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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 29 Sponsored Material The Coldwell Banker Elite approach to real estate is about forging relationships with clients, seeking first to understand their needs, then working with integrity to meet those needs. That same approach drives much of the charitable work Coldwell Banker Elite agents do in the community, from raising funds for Habitat for Humanity, to volunteering at the SPCA, to organizing cleanups to protect the Rappahannock River led by Realtor Sarah Hurst. Many of these efforts are driven by the diverse interests and back- grounds of the brokerage's team. Breen, for example, came to the United States from Ireland in 1971 on a track scholarship at East Tennessee State University. Out of appreciation for the impact that running had on his own life, he helped the Fredericksburg Area Running Club establish the Coldwell Banker Elite Grand Prix race series. This series of competitive races has helped thousands of area residents make friends and stay active over the nearly 40 years it's been going. But more importantly to Breen, it's served as a launch- ing pad for additional races that benefit charities throughout the community, including Rappahannock Court Appointed Special Advocate (RCASA), the Mary Washington Healthcare Regional Cancer Center, the Fredericksburg SPCA and many more. "I feel like I've given back to the sport that gave me tremendous opportunities," Breen says. Breen has also enjoyed serving on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity—a term that ended in late 2021—and on the Stafford Hospital Foundation, which awards grants to improve wellness across the region. Coldwell Banker Elite's culture of giving has been embraced by agents and teams, like the Give Back Team led by Ginger Walker, which gives a portion of every commission to a charitable entity. The Love Smith Team of Kelli Love-Smith, David Smith and Marilyn Love-Cody regularly gives to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, to recognize the role it has played in the lives of friends who have lost children to cancer, said Love-Smith. The Realtors also contrib- ute and make time to serve at Micah Ecumenical Ministries, which serves homeless individuals in the area. "Everyone can give back in one form or another, but it needs to be with a good heart and not for any other reason," Love-Smith says. "We often feel like we get more out of giving or serving than the program we are giving too, so sometimes it feels almost selfish." She and Breen are both thankful that real estate gives them the ability to give back to the community, but feel that because they approach their jobs as a way of helping people instead of selling houses, "It has never felt like a job." To learn more, visit ColdwellBankerElite.com. POSITIONING YOURHOME TOSELL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT RELOCATION SERVICES GUIDING YOU HOME Weensurethemostexposuretothe highestnumberoftargetedbuyersusing innovativemarketingtools.Letour experiencebeyourcompetitiveadvantage! coldwellbankerelite coldwellbankerelite.com Target the Right Buyers Property Video Custom Property Site Professional Photography Paid Social Media Advertising Helping people is job No. 1