Whether it’s the simplicity of a smile, or many days of dedication for a cause, giving back to others stands out greatly to all who are involved.
Recently, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty team members were seen out and about in their community leaving a positive impact and changing lives. Here are a few highlights from this past month’s philanthropic efforts, where our company came together for the greater common good.
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We participated in the tenth annual fund-raising bike ride, held on the weekend of July 25th by the Connecticut Challenge Center for Survivorship. The organization’s main goal is to provide needed support and resources for cancer survivors. There were several route options from which to choose, ranging from 10 to 100 miles. The race started at Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, Conn., where our very own staff and agents rode together as “Team Sotheby’s.” A Superman-style “S” could be seen on the front of many navy blue shirts that day, as each team member proudly represented our company’s efforts to support this great cause. Additional money was raised online, where the public can continue to donate by visiting our team’s page here.
All proceeds benefit survivorship programs in addition to research in healthy lifestyles and community aid in assisting cancer survivors, who generally continue to need medical care long after their treatment ends, even though far too often, this support is prematurely stopped. “We were honored to participate in this inspirational bike ride event, and to contribute to the Connecticut Challenge’s goal to help cancer survivors live the best lives possible,” said Southport manager Brad Kimmelman.
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On Saturday, July 26th, a tag sale was held at the Madison brokerage to benefit local organization Amanda’s Angels. This charity was created to support community members Amanda and Chris Bernier, and their unborn first child. Both Amanda and Chris are North Madison volunteer firefighters and emergency medical first responders, and continuously provide service to the community. After Amanda’s recent diagnosis with the most aggressive form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, it was our turn to give back.
Madison agent Heidi Pastore organized the sale, which attracted countless volunteers including family, friends, customers, clients and the local community. The event was a great success thanks to everyone’s eagerness to help Amanda and Chris during this difficult time. Due to her pregnancy, the symptoms of ALS progress much faster, already causing Amanda to no longer be able to walk, and lose 50 percent of her respiratory ability. Her strength, however, is unyielding as she continues to fight for the sake of her unborn child, who she recently learned is a girl.
“The generous amount of love and local support at this event was incredible,” said Pastore. The tag sale raised $8,060 in addition to our company’s $1,000 donation, totaling the funds to $9,060. Chris and Amanda Bernier directly received the raised money. But it doesn’t stop there—According to Pastore, donations are still coming in.
For more information on Amanda’s Angels and for further donation opportunities, please visit http://www.amandas-angels.org/.
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If you can watch or play hours of hockey, you’ll love hearing about our very own Westport brokerage manager Marc Caldarone, and his dedication to the second annual Skate 24. This charity event includes a 24-hour hockey game to raise money for a 501(c)(3) organization that supports cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass. known as The Jimmy Fund.
For numerous three-hour shifts, Caldarone played the position of goalie throughout the 24-hour game. “I am humbled to have played with so many amazing hockey players and NHL and AHL professionals to benefit this important cause,” said Caldarone. Last year’s event raised $46,000 towards cancer research through donation pages, a silent auction and a raffle. Not surprisingly, the event also achieved the record time for the longest continuous hockey game in American history, according to Skate 24 founder Dave LoPresti. Clearly, the Jimmy Fund is the perfect way to give back, while also testing out your athletic skills among hockey’s best.
