Statement of Lynn C. Plantz
Realtor Coldwell Banker Realty
Supporting the Laulima Giving Program through my office at Coldwell Banker Realty has been a meaningful experience during the holiday season. For several years, we had the privilege of adopting families, and individuals, and fulfilling the items on their wish lists. Reading their stories of hardship was often emotional, especially those involving infants, young children, and parents facing overwhelming medical challenges. Many of these families had a parent who had to stop working to provide around-the-clock care, compounding their financial burdens. I vividly remember adopting a homeless family of four who, when someone stole the father’s work truck, holding the tools of his trade, found themselves living in a tent in Kakaako. Stories like these fueled our commitment to help, and together, we worked to bring some relief and joy to these families.
To raise funds for the gifts, our office hosted bake sales, sold lunches, and organized mini craft fairs. The response from our community was heartening. Escrow companies, mortgage lenders, and even tenants in our office building came together to support us, contributing baked goods, gift cards, and monetary donations. A highlight was personally delivering the gifts to the families and witnessing firsthand the joy, gratitude, and, sometimes, tears of appreciation. One father, overwhelmed by the support from people he had never met, could not hold back the tears. Little did these families know how many caring individuals came together to make their holiday brighter.
When COVID-19 disrupted our usual fundraising events, we were determined to continue our support for Laulima. Despite the challenges, the generosity of our community came through, allowing us to fulfill even larger wishes, like a staycation at the Aulani Disney Resort for a young girl battling cancer and her family. In 2020, the Coldwell Banker Realty CARES Foundation voted to expand our efforts by including all four of our branch offices, turning this into a company-wide initiative. This added support enabled us to help even more families. In 2023 we supplied school supplies, books, and toys to Maui keiki. Presently, we have broadened our impact to help public schools serving low-income and special needs students on Oahu.
The Laulima Giving Program is more than just giving gifts. It serves as a powerful reminder that kindness is contagious. As word of our effort spread, it inspired others to join in, even during challenging times. I am deeply grateful to be part of this initiative, supported by the generosity of my colleagues at Coldwell Banker Realty and our community. Showing kindness and compassion to those in need through the Laulima Giving Program has become a holiday tradition we look forward to every year.
