Last Updated on November 28, 2017
Today is #Giving Tuesday, a global day of collaborative giving through donations, service and advocacy.
At Allen Tate Companies, giving is part of our core beliefs. As the leading real estate company in the Carolinas and one of the top 10 independent brokers in the country, Allen Tate is fortunate. But we don’t take our 60 years of success for granted. We give back so others can move forward.
In the past 20 years, Allen Tate Realtors® and employees have contributed more than $4.73 million to local communities through its Tate Cares giving initiatives. We focus our giving in three areas – ones that we believe make the most impact on quality of life in our 43 local communities: public education, arts and culture and United Way. Yes, these are the communities where we sell homes and make a living, but also, where our Realtors and employees and their families make their homes, too.
On Giving Tuesday, we’d like to share with you the stories of some of the many organizations across the Carolinas who have benefitted from Tate Cares. Our hope is that these stories educate and inspire others to keep the giving going.
More than half of the school students in the greater Charlotte, N.C. region – 100,000 kids – can’t afford lunch or school supplies. While federal subsidies make sure children don’t go hungry, Classroom Central makes sure their brains are nourished as well by equipping students with the basic tools they need to thrive in the classroom: school supplies. Teachers in 192 Title 1 schools can “shop” once a month at the Classroom Central Free Store for everything from pencils to notebooks to backpacks.
“When teachers distribute school supplies, they are providing the care and support that students need to succeed,” said Classroom Central Executive Director Karen Calder.
At the Poe Center for Health Education in Raleigh, K-12 students learn how to make positive choices to live healthier lifestyles. Through field trips, summer camps and community outreach programs, the Poe Center staff engages, inspires and connects students. Popular exhibits and programs include Cranium Connection, a giant walk-through head; PlayWELL park, a body-systems themed playground; and LEAP, an interactive curriculum that focuses on positive behaviors and coping skills.
“As a teacher, I love the Poe Center. The programs provided are educational and often cover important topics that might not be discussed at home or school,” said Lauren Dickson, a 5th grade teacher at Lacy Elementary School in Raleigh.
Every student loves a field trip – except for the ones left behind who don’t have the ability to pay. The Enrichment Fund for Guilford County makes sure no child is left behind by helping fund enrichment activities for more than 400 K-12 students and teachers each year. The all-volunteer organization considers individualized requests from families with incomes of $20,000 or less. Funds may be requested by teachers on behalf of students and are provided discretely so parents or students are not embarrassed.
“For many students, it makes the difference between going and not going. This is a tiny thing that is life-changing,” said Michelle Schneider, chairman of the board of directors of The Enrichment Fund.
The Arts and Science Council is the resource hub and advocate for arts and culture throughout the greater Charlotte region. Events like the annual CultureFeast helps ensure Culture for All by bringing people together at a community table to share a meal and enjoy arts and cultural performances. It’s just one example of the vibrant and diverse ways ASC ensures residents and visitors have access to a relevant and sustainable culture community.
“People come to CultureFeast expecting a delicious meal and an evening of entertainment. But what they discover is the beauty of connecting with others as part of the shared experience,” said Allen Tate Companies President and CEO Pat Riley.
Sometimes caring for the community is not easy. But it’s important. The Family Crisis Center of Randolph and Montgomery County (N.C.), is a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Funded in part through the United Way, the Family Crisis Center provides temporary housing, counseling, advocacy and other resources for nearly 2,000 victims each year.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Danielle Gardner, director of development for the Family Crisis Center. “Each situation is complex and unique. It can happen to anyone, and each client receives customized and personal service.”
These are just a few of the many organizations proudly supported by Allen Tate Companies through Tate Cares. For more information, visit allentate.com.
