Annual fundraiser
A Night at the Races
Our annual evening of friendly competition and community support for the foundation.
Photo 1 of 8
Why the foundation began
Good neighbors. A helping hand.
The needs that brought us together, and the people who helped get the foundation started.
Welcome to Heart of American Homes
From our heart to yours
The foundation began when a group of agents and brokers from Coldwell Banker American Homes kept meeting needs that fell through the cracks: a copay, a piece of equipment insurance would not cover, a family with nowhere to stay after a fire.
Today the foundation brings together local people, businesses, and volunteers to help individuals and families across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens through those moments. Help is practical, personal, and given with respect for each family's privacy.
How we help
Practical help for neighbors across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. Each request is reviewed individually to see whether, and how, the foundation can help.
Medical expenses
Copays, medication, or equipment that insurance does not cover.
After a home fire
Immediate needs such as a hotel deposit or a temporary place to stay.
Accessibility
Materials for a wheelchair ramp, or a ride to an appointment.
Family hardship
Bills that pile up when illness keeps someone out of work, or the costs that follow a death in the family.
Help a neighbor
through a difficult moment.
Every gift goes toward a neighbor's need, whether that is a copay, a hotel deposit, or a month of bills. Choose an amount to make a one-time donation.
You'll enter your payment details securely with Stripe, then return here for confirmation.
- Raised
- $750,000
- Distributed
- $580,000
- Situations helped
- 250+
Our Fundraisers
Community events and everyday generosity fund the help the foundation gives. Requests are considered as funds allow.
Current campaign
Miles To Home
Walk, run, or ride with your office to support the foundation's veteran initiatives. Separate from the foundation's general assistance fund.
Community fundraising and ongoing support
Past fundraiser
Empire State Ride
Michael Simms took on the ride to raise money for cancer research and treatment, honoring his father's memory.
Agent contributions
Giving through our work
Coldwell Banker American Homes agents can choose to give a voluntary contribution from their real estate transactions. Business partners and individual donors give alongside them.
Community fundraising
Community raffles
Our raffles bring supporters together to raise funds for the foundation's work.
Our Board Members
Our board brings local experience, time, and care to the foundation's work.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Anthony “Tony” Ellis
Board Member
-
Cherita Brown
Board Member
-
Evan Marrow
Board Member
-
Renee Vitullo
Board Member
-
Jim McKenna Sr.
Board Member
-
Patrice Silvestri
Board Member
-
Aruna Sood
Board Member
-
Grace Blank
Board Member
-
Jennifer Johnson
Board Member
-
Nicole Craigwell
Board Member
Joe Ricco Biography
Parliamentarian / Family Services Evaluation Committee
Joe brings his own experience of receiving help during hard times to the foundation. He serves on the Family Services Evaluation Committee and believes in paying that kindness forward.
Debra Asher Biography
Chairperson of the By-Laws committee
Debra brings experience in real estate training and business development to the foundation. She chairs the By-Laws committee.
Lisa Testagrose Biography
Board Member
Lisa has taken an active role in fundraising for the PTA, youth organizations, and Easter Seals. She works with her peers to support the foundation and the surrounding community.
Marie Asher Biography
Chairperson for the Family Service Committee
Marie brings a background in healthcare, nursing, and community service to her work with the foundation. Her volunteer experience includes blood drives and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Nancy Kalberer Biography
The Marketing Board
Nancy has volunteered with service organizations, her church, and the Wantagh Kiwanis Club. She brings that commitment to community outreach and fundraising to the foundation.
Sheila Olsen Biography
Member
Sheila helps evaluate requests for assistance through the Family Services Evaluation Committee. Her work focuses on helping the foundation respond to people facing hardship.
Facing an unexpected hardship?
If you or someone you know is dealing with a medical bill, a home fire, a funeral, or another sudden setback, reach out. You can also ask at any Coldwell Banker American Homes office. A small committee reviews each request to understand the situation and decide how the foundation can help.
Grant request form (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- contact@heartofamericanhomes.org
- 516-796-8900 Mon-Fri 9:00 to 5:00
- 1856 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow, NY 11554
Your time can make a difference, too.
Not every kind of help is a check. A ride to an appointment, a repair, professional advice, or a few hours at a fundraiser all make a difference. Tell us what you can offer.
Photo Gallery
Moments from A Night at the Races, where friends and neighbors came together in support of the foundation.
Our Sponsors
Local businesses whose support helps the foundation answer requests throughout the year.
