More than ten percent of the U.S. population is affected by domestic violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It’s a serious problem and is taken very seriously by the people at Pardee Homes where raising and giving is a primary focus. Because of company employee efforts, money raised in lieu of a holiday lunch were used to buy gift cards for people in need at the Domestic Violence Center of the SCV and the Food Pantry of SCV, as well.
“In our company, a giving spirit is alive and well all year, and during the holidays, more employees make more extra efforts to support the communities in which we build,” said Jim Bizzelle, Vice President of community development for LA/Ventura Pardee Homes, ”Giving back to those less fortunate was simply a higher priority for us than the holiday luncheon.”
Pardee Home offices in California and Nevada participated in the drive and regional offices chose who would benefit.
The Food Pantry was thrilled with the generosity of the home-builder employees.
“We stretch to provide just the basics,” said Belinda Crawford, executive director of The Food Pantry, “These gift cards made it possible for our clients to purchase the goods they needed for special holiday baking and other seasonal treats, and we are most appreciative of this extra help from Pardee Homes.”
Pardee Homes President and CEO, Mike McGee recognized the philanthropic generosity of his entire workforce with the Hearthstone Builder Humanitarian Award saying, “As is always the case, many employees added the gift of time and personalized holiday cheer from their own resources. Each year, we cannot thank them enough.”
Valencia employees purchased gift cards to retail stores identified by the Domestic Violence Center and the Food Pantry as most useful to their clientele, including clothing, toys and sundries.
Shelter co-executive director, Jean Albrent, said, “These cards empower women to do their own shopping for themselves and their children,” said Albrent. “This puts a woman in crisis back in charge of herself and her family, and that is tremendous help at a difficult time.”
Pardee Homes is one of the oldest building companies in California, originally established in 1921. With a conviction to building quality homes and a sense of civic-mindedness, they are bound to thrive for many more years, as they keep the needs of it’s customers as well as the community in the forefront.