Texas

On May 13, Texas Baptist Children’s Home and STARRY will host 150 employees from Keller Williams Realty International who dedicate the entire day to campus improvements for the two ministries.

But that won’t be the end of the giving, if the Keller Williams staff has anything to do with it.

Know as “RED Day” (for Renew, Energize, Deliver), the initiative was spearheaded last year by Cory Older, Finance Controller for Keller Williams Realty International, headquartered in Austin and the third largest real estate franchise organization in the United States.

“He thought we could have a real impact on our communities if we all took one day to give back,” said Jessica Elrod, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Franchise Systems.

When she was driving by Texas Baptist Children’s Home recently on her daily commute, Jessica knew where she wanted her office to dedicate its time. 

“When you are driving by, you think it’s a children’s home so no one is allowed in,” she said. “But, once we went to the office and met with the staff, we just knew we had found the right fit.”

Taking a tour of the campus, Jessica was struck with a deep desire to go beyond the one day of service.

“I was floored by the wonderful facilities at TBCH and STARRY,” she said. “Then you hear the stories about the children who live there and the house parents who care for them and you become very emotionally attached. It’s a very special place.”

Armed with initiative and a large willing group, Jessica began tackling a four-page “wish list” provided by Brenda Gilbert, the TBCH Volunteer Coordinator, citing needs for the campus. Then Jessica added to it. 

“Our slogan is dream big,” she said. “Our goal is to spend some time at each cottage making improvements so everyone knows they are loved and cared for.”

Among their to-dos are painting the therapy and choir rooms, re-touching picnic benches, and landscaping. Along with their labor efforts, Keller Williams is also launching a toy and book drive for TBCH and STARRY.

“We love to see volunteers come in here with a heart for our ministries,” said Brenda. “And when they come to the table with ideas of their own, that makes their contribution even more special because it comes from the heart.”

Throughout the year, Keller Williams conducts small volunteer projects centering around holidays or special events. But RED day is special because of its roots.

“We do this to honor Mo Anderson, our Vice Chairman, because of her amazing contributions to Keller Williams,” Jessica said. "She embodies the Keller Williams culture."

RED day was initially launched on Mo’s 72nd birthday in 2009 to recognize her continued dedication to Keller Williams International, where she has worked since 1995 after launching the Oklahoma Keller Williams branch in 1992. On the first-ever RED day, more than 25,000 Keller Williams staff across the country donated more than 130,000 hours of service. 

After the paint has dried and the last flower has been planted on the Round Rock campus, the 150 Keller Williams International volunteers will shake off the dirt and pull on their aprons. To wrap up the day, they plan to throw a celebration dinner for children on campus. But it will not be their last hoorah.

“This is going to be an on-going project for us,” Jessica said. “We want continued efforts for TBCH and STARRY. We are that invested.”