Neighbors in Need Raises Funds for Food Banks
As COVID-19 affects countries across the globe, those who struggle with poverty and count on food programs to meet their basic day-to-day needs are in an especially uncertain place. While coping with increased demand, food banks are desperate for funds to continue to serve their communities. Because of this, Windermere challenged its offices to raise $250,000 in funds for local food banks. Every dollar raised would be matched by the Windermere Foundation and donated to food banks in the areas where Windermere operates. Through our “Neighbors in Need” fundraising campaign the goal was raising funds for local food banks.
Neighbors in Need kicked off on April 21, with the goal of raising $250,000 by May 5. Word continued to spread and contributions from both our agents and the public began to increase. Neighbors in Need was given a boost by Seattle Seahawks starting safety Quandre Diggs in a heartfelt message encouraging support. Over the final 24 hours, leading up to the May 5 deadline, support poured in from across the Windermere family as the final figure exceeded the initial goal of, landing at a total of $690,000.
Neighbors in Need exemplifies Windermere’s deep commitment to supporting our local communities. A goal that traces back to 1989 when the Windermere Foundation first started. Since then, the Foundation has proudly raised more than $41 million for low-income and homeless families throughout the Western U.S.
On behalf of the Windermere Foundation to all those who joined the effort: Thank you. We could not have made this large of an impact without your help. We are humbled to be able to do our part to help those who need it most during these uncertain times.
Originally posted on windermere.com by Sandy Dodge
Learn other ways the Windermere Foundation supports local families.
How “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Impacts Real Estate
On March 28, 2020, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee amended his statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to allow certain real estate activities to operate in the coming weeks. It’s important to understand that this change does not mean that real estate is returning to business as usual. Rather, there are protocols that brokers and their clients must follow as mandated by the order.
Our commitment during these challenging times is to safely help our clients continue moving their lives forward. To do so, here are the guidelines we must follow:
WHAT WE CAN AND CANNOT DO IN THE COMING WEEKS:
- Open houses are not allowed under any circumstances
- In-person meetings with clients are prohibited, except when necessary to view a property or sign documents
- When deemed necessary, home showings of active listings are by appointment only
- Only two persons allowed in a home at a time, including the representing broker
- Scheduled inspections and appraisals for pending transactions can continue
- Buyer walk-throughs for pending transactions prior to closing are permitted
- We can provide keys to buyers at closing
- Photographers, videographers, and stagers are considered non-essential
- All real estate activities must meet social distancing, appropriate health standards, and worker protection measures
- Moving companies may operate using social distancing and other protective measures
While real estate brokers now have more latitude during Phase 2, we want you to know that our highest priority is the safety of our brokers, our clients, and our community. To minimize physical contact, we encourage using virtual tours, video chat, and other forms of technology. With these tools, you can continue to view homes, stay connected to your broker, and conduct business. [Learn about the ways were are putting virtual tools to work for our clients]
Despite the challenges, we’re are more focused than ever on taking care of our clients and helping to achieve their real estate goals. We will continue to serve you with outstanding professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to service.
For additional information please visit the Northwest Multiple Listing Service FAQ.
See how the Walla Walla Real Estate Market has been performing over the last few months – Walla Walla Market Updates
Community Resources during COVID
Local Resources and Connections
Let’s be All In for supporting local businesses, providing resources for those in need, and keeping our community safe and healthy. The following organizations have compiled links and resources to aid businesses and individuals through the changes caused by the spread of COVID-19.
SHOP LOCAL
Local Curbside, Takeout & Delivery Restaurants Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2805141982933756/
Discover Walla Walla Business Updates – https://discoverwallawalla.net/blog/walla-walla-will
COMMUNITY AID
Walla Walla Mutual Aid Network – https://wallawallahelp.org/
City of Walla Walla Volunteer Registration – https://www.wallawallawa.gov/our-city/volunteer
City of College Place – http://www.cpwa.us/residents/covid-19_resources.php
BUSINESS AND WORKER RESOUCES
Downtown Walla Walla Foundation – https://www.downtownwallawalla.com/
Small Business Administration – https://www.sba.gov/
Oregon Governor – https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19#forEmployers
Washington Governor –https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Walla Walla Public Schools – https://www.wwps.org/news/news-events
College Place Public Schools – https://www.cpps.org/o/District/page/covid-19-resources–5
Oregon Department of Education – https://oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/For-Families
Virtual Learning and Entertainment – https://www.cnn.com/style/article/what-to-do-at-home-streaming-art- museums-concerts-coronavirus-trnd/index.html
Annual Windermere Community Service Day – 2019
Every year since 1984, Windermere associates have dedicated a day of work to complete neighborhood improvement projects as part of Windermere’s Community Service Day.
The 2019 Community Service day was held on May 31st. Our office spent the morning working in our community to make things a little brighter for our neighbors by staining benches downtown, cleaning & weeding downtown tree wells, helping at YWCA Family Shelter, and spreading new wood chips at Washington Park.
Creating vibrant communities is one of the things that inspire all of us at Windermere to be involved in Community Service Day as it gives us an opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work. After all, real estate is rooted in our communities. And an investment in our neighborhoods gives us all a better place to call home.
Annual Windermere Bowling Fundraiser – 2019
Windermere Real Estate / Walla Walla’s 11th Annual Windermere Foundation Bowling Fundraiser event. This year was a record year with $10,000 raised to assist low-income and homeless families throughout the Walla Walla Valley!
Thank you to all of our sponsors and participants for making this the best year yet, and for being an integral part of the Windermere Foundation!
Annual Windermere Community Service Day – 2018
Every year since 1984, Windermere associates have dedicated a day of work to complete neighborhood improvement projects as part of Windermere’s Community Service Day.
The 2018 Community Service day was held on June 8th. Our office spent the morning working in our community to make things a little brighter for our neighbors by staining benches downtown, cleaning & weeding downtown tree wells, and helping at YWCA Family Shelter.
Creating vibrant communities is one of the things that inspire all of us at Windermere to be involved in Community Service Day as it gives us an opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work.
After all, real estate is rooted in our communities. And an investment in our neighborhoods gives us all a better place to call home.
Annual Windermere Bowling Fundraiser – 2018
Annual Windermere Foundation Bowling Event – 2017
Community Service Day – 2017
Community Service Day – 2016
