Published March 20, 2020 - In mid-March, at the start of heightened awareness about COVID-19’s health and economic effects, our company began daily meetings (rallies) to stay connected and informed when the county and Governor Polis began issuing orders for limited gatherings and ultimately the “Stay-at-Home” order.
In one of our early meetings we learned from a Vail Daily article that the Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s Community Market had seen a 300% increase in traffic due to business closings. Historically our company has conducted food drives during the holidays but further research told us that money was the most important gift we could give. The Community Market has unique relationships with grocery stores around the valley that enables them to purchase pantry items and fresh produce at a discount – our money could go further if it was donated to them versus shopping in the stores.
On Friday, March 20th we announced a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices matching fund to double the donations of our brokers and staff - and they really came through. In less that 24-hours we raised $8,350 for The Community Market and were delighted to make the donation, knowing that in the first few days of businesses closings and jobs being lost we could help our community in a meaningful way.
The hardest part is that we know real challenges will continue. We will effort to seek out opportunities to volunteer and give back and my encouragement is that everyone who has the capacity to give their time, expertise or financial resources to do so. The valley is an extraordinarily giving community and we can demonstrate that in the weeks and months to come. Stay safe. Stay positive!
Michael Slevin, President
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties