Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker has supported families at RMHC St. Louis for over 35 years!
“Housing is what we do. We take pride in providing a home for families, and the Ronald McDonald House is a perfect fit for serving families when they need it most,” says Jim Dohr, Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker President.
In 1985, only four years after opening the first Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis, the team at Coldwell Banker set out to get involved. Quickly they settled on a fitting slogan; “We’re sold on this House.”
Now in the Greater St. Louis Region, there are more than 1,500 agents at Coldwell Banker, with hundreds of them supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Each branch has created its traditions by hosting trivia nights, garage sales, wish list drives, raffles, and golf tournaments. Together the network participates in the Annual Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker Auction & Celebration to highlight the team’s philanthropic achievement, and of course, the proceeds benefit RMHC. In 2020, the organization faced a new challenge of hosting the first-ever virtual celebration, and thanks to the generosity of their sales associates and staff, raised more than $70,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Nearly 300 agents and employees registered for the event which featured a virtual happy hour, online auction, and a live virtual celebration featuring CBG President Jim Dohr, CBG Senior Vice President Carole McCabe, and RMHC St. Louis President Dan Harbaugh.
Through the years, the support from Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker has become a ripple effect felt in the community.
“Many agents have used our services with the in-hospital Ronald McDonald Family Rooms,” says Judy Schuler, RMHC St. Louis Vice President of Operations. “As our programs grow, so does the support from their team. It is amazing to see the dedication and care that so many agents have. They all put their heart and soul into giving back.”
The Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker team members also display their support by dedicating birthday and anniversary gifts. Before the pandemic, agents often visited the St. Louis-are Ronald McDonald Houses to prepare meals for guest families and drop off snacks for our Family Rooms. In 2020, they continued to afford families a home-away-from-home by having meals delivered.
This homegrown support provides critical funding and essential supplies needed to offer the comforts of home to seriously ill or injured children.
“It’s been such a positive experience through the years,” says Jim.
From the first Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker event at the parking lot of a Hilton DoubleTree to a memorable evening in a hangar at the Spirit of St. Louis, their team is still “sold” on giving back. We could not be more thankful for the years of memories and support to thousands of families.
“Ronald McDonald House is woven into the fabric of who we are at Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker,” says Jim. “You can see why they call it The House that Love Built.”