Coming Together | Philanthropy Across the Americas

Without the people who make up our brand, Engel & Völkers could never provide the white glove, world-class services that are the basis of our professional reputation. Alongside our network’s efforts as dedicated real estate advisors runs a desire to continue coming together and supporting one another and the local communities throughout the Americas we all call “home.”

Thus, we are pleased to take this chance to recognize and celebrate some of the efforts our network took over the last year to enrich the communities in which they serve.

Special Olympics

As our primary philanthropic partner, Special Olympics is at the center of many Engel & Völkers’ events and initiatives throughout the year, and we are pleased to share that, in 2022, our network raised a record-breaking $303,173 USD for the nonprofit—helping us surpass $1,000,000 USD in total donations throughout our eight years of partnership. 

Special Olympics’ incredible work creates more inclusive communities, particularly through the Athlete Leadership and Play Unified programs. Athlete Leadership develops Special Olympics athletes’ leadership skills and allows them to use their voices and abilities while undertaking meaningful roles in their communities. We are happy to include local athletes in our shops and national events to share their stories, practice their public speaking skills, and recognize their athletic achievements with celebratory events. 

The Special Olympics Play Unified Campaign promotes social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team as training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

Every hour given, every dollar donated, every kind word spoken, and every door opened creates opportunities for those who need it most. We believe that in order to lead, we must empower others to do the same.

Engel & Völkers Atlanta

Engel & Völkers Atlanta was the top team fundraiser at Special Olympics Georgia’s Polar Plunge, raising $28,000 USD as a team. During the plunge, participants dove into icy waters to raise money for the organization. Congratulations to advisors Scott Askew and Ken Covers for placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in individual fundraising.

If you would like to donate to the 2023 polar plunge, which will occur Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. EST, click here.

Engel & Völkers Honolulu

Engel & Völkers Honolulu raised $11,000 USD during the Over the Edge fundraising event benefitting Special Olympics Hawaii. Marco Schlesser of Engel & Völkers Honolulu Kahala led the shop’s fundraising efforts, and advisors Dale Fukushima, Kehau Breault, Tobias Huber, Shannon Keau, and Haley Baird all volunteered their time and efforts. On October 8, 2022, the event culminated with each team’s ‘jumpers’ rappelling 400 feet (40 stories) down the side of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa.

Engel & Völkers Tampa Downtown

During their grand opening event this year, Engel & Völkers Tampa Downtown partnered with Special Olympics and raised $4,154 USD for their local chapter, of Special Olympics Florida. Special Olympics athletes graciously attended the event to speak with guests about their experiences and involvement with the organization’s programs.

KidSport Canada

Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island raised over $18,000 CAD during KidSport Canada’s second annual Burpees for Charity event. Shop staff and advisors completed between 500 and 1,000 burpees each during the event to raise money for children who need financial support to get involved with local sports. Alexi Argyriou of Engel & Völkers Victoria Oak Bay was a leader in organizing the event and completed 1,000 burpees. Other Engel & Völkers shop participants included:

• Alex Carroll, Engel & Völkers Victoria, 1,000 burpees
• Brendan Somers, Engel & Völkers Victoria Oak Bay, 650 burpees
• Chris Margetts, Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island, 500 burpees
• Kate Sarosiak, Engel & Völkers Victoria Oak Bay, 500 burpees
• Lewis Ratcliff, Engel & Völkers Victoria Westshore, 1,000 burpees

Stowers Institute of Medical Research

We are proud to spotlight Jean Merkelbach of Engel & Völkers Lake Tahoe for her sponsorship of the 2022 American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. As the event’s exclusive real estate sponsor, Merkelbach hosted two Engel & Völkers VIP tents—providing food, beverages, and lounging space for attendees. The prize money was donated to the Stowers Institute of Medical Research, a world-class biomedical research organization dedicated to uncovering the causes, treatments, and cures of life-threatening diseases.

Central Okanagan Food Bank

Engel & Völkers Okanagan recently hosted a Thanksgiving Pie Day fundraiser, during which they raised $2,500 CAD for the Central Okanagan Food Bank—the largest of its kind in the Interior of British Columbia. The organization provides nutritional food assistance to residents facing financial and food insecurity in two locations.

Throughout the event, network members from Engel & Völkers Okanagan wrapped and delivered 257 pies to clients—of which each was matched with an equivalent gift card donation to the food bank.

Oak Bay Business Association’s Realtor Food Bank Challenge

The Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island North shop raised over $7,000 CAD and collected 97 pounds of food during Oak Bay Business Association’s Realtor Food Bank Challenge. For the third year in a row, Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island raised the most of participating brokerages. This year, the food and funds were distributed to The Mustard Seed, The Rainbow Kitchen, and The Soup Kitchen—all of which support the local community members who face food insecurity. 

FOOD4KIDZ

Engel & Völkers 30A Beaches raised over $4,000 USD during their Friendsgiving Potluck Fundraiser for FOOD4KIDZ, a local charity fighting childhood hunger. As a 100% volunteer-run program, Food4Kidz volunteers are united by the organization’s one basic principle: they see a need and are compelled to act. Together, their efforts identify chronically hungry children throughout the community and provide them with food and vital resources on a regular basis.

Combined Arms and Texas Veterans

We are proud to highlight Engel & Völkers Houston and their efforts to raise $24,000 during their annual golf classic, benefitting Combined Arms and Texas Veterans. Combined Arms brings together veteran-focused nonprofits, agencies, and communities across the nation whose commitment to aiding those who served empowers veterans to lead successful civilian lives. With over 200 best-in-class organizations as partners, the organization is able to provide over 1000 resources that aid veterans in thriving professionally and personally in the areas of community, wellness, professional support, and essential services.

Thus, as this year comes to a close, we thank each and every advisor, shop, and partner who came together to support one another, lift each other up, and show our communities what is possible when we all come together. Here’s to 2023. 

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