Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty was honored recently at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference in San Francisco as a charter member in the Coldwell Banker Centennial Society. The honor was given to 75 affiliated Coldwell Banker companies who helped to raise more than $5 million to support more than 100 Habitat for Humanity home builds across the nation by the end of 2006.
“Two years ago, the Coldwell Banker affiliate companies were challenged to help fund and build 100 Habitat for Humanity homes by the end of 2006, the 100th anniversary of the Coldwell Banker brand,” said Jim Gillespie, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. “Habitat for Humanity has been the brand’s official national charity of choice since 1993, but this initiative was one of the greatest fundraising efforts the brand has ever put forth.
“Each day, Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty helps residents of northeast Florida reach the American Dream of Homeownership and this initiative allows those less fortunate to also achieve the same dream. The Centennial Society is one of the great groups in Coldwell Banker history and we are so proud of the work Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty has done.”
Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty raised more than $55,000 in 2005 to help build its first Habitat for Humanity home in St. Augustine. Each agent was challenged to raise $200 to accomplish the company goal of $45,000. Offices embraced the challenge and organized garage sales and walk-a-thons to raise the money. Within 60 days, more than the required $45,000 was raised.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Centennial Society, not because of the recognition and praise, but because of what helping others means to us,” says Walter L. Williams Jr., owner/president of Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty, Inc. “We knew raising such a large amount of money would be a great undertaking, but the reward is even greater. We helped a family realize their dream of homeownership. In our business, nothing means more.”
The group was brought on stage before more than 10,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates, brokers, amangers and employees who gathered to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary.