I’ll let you in on a little secret. For me, the biggest thrill about closing a sale isn’t just the commission check–although that’s nice. It’s the moment I get to sit down and donate to one of our incredible local non-profits.
It’s a practice I’ve quietly done for over 20 years. Every time I help people find their new home in Santa Fe—or list and sell their current home—I give back to community organizations that make this place so special.
During this traditional season of giving, I’ve been thinking a lot about the enormous spirit of generosity that lies at the very heart of this city. One of the many reasons I love Santa Fe so much is that many of the people who move here are willing to give back. Even better, I love introducing them to the organizations that make a difference.
For Our LGBTQ+ Family & Future:
As any casual reader of this blog knows, I’m all about supporting Santa Fe’s LGBTQ+ community. So, if you’re looking to donate either time or money to a charity this season, here are a few organizations that I’m proud to support and always happy to recommend:
- The Envision Fund: Housed at the Santa Fe Community Foundation, this is the largest LGBTQ+ funder in New Mexico. Their grants fuel everything from HIV prevention and legal aid for our community to vital programs in schools, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all of us.
- CASA Q: This Albuquerque-based organization addresses a heartbreaking need by providing safe, affirming housing and support for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. They are, quite literally, a lifeline for young people who need a loving, accepting family.
- Human Rights Alliance (HRA): Under Kevin Bowen’s fantastic leadership, the HRA is more vibrant than ever, especially with the new LGBTQ Center. From organizing our fabulous Santa Fe Pride and Drag Bingo to offering scholarships, they are the lively, beating heart of our community’s social and advocacy efforts.
Organizations that Help Our Furry Friends and Neighbors in Need
My other passions are helping animals and addressing hunger. As a dog lover, there are two vital organizations I always support:
- First, the Espanola Humane Society lives up to its promise to help animals in the most underserved communities, taking in over 4,000 dogs, cats, and other animals over the last year and making sure that an incredible 89% of every dollar they receive goes to their animals.
- Even closer to home, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society also holds a special place in my heart. Their beautiful, 100-acre campus provides a sanctuary for animals and an excellent resource for our community, complete with public dog parks and walking trails.
For more than a decade, I’ve supported the critical work at The Food Depot and Kitchen Angels. Kitchen Angels delivers nutritious meals to our homebound and critically ill neighbors, while The Food Depot tackles food insecurity across Northern New Mexico. They represent the very best of our community’s compassion.
Finally, as a broker with Barker Realty, I always look forward to joining my colleagues every December as we not only make financial donations, but also create and fill stockings with gifts for the children and young adults at El Ranchito de Los Niños in Los Lunas. This family-run non-profit provides a permanent home in a 23-acre rural farm setting for siblings who were separated in foster care.
A Community with Heart
I always brag to out-of-towners looking to relocate that Santa Fe attracts big-hearted people. So, if you’re new to town or a lifer looking to make a difference, send me an email or drop me a line. I’m always happy to connect and share more about these amazing groups.
This holiday season, let’s continue to be a ‘City Different’ in the most meaningful way by making sure that every member of our community (on two legs or four) is lifted up.
