In the infamous words of Gandhi, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Numerous selfless individuals and organizations follow this wise statement, living every day for the common good, and providing opportunities to share in the life-changing experience of giving back. The incredible non-profit organization AmeriCares does just this, dedicating their energy to emergency response and global health services that deliver medical and humanitarian aid to those in need throughout the world. Recently, our team members were honored to participate in a special AmeriCares event that provides such support to the people of Nicaragua. Our company matched all generous agent donations, totaling our contributions to AmeriCares at $16,000. All money raised will directly benefit future medical and humanitarian efforts for impoverished Nicaraguans.
The inspiring event, entitled “Journey to Nicaragua,” presented all agents who made donations and entered a raffle, the chance to fly to the country and witness how their donations make a difference first hand. In just two days, our agents were able to visit various local clinics and hospitals, all with poor conditions and scarce resources. Agents described the tremendous need for aid due to this poverty and lack of accessibility with one of the hospitals claiming that families often travel five to seven hours to get there. A clear lack of equipment was also evident in another hospital that only offered one 15-year-old heart monitor to share among eight patients and one MRI machine with a two-month waiting list. After experiencing such harsh realities, all agents and participants were sure of the positive impact their support and donations would have on the Nicaraguan people.
The four lucky raffle winners for the life-changing journey included Rachel Walsh of the New Canaan, Conn. brokerage, Lynn Julian of the Darien, Conn. brokerage, Rick Weiner of the Essex, Conn. brokerage, and Carol Napadensky of the Scarsdale, N.Y. brokerage.
Prior to the flight, agents enjoyed a delicious farewell dinner with our managers and senior leaders at the Westchester County Airport. Building and Land Technology (BLT) CEO Paul Kuehner, a co-chair for the event, also attended, wishing all participants well. The night was completed by a motivational speech made by actor Tony Goldwyn, who spoke to all those going to Nicaragua, as well as to individuals who have previously served with and benefitted from the humanitarian efforts of AmeriCares.
“I am so proud of everyone from our company who participated in this event and generously gave to this vital humanitarian organization,” said Paul Breunich, President and Chief Executive Officer of William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. “AmeriCares has a powerful impact in areas all around the world where aid is needed. I am thrilled to be a part of an office environment that is so passionate about supporting such important causes.”
The event proved to be a great success, with all funds raised totaling more than $2 million. AmeriCares has confirmed the lasting positive impact this will have on the lives of countless people in need across the globe. Whether going to Nicaragua, making a donation, or simply promoting the worthy cause, all who participated in this amazing event were on a journey together to change lives and make a difference that will never be forgotten.
