The History of AvalonBay’s Spirit of Caring
Rooted in our core value of A Spirit of Caring, AvalonBay has a long-standing history of building strong communities by giving back. 2016 marks the 5th year of celebrating our annual Spirit of Caring Month, but making a difference in the neighborhoods where we live and work has always been part of our DNA.
In October of 2008 we rallied 3,200 residents and employees across 41 cities to take part in national “Make a Difference Day”. Activities included 75 volunteers winterizing homes for needy seniors, 55 workers painting an elementary school and donating $1,700 for musical instruments and 5 communities banding together for a walkathon that raised $8,000 for a paralyzed resident. Our activities were featured in USA Weekend and the $10,000 “Make A Difference Award” we received from Newman’s Own was donated to the American Red Cross.
Spirit of Caring Month: Through the Years
In 2012, the idea was born to dedicate an entire month to AvalonBay’s core value of “A Spirit of Caring”. The first year was such a success, that this month of giving back has become an annual tradition, occurring each fall. Associates across the country join together in volunteerism, while we hold a donation drive at every Avalon, eaves by Avalon and AVA community, to collect items for our philanthropy partners and those in need.
We deepened our commitment in 2015, and launched our Building Strong Communities philanthropy and community engagement strategy, which focuses on community preparedness and disaster relief, affordable housing, and support for the disadvantaged. So, although we still continue the Spirit of Caring Month tradition, giving back is a priority for AvalonBay throughout the year. 2016 marks our 5th annual Spirit of Caring Month and we hope you will join us in creating a better way to live by giving back!
Click to see learn more about Spirit of Caring Month throughout the years: