Starting the New Year Right

“Thank you very much for your generous support of Intermountain in 2010. What you have made possible is of immeasurable value! Through your generosity, you restore hope for children who are among the most severely impacted from early childhood trauma. We are indebted to folks like you who have made possible this remarkable work of healing through healthy relationships. You are part of a growing legacy of renewed health for our most precious resource – our children!”

Intermountain

Helena, MT

Greetings from the Windermere Foundation,

Happy 2011! While 2010 may be behind us, we have amazing stories to share with you about how your support of the Windermere Foundation translated into meaningful and necessary help for so many struggling families. Collectively, we raised $1,279,350 in 2010 – this is up 7% compared to 2009. And since 1989 over 22 million dollars has been raised, allowing us to help thousands of low-income and homeless families with the most basic needs.

While the past year presented challenges for many, it proved to be especially trying for anyone near the border of poverty. Thankfully, our generous agents, owners, managers and staff have continued their support of the Foundation, allowing much-needed funds to be distributed to many social service agencies committed to assisting low-income and homeless families throughout the West. As you know, the Foundation has been funded by a percentage of every transaction across the network since the beginning. For the past eleven years the above-and-beyond donations by offices, brokers, staff and public have exceeded the transaction revenue. Last year 63% of the Foundation revenue came from above-and-beyond contributions. The money we raise goes right back into our communities through great organizations and programs. Without you this couldn’t happen, so thank you! I’d like to share a couple of stories that illustrate what we are able to do when we tap into our collective network.

Windermere Kids at the Y

In 2006, the Windermere Foundation and the YMCA partnered to create Windermere Kids at the Y, a tuition-assistance and volunteer program that provides low-income children with quality after-school enrichment programs and the all-important summer camp experience. The Windermere Foundation has dedicated over a half million dollars to this important cause – helping hundreds of kids through our first network-wide program. This is a unique partnership in that not only does the YMCA benefit by receiving much needed funds, but several offices and brokers also volunteer their time by hosting parties for the kids, helping with tutoring, or just hanging out with the kids.

Adopt-a-Family Program

Nearly 50 Windermere offices participated in adopting families during the holiday season. Agents shopped, wrapped, and delivered gifts and food to hundreds of families in need of a little holiday cheer. The generosity of offices, brokers and participating community members was really remarkable. To learn more about the surprises this year, go here.

Fundraisers in 2010

Many of our Windermere offices held fundraisers throughout the year, from bowl-a-thons to golf tournaments and annual soirées. The fundraisers benefit the organizations in the direct community, and your participation is appreciated not only by the Foundation but also by the families and children who benefit from your hard work.

Second Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser

In October, seven South King County, WA offices joined together to throw their second annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser to support the emergency funds for local Foundation organizations. The event was held at the Fairwood Golf & Country Club. The night included live music, dinner, an auction and wines selected by a Master Sommelier. This dedicated group of brokers worked together to raise over $10,000 for the second year running. Congratulations to the Auburn, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, Renton and West Campus offices!

Bridge Meadows Update

A big success this year was the Bridge Meadows Project supported by the Windermere Cronin & Caplan offices in Oregon. Windermere pledged to raise $250,000 over a four-year period to support this low-income housing project and surpassed the pledge mark this year. To see photos of the building in progress, go here.

The Windermere House

“The Windermere Team gift made it possible for children to know they are loved, families to thrive and elders to know their lives have meaning. Thank you for the generosity of the Windermere Team to make dreams come true. You are heros!” – Derenda Schubert, Executive Director, Bridge Meadows www.bridgemeadows.org

Upcoming Events

Last year the Windermere Foundation first annual video contest was a tremendous success, with 24 offices sending in final video of their community projects supporting the Foundation mission. Five winners were selected from the pool and their videos can be found on the Foundation YouTube channel. Each winning office was given a $2,000 prize to award to their Foundation organization of choice. We will be launching our second annual video contest later this year, so stay tuned for details.

Foundation Cards

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are looking for cards for your friends and family that benefit the Foundation, look no further. The Foundation has teamed up with trueIMAGE Publishing to create beautiful cards with children’s art, and 10% of all proceeds benefit the Foundation! Pick from 12 different styles or order a variety pack. These cards are perfect year-round for personal notes as well as special occasions. To order go here: http://trueimagepublishing.com/store/index.php/cards.html

Thank you for your continuing support of the Windermere Foundation!

Best,

Christine Wood

Executive Director

Windermere Foundation