With travel and traditional gatherings off the table in 2020 due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns and guidelines, Brown Harris Stevens Miami has found new ways to celebrate.
While the boutique luxury real estate firm typically celebrates the holidays with festive events to recognize the success and hard work of its agents and staff, this year, the firm’s leadership considered the financial strain the health and economic crisis poses for many individuals and families, as well as guidance from health experts to postpone large gatherings. With that in mind, an internal fundraiser was organized in place of the annual Thanksgiving luncheon to support Feeding South Florida.
“Our company tradition has been festive Thanksgiving lunches within each of our offices,” said Brown Harris Stevens Miami Director of Marketing Rochelle Fraga in a press release. “This year, we adapted by inviting our agents to make a financial contribution in lieu of preparing his or her favorite dish. While we miss being able to celebrate with our colleagues, we are fortunate to be able to support this remarkable organization by providing meals to those most in need.”
The fundraiser received company wide support with a participation rate of 100% among its agents. To thank the agents for their support and amplify the program’s success, Brown Harris Stevens’ Helping Hands Foundation matched the amount raised by agents, doubling the company’s total donation to Feeding South Florida. As a result, Brown Harris Stevens Miami raised funds to provide approximately 18,000 meals.
“When we considered ways to give back to the community we serve, Feeding South Florida was an obvious choice,” said Brown Harris Stevens Miami President Phil Gutman in the press release. “They are doing incredible work to fight food insecurity and we trusted the contributions of our team would be expertly and efficiently put to use. We plan to continue to establish new traditions in giving back, including asking our team for recommendations of important causes. We thank Feeding South Florida and encourage others to join us in supporting them at FeedingSouthFlorida.org.”