, hats, and gloves for children in need. This year, the offices collected $14,800 in donations, serving roughly 500 students.
Ken Freed, agent at Windermere Real Estate PSK had this to say about the clothing drive:
“I think of this every Christmas morning. Over 500 kids have something to open on Christmas day. All the families, all the teaches and their spouses, all our agents can feel they did something worthwhile and appreciated. Handwritten thank-you notes from the students and heart felt hugs and handshakes from the teachers make it even better.”
Windermere Federal Way West Campus and South Sound
The Windermere network went above and beyond in 2022, and the Windermere Federal Way West Campus and Windermere Real Estate South Sound offices in Federal Way, WA embodied that extra effort this past holiday season. These offices made several significant donations to local organizations throughout November and December, making a positive impact in their community. Here are a few notable examples:
- Raised roughly $3,500 in donations to provide food and gifts to families in need at Lake Grove Elementary School. The donations supported 109 children and 40 families in total.
- Donated $2,500 to Federal Way Community Caregiving Network to provide rental assistance to a family at risk of homelessness.
- Because the Federal Way Senior Center is located in unincorporated county territory, the facility does not receive assistance from the neighboring towns it borders. The Federal Way offices donated $5,000 to the senior center for operating expenses to help it stay open and delivered food donations to its residents.
- Windermere South Sound donated $2,500 to Fusion Federal Way and Beautiful Soles, two local organizations dedicated to providing shelter and emergency services to children and families in need.
Food and gifts donated to the Lake Grove Elementary Students by West Campus and South Sound offices – Image Credit: Laurel Butler
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the donate button below.
Featured Image – Left to right: Jenalynn Mahoney, Dana Yarwood, Mindy Stonebraker, Esmeralda Guevara – Image Source: Victoria Harris
Windermere Partners with Local Organizations to #TackleHomelessness
Founded in 1989, the Windermere Foundation funds non-profit organizations that provide support and resources to low-income and homeless children and families in the communities where Windermere operates. To date, the Windermere Foundation has raised over $50 million in total donations.
For seven seasons, Windermere partnered with a Seattle-based professional sports team to #TackleHomelessness by donating $100 for every home game defensive tackle, benefitting non-profit organizations YouthCare and Mary’s Place. The campaign raised over $230,000 to help end youth homelessness and provide services for homeless families in the area. Prior to the pandemic, Windermere offices also organized annual “We’ve Got You Covered” winter clothing drives in conjunction with our #TackleHomelessness campaign, providing tens of thousands of clothing items for homeless youth and families in need.
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, donate below.
Featured Image Source: Windermere Real Estate
Windermere Reaches $50 Million in Donations in Honor of 50th Anniversary
Windermere Reaches $50 Million in Donations in Honor of 50th Anniversary
In honor of Windermere’s 50th anniversary, the company announced in early 2022 that it would strive to reach $50 million in total donations to the Windermere Foundation by year’s end. To help reach this goal, Windermere launched its “50 in 50” campaign. Founded in 1989, the Windermere Foundation’s mission is to fund non-profit organizations that support low-income and homeless families in the communities where Windermere operates. At the start of 2022, the Windermere Foundation had raised a total of $46 million, leaving $4 million for the company’s 7,000 agents to raise in order to reach the $50 million goal—nearly double what is raised for the Windermere Foundation in a typical year.
The challenge was set and Windermere’s network of agents, franchise owners, and employees accepted it with zeal. Things got off to a fast start, with year-to-date donations pushing past $1 million by May. Donations surged through late spring, and by the end of July, Windermere was closing in on a total of $48 million. As the calendar turned to August, we were just over halfway to our goal for the year.
The Windermere Foundation Gala
Then came the inaugural Windermere Foundation Gala at the end of September. Members of the Windermere network joined together at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in downtown Seattle for a night of live entertainment and fundraising for the Windermere Foundation.
The evening consisted of a silent auction, a live auction, and raise the paddle. In the silent and live auctions, attendees bid on locally curated vacations, experiences, and goodies. Items up for auction included everything from local wine selections and tickets to theatrical productions to multiple-night vacations and an exclusive Pearl Jam package—including a signed guitar from guitarist Mike McCready, who was in attendance. During the raise the paddle fundraiser, attendees donated at varying levels of support all the way up to a $100,000 donation from Windermere founder, John Jacobi, and his wife, Roz. All in all, the Windermere Foundation Gala raised $1.6 million, propelling year-to-date donations to roughly $3 million at the end of September.
Windermere Foundation Reaches $50 Million
By the end of October, total donations stood at over $49 million. With two months remaining, we were officially in the homestretch. Over the Thanksgiving holiday and GivingTuesday, Windermere agents, staff, and owners continued to support low-income and homeless families, moving the needle ever closer to $50 million. By the end of November, the Windermere Foundation had reached $49,930,664 million, leaving just shy of $70,000 to raise by year’s end in order to meet the $50 million goal. And thanks to Windermere’s generous network of agents, owners, staff, and community partners, the goal was officially reached on December 6, 2022!
Christine Wood, Executive Director of the Windermere Foundation had this to say about reaching $50 million:
“Fifty million dollars is more than a number. It is a landmark achievement in celebrating the Windermere Foundation’s past, present, and future. It represents our coming together to make a difference for our neighbors and embodies Windermere’s core value of ‘Collective Generosity.’ Thank you to everyone who helped us get here!”
For the past 33 years the Windermere Foundation has donated a portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold through Windermere Real Estate towards supporting low-income and homeless families in our communities. What started in 1989 as a grassroots foundation serving families in need in Washington State has grown to encompass ten states and has raised over $50 million for programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance, and other services to those who need our help the most.
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the donate button below.
Featured Image Source: Windermere Real Estate
