In June, NextHome’s Frenchie Bulldog Mascot, Luke, turned double digits. From coast to coast, NextHome members celebrated this special occasion in our signature Humans Over Houses style. Dressed in orange, members selflessly gave back to their communities in ways both big and small.
“The places and people we serve are at the center of NextHome’s corporate philosophy,” said Petya Manning, NextHome’s Vice President of Marketing. “By setting aside Luke Day for community service, we get to pause and recenter on who we are: a company that puts Humans Over Houses.”
For 10 years, Luke Day has been an opportunity to step away from our business and come together to serve our local areas and the people and pets that thrive there. Here’s a recap of a few heartwarming activities that took place during this year’s Luke Day.
NextHome Cornerstone Realty in Niceville, FL: Dana Topel hosted an extravaganza featuring countless burgers and hot dogs, and plenty of cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream sundaes. The event included a water slide, corn hole, temporary tattoos, clowns, duck ponds, photo booths, and prizes. The community party raised money for Children in Crisis, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing loving homes for children in crisis while keeping siblings together.
NextHome 365 Realty in Athol, ID & Sedro Woolley, WA: Courtney Lampert, Carrie Sutton, and the entire brokerage team focused their efforts on raising funds for Because We Care Rescue. This local non-profit uses donations to cover food, medical care, and travel expenses for animals waiting for forever homes.
NextHome First Choice Realty in Grand Prairie, TX: Valerie DoBrava and her team hosted the “Luke Lends a Paw” animal shelter donation event. Community members were encouraged to bring donations for the local animal shelter, contributing to the well-being of the most vulnerable animals in their area.
NextHome Clinch Valley in Clinton, TN: Owner Amie Dodson organized a pet food drive and adoption day at the local shelter. The event featured a collaboration with PetSafe and a special appearance by a well-known University of Tennessee football player, who signed autographs. A local title company added a sweet touch with an ice cream station.
NextHome Momentum in Pensacola, FL: Debbie Horne partnered with Canine Companions at a minor league baseball game. Through a 50/50 raffle, Debbie helped raise money for Canine Companions’ remarkable work providing service dogs that empower people to live with greater independence.
NextHome Elite Realty in Lancaster, CA: Doneshia Adams prepared local high school graduates for the road ahead by sponsoring a “College Survival Box.” This thoughtful box included dorm essentials like sheets, pillows, a clip light, pens, paper, food, and personal hygiene products—everything a new college student might need to start their educational journey on the right foot.
NextHome NTX Real Estate in Fort Worth, TX: Graham Stiles and the entire brokerage team spent Luke Day raising funds for Canine Companions by hosting a kid’s coloring contest, raffles, and a fantastic event at Hop Fusion Ale Works. Together, they raised an impressive $7,743.49 for Canine Companions. This generous donation will support the training and placement of exceptional service dogs, enhancing the lives of those in need.
NextHome 365 Realty in Athol, ID & Sedro Woolley, WA: Courtney Lampert, Carrie Sutton, and the entire brokerage team focused their efforts on raising funds for Because We Care Rescue. This local non-profit uses donations to cover food, medical care, and travel expenses for animals waiting for forever homes.
The NextHome Corporate Team: From the CEO to the marketing and account departments, more than half of NextHome’s corporate team descended on the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland to pack food for families in need. Together, the team packaged more than 16,800 pounds of food, providing 14,000 meals for low-income families in the area.
Additionally, proceeds from Luke Day t-shirt purchases by our members have raised almost $2,000 for Canine Companions, our national charity partner. This support will go a long way in aiding their mission to provide service dogs to people struggling with disabilities. For more information on how you can get involved, visit Canine Companions.
A huge thank you goes out to all the NextHome members who participated in Luke Day, whether through organizing events, volunteering, or simply supporting. Your dedication to your communities inspires us all!