Introducing Doers of Good: CBT's Culture of Giving

Doers of Good: CBT's Culture of Giving

Coldwell Banker agents, staff, and managers are a special breed, working hard to assist our clients fulfill their real estate goals while keeping our focus on community and on making our cities and towns better places for all of us.

Because of our firm belief that we have an obligation to the people and places that keep our communities strong, we've set an ambitious goal for the next ten years: to give a minimum of $10 million to the organizations that work to help our neighbors in need. We call this our "Doers of Good."

We believe this focus needs to be shared and celebrated – and in a big way – so we are shining a light on those who are bright spots in the lives of others. We know the kind of people we have in our family, and we want you to know, too. Doers of Good will do just that.

Our agents, staff, and managers work in the background "doing their thing," sometimes on their own and sometimes with the help of our entire company. As we close a difficult year and look forward to a bright 2022, we'd like you to meet just a few of our 2021 4^th quarter Doers of Good.

Camp Rainbow Gold

Pamela Carson, CBT Realtor® in our Eagle, Idaho, office, got involved with Camp Rainbow Gold because of her daughter, a nurse practitioner in oncology at St. Luke's and the medical director for the nonprofit. Camp Rainbow Gold "has been able to provide support and companionship to parents of children affected with cancer, giving them connections to other families going through the day-to-day struggles of childhood cancer," says Pamela. The organization even allows siblings to have their own camps. "The children feel safe and normal at camp."

A volunteer and financial supporter for the past five years, Pamela says "it gives me a real sense of pride to be a part of such a worthy cause…I get a feeling of paying it forward for all of the blessings I have in my life.

"Everyone should take a moment to reflect on how they can pay it forward or make a difference in their community, whether it be by contributing to a charity that is near and dear to them, or by reaching out to the charity organization to see how best they can assist in their continued fundraising or manpower needs."

Funding for Camp Rainbow Gold comes from private donations and community partnerships with local businesses. Most of the programs are run by volunteers under the guidance of a few camp staff members.  To learn more about Camp Rainbow Gold, visit https://camprainbowgold.org/.

Idaho Diaper Bank

Did you know that in Idaho, 46% of children under the age of three don't have a consistent supply of diapers to stay clean, dry, healthy, and happy?  This statistic shocked Shawna Walz and her mom, Carol Seiber, CBT Realtor® in our Boise, Idaho, office. Together, they founded Idaho Diaper Bank with the mission of providing diapers through collaboration with other social service agencies and nonprofits.

Says Carol, "IDB was formed to address the silent crisis of diaper need." She goes on to explain that diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps or WIC but represent a significant portion of the monthly budget for the Idaho families struggling to provide basic necessities like food, shelter, and hygiene. Oftentimes, parents feel they have no option other than trying to reuse soiled diapers.

Since its inception in 2014, Idaho Diaper Bank has provided over 4.5 million diapers to babies in need. IDB primarily serves SW Idaho but has worked to expand into eastern Idaho, the Magic Valley, and north Idaho with their Warehouse on Wheels program.

"Passion and empathy drive me to participate in charitable organizations in my community," Carol says. "Our community is growing and with that comes many issues facing our low-income families. Giving back is part of my business plan and along with Coldwell Banker we are able to make positive outcomes for many!"

IDB receives grants and donations from individuals and businesses. Community diaper drives help, as well. To help or learn more about Idaho Diaper Bank, visit http://www.idahodiaperbank.org/. 

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agents, staff, and managers raised funds for both Camp Rainbow Gold and Idaho Diaper Bank at our annual Turkey Tuesday bowling fundraiser in November. Over $5,000 was raised during our event.

Meridian Elementary School & Meridian Food Bank

For the past several years, Joan Johnston, CBT Realtor® in our Meridian, Idaho, office, has spearheaded a fund and supply drive for underprivileged kids and their families at two different elementary schools in the valley.

Joan explains that one of her dearest friends was a teacher at a school with a high number of at-risk children – children who would oftentimes come to school on a Monday morning having eaten nothing all weekend. With her friend's help, Joan devised a plan to deliver some Christmas cheer, as well as food and gift cards to a grocery store, to these kids and their families.

"I have always felt a great sense of responsibility to care for those who are in need," Joan says.  "Children are often the ones who suffer the most when families struggle financially…Many of the homeless are living in their cars, trailers, or inexpensive hotels.  For whatever reason, they are experiencing hard times."

This year, Joan was joined by fellow Meridian office Realtor® Lindsey Dykstra. Together, the two organized the annual Meridian office "bake sale auction" to raise funds for 13 homeless families with children who attend Meridian Elementary School, as well as for the Meridian Food Bank, which has helped almost 20,000 households this year.   

CBT agents, staff, and managers donated baked goods to be auctioned at the event. In a few short hours, the group raised over $7,000 for the two worthy causes. "The generosity and caring exhibited by our agents, vendors, clients, and others are unparalleled," Joan explains.

Adds Lindsey, "This was my first year getting to help out with the fundraiser and distribution at the school. Being a doer of good means living and giving intentionally, having a purpose beyond just your own personal gain, and being open and available to show kindness and love to everyone. It doesn't have to be anything huge."

Contact your local school district to see how you can assist children in need, and visit https://meridianfoodbank.org/ to learn more about Meridian Food Bank.

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Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better.