CBVGR Gives Back

It started with the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Immediately after the earthquake two CBVGR agents took up the cause of gathering support for a Hudson Valley based organization called the Haitian People’s Support Project. This local organization helps fund and support orphanages in Haiti. Only a few of the HPSP’s facilities survived the earthquake. At our annual agent recognition lunch before giving the customary kudos for all our own success stories, we remembered the less fortunate. Our first agenda item was a presentation by Chris Nielson and Gary Heckelman to ask for help for the children and caregivers they feel so passionately about. The response was overwhelming and we raised nearly $1,000 that day.

A few months later Dianne Jabbour, the manager of our Woodstock office came up with another idea to support the same HPSP. Agents were asked to do a spring cleaning and go through their closets to donate slightly used or new cloths, accessories, and shoes for a clothes swap event. Chris Nielson, Anne Levine and Karen Gilbane planned what was a lovely event. All items were displayed and arranged in size order, a $10.00 admission was charged plus $3.00 for every item purchased. We all love a bargain and CBVGR raised another $500.00 for this great cause.

Agent Gary Heckelman used a Broker Open House to ask for support to buy tents for Haitian families who are living either under cardboard or with no shelter. To date CBVGR has been able to purchase 4 tents at a cost of $200.00 each to provide these families with shelter.

Last week we took up bowling balls and sponsored four bowling teams for a Big Brothers and Big Sisters event and raised another $250.00. We all had so much fun and it was a wonderful way for us to give back. I am thankful that in the midst of a difficult and challenging market the agents at CBVGR still take the time to show they care for both our community and the world at large. To learn more about The Haitian People’s Support Project visit www.haitiansupportproject.org.

Joan Lonergan

Related Links: