Global Citizens: Giving Back Locally and Globally

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 15 – 21), Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to making a lasting humanitarian difference in communities, locally and globally. The firm holds annual fundraisers to support local arts education programs in the Hudson Valley as well as home construction in Haiti. Owner Richard Ellis said a key priority in 2018 and beyond is “giving back.”

Partnership with New Story

“Public-private partnerships continue to offer solutions for achieving common goals,” he said. Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty recently raised over $6,000 to build a hurricane-resistant house for a family in Haiti through its partnership with New Story, a nonprofit whose mission is to transform dangerous living environments into communities of safe, sustainable homes.

“Giving Sales Associates an avenue to give back is important to morale and builds a collaborative and inspired team,” he said. “Teaming up with New Story allowed us to extend the services we provide daily: to help people discover homes that allow them to build better lives.”

Preserving the Arts in Hudson Valley Public Schools

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty partners with Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center in Nyack to host annual fundraisers benefiting arts education in local public schools, raising over $45,000 since the partnership was forged two years ago. Hopper is widely acknowledged as the most important realist painter of 20th century America.

“Funding for arts education has unfortunately been cut back,” said Ellis, who believes this curriculum is critical in creating a well-rounded individual. “The Hudson Valley has a rich history of nurturing great artists. We are committed to continuing that tradition for the next generation of residents as well as instilling confidence and building self esteem in children and adolescents through art.”