GIVING BACK

By: SEBASTIAN PHILLIPS

Veteran real estate pro Kathy King champions Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ pay-it-forward stance through her role at The Charitable Foundation.

 

Any modern organization doing business in today’s global marketplace is well-aware of the importance of philanthropy. In 2022, giving back to the community in the form of social programs is a must, both in terms of optics and brand identity. The top brass at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties understands this mindset all too well. In 2003, the realty behemoth established The Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit foundation run by real estate agents from the company with the goal of making neighborhoods throughout Southern California stronger and more vibrant through four key areas: community outreach and support, education and development, health and awareness, and environment and preservation. In the past 19 years, The Charitable Foundation has provided hundreds of grants totaling approximately $5 million to local entities that support the aforementioned causes. Leading the charge for these efforts is Kathy King, regional vice president for Berkshire’s Encino and Calabasas offices whose dedication to her profession is matched by her passion for giving back.  

 

 

What is your role within The Charitable Foundation?  
The organization currently operates with five regional foundations covering Santa Barbara/Montecito, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Each region has a board of directors with agent volunteers who run the business of their region. I am president of The Charitable Foundation, which operates the five regional foundations. I also participate on the Los Angeles board on an advisory role.  

 

How does the foundation raise money for its grants? 
We plan and implement fundraisers as a method of raising more money to support our local charities, in the form of large 150-plus guest events and smaller gatherings. Our goal is to minimize the cost of hosting these events and operating with minimal administrative overhead. That allows us to donate a larger percentage of the funds we raise to the charities. 

 

What sparked your interest in philanthropy? 
I am drawn to charitable works when I see the need. I have so much gratitude for the things my life has provided—family, friends, health, experiences. I am aware not everyone is this lucky, and sharing is one way I help to balance the scales.  

 

What do you see as the main challenges for The Charitable Foundation as we move into the future?  
With all charity endeavors, the biggest challenge is always finding the money, but as long as we can contribute toward easing someone else’s burden a bit, we will continue our mission.