December 28th, 2021 (Greenwich, CT)– The Board of Directors for the Greenwich Association of REALTORS® and Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Inc. is proud to announce $60,000 in year-end charitable donations to community organizations.
“Many of our Greenwich Realtor members serve our community in volunteer and leadership positions across various local organizations throughout the year. In recognition of those efforts, our organization is proud to provide additional support to our community partners who work diligently to make Greenwich an amazing town to live, work, and play," explained 2021 GAR President, and Broker of New England Land Company, John McAtee.
The funds have been distributed to nine local non-profits and services whose missions contribute to improving the lives of residents throughout the Greenwich area, and strengthening the community:
Abilis, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides services and supports for over 700 individuals with special needs and their families from birth through the lifespan.
Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), a not-for-profit organization, is the sole provider of emergency services to the Town of Greenwich.
Greenwich United Way has been a trusted partner of the Greenwich community, government and local organizations since 1933. The company has focused on community solutions in the areas of education, financial stability and health for over 85 years.
Kids in Crisis provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crisis. Crisis can include domestic violence, mental health concerns, homelessness, substance abuse, economic difficulties, and other critical challenges. The Kids In Crisis Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day with trained Crisis Counselors, and provides free, confidential phone and face-to-face intervention, counseling, and referrals.
Neighbor to Neighbor improves the lives of residents in need throughout the Greenwich area and strengthens our community by creating access to food, clothing and basic living essentials in an atmosphere of kindness and respect.
River House founded in 1977, remains committed to providing the highest quality care to aging adults in Greenwich, Stamford, and the surrounding areas while offering guidance and support to their caregivers. River House's mission is to provide adult day care that works for all families.
Greenwich Silver Shield Association an organization of Professional Police Officers providing excellent police services to the citizens and business community of the Town of Greenwich, supporting programs that promote safety and better police/community relations.
Greenwich Tree Conservancy is an organization with a mission is to preserve and enhance the tree and forest resources of Greenwich to benefit our community, our health and our quality of life. "The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is so very thankful for this donation as it has been a difficult year in that we have not had our Annual fundraiser for two years. We have continued planting trees on public lands and this donation will allow us to continue that important work. All reports show that trees are the best answer to climate change and assist in the reduction of flooding and improvement to air quality. Thanks so very much for allowing us to continue our work," explained JoAnn Messina, Executive Director of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy.
Transportation Association of Greenwich (TAG) a Greenwich non-profit serving Greenwich residents of all ages with safe, reliable, convenient and courteous transportation. "The donation from the Greenwich Realtors will help TAG continue to service our Greenwich residents, whether its delivering food from Neighbor to Neighbor to our residents who are food insecure, or to the many Dr’s appointments that Greenwich’s elderly and disabled residents need to get to so they stay healthy, which includes Dialysis and Cancer treatments," thanked Debbie Vetromile, Executive Director of TAG.
In addition to the year-end contributions to local charities, members of the Greenwich Association of REALTORS® and Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Inc. also participated in raising funds and awareness for various other initiatives throughout 2021. Those efforts included contributions to the Greenwich Community Projects Fund, which was responsible for bringing the holiday lights back to downtown Greenwich this season.
GAR and GMLS members also hosted a virtual food drive and a hats, scarves and gloves drive to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor. Additionally, gift cards were collected and candles were sold to raise funds to benefit Kids in Crisis. Members also participated in the CT REALTORS® Foundation “Be Homeful for the Holidays” campaign in partnership with the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, which has provided holiday cheer to more than 5,000 children living in CT shelters and has helped more than 1,000 families avoid the hardship of homelessness.
The Greenwich Association of REALTORS® is the professional board of choice for the real estate industry in Greenwich. Established in 1924, the association provides professional development and services for REALTORS® (including the Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Inc.) and represents the concerns and interests of private property and home ownership rights. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, GAR and GMLS serve over 1200 members and subscribers combined.