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During the end of summer heat, 74 volunteers from Tavistock Development Company traded their air-conditioned office for a Habitat for Humanity build-site.
“It was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever encountered,” said Quyen Vo-McGonnell, Senior Marketing Manager at Tavistock. “It was a hive of activity as our team, literally, helped build someone’s forever home.”
As a diversified real estate firm, Tavistock has construction experience. However, volunteers who typically work in an office setting found a new appreciation for their construction working counterparts.
“You’re transporting heavy things, going up and down ladders and hammering with what feels like your full body weight,” said Karla Ufret, Contract & Closing Coordinator at Tavistock. “Between the heat and extensive work, building a home with your bare hands is brutal but rewarding.”
Over the course of three days, volunteers completed the exterior of a home under the guidance of a Habitat site supervisor. From raising walls to painting, there was a task for everyone.
“Not only did they help us paint a home they also helped build one,” said Karina Nelson, Event & Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County.
In addition to volunteering, Tavistock donated $10,000, becoming a member of Habitat’s Cornerstone Guild giving society that recognizes donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually.
Instilled within the culture of Tavistock is the innate desire to give back. An employee volunteer engagement committee leads the way, selecting and spearheading dozens of philanthropic endeavors throughout the year. Volunteering together helps strengthen the bonds between employees as they present a unified dedication to improving the community where they work, live and play.
Habitat, new to the lineup this year, was recommended by Tavistock employees who previously volunteered at a build site.
Team Tavistock has already clocked more than 1,500 community service hours this year, 200 hours over the goal of 1,300 for the year. From sharing meals with families at Ronald McDonald House to handmade cards for children at the Foundation for Foster Care, the spirit of philanthropy is thoughtful and intentional.