Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate wraps successful fall coat drive

CHELAN - When the Central Washington real estate offices of Coldwell Banker Cascade jumped to help provide warm coats and other outerwear for deserving kids in their service areas, no one was more surprised than owner, Adam Rynd.

“Nearly half of our local students live below the poverty line. But we were overwhelmed with the communities’ generosity,” Rynd said. “From Winthrop, Wenatchee and Chelan, more than 250 warm coats, parkas and down vests were collected. Many of them were new garments with famous labels making the drive a total success.”

“Our ‘Star Team’ agents and staff gathered the new and lightly used coats, organized them by size and cleaned them. Then, in conjunction with local non-profits in each community, we have begun the distribution process,” Coldwell Banker Cascade’s Director of People Development Kate Waag explained. “Hundreds of deserving children will receive new, warm coats for Christmas and the new year when the temperatures dip below freezing.”

This past weekend, Coldwell Banker Cascade hosted 250 people to a free showing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" at the historic Ruby Theatre in Chelan, celebrating the climax of the coat drive. As an added element, the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ legendary book made a personal appearance at the Ruby Theatre. He distributed candy and prizes to the joyous crowd.

Serving Central Washington, Coldwell Banker Cascade donates more than 1% of its gross revenue to community-service organizations. Since 2015, the firm has collectively given more than $600,000 – which is more than all other local real estate companies combined.       

While many of the donations to charities are primarily cash donations, the firm and Coldwell Banker Cascade agents will also forgo their earned commissions on listings and sales for non-profit organizations.

Making dollar donations doesn’t stop the Coldwell Banker Cascade brokers from giving in other ways. Many on the Star Team are also active community volunteers who serve as mentors, coaches, event volunteers, and non-profit directors. They share their time and expertise to improve the quality of life in Central Washington communities. 

“Our charitable giving program is unique and worth celebrating,” Rynd said. “Many of our clients seek shared values from businesses and professionals with whom they choose to work. In the meanwhile, we urge you to donate and also become a star on the team in the new year. The need doesn’t go away.”