Community Service Day 2023 

Once a year, amidst the hustle and bustle of real estate transactions and property listings, the dedicated agents, and staff here at Windermere Mill Creek make a detour from our regular routine and head out to serve a cause on Community Service Day. This year our spirited office got hands-on and partnered with the Mill Creek Y to help revitalize their Community Garden.

Managing Broker Diana Hill captured this photo before the work began!

Now, you might be wondering, what the Mill Creek Y Community Garden?

I must confess. I had not heard of the garden before our Community Service Day event. Luckily, I had a great point of contact to provide clarity on the whole thing. According to Dana Hendricks, former Director of Enrichment Programs – Development and Inclusion of the YMCA of Snohomish County, current Y Board Member, AND a Realtor in our office:

“The garden was created to bring the community together, to learn how to garden and to share fresh produce with the food bank. Over the years I was able to create programming for summer camps and seasonal family classes. We grew the garden from 8 beds and a handful of volunteers to over 20 beds; later adding a green house and composting area. We had it separated into two areas. One side was known as the children’s/family garden and the other side was more community based.”

The “Before”

How Did It Start?

Dana went on to say that the idea was planted into her mind through a conversation with a community member about a neighborhood pea patch. Recognizing the untapped potential of the Y’s unused outdoor space, Y members got to work and repurposed the area into two gardens. The gardens have had several transformations since their inception. In the past, the children’s garden provided an enrichment area that housed bunnies! I can only imagine the joy that created for the kids at the Y.

Brett Bunn happily manning the wheelbarrow!

Who does it benefit?

In Hendrick’s own words: “Prior to covid it was a hub of action that served children and adults. We taught community members how to build tower gardens for those that had small spaces. We had garden volunteer dinners inside the garden, and many friendships were made and have continued for nearly a decade. Now, we have a new set of volunteers that are growing fresh produce for the food bank as well as growing some for themselves. It’s wonderful to be part of something that helps so many people.”

Preston Kallshian, Brian O’Donnell, and George Montemor building up the sidewalls of the raised garden beds.

How can somebody volunteer or donate to the cause?

“Right now, the work has been done for this year. The best time to volunteer would be at the end of the season or early in April when the work begins again.”

The “After”

What happened on the day of Community Service Day!

Now, let’s talk about the grand event that was Community Service Day. Mother Nature decided to rain on our parade. Quite literally, but that didn’t dampen our spirits one bit. We had a group of enthusiastic staff and agents come together, armed with smiles and determination, to tackle this project head-on. We battled weeds, laid down underlayment, hauled and spread bark, and gave some much-needed TLC to a few broken-down raised garden beds. Afterwards, the garden looked sparkling new! It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of lending a helping hand. We’re proud to continue this tradition of giving back to the communities where our Windermere team lives, works, and plays!

Although community service day has come to an end, we will continue to give.

But wait, there’s more! Our office isn’t done yet. We’re committed to supporting our community throughout the year with similar initiatives. Next up on our agenda is the Second Annual Cruise-In Car Show Charity Event! The proceeds from this exciting extravaganza will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County, Boys and Girls Club, the Mill Creek Food Bank, and the Windermere Foundation. So, stay tuned, because there’s always something amazing on the horizon! That’s a wrap on the tale of Community Service Day 2023. In the words of my mother, many hands make light work, and together, we can make a real difference in our community. Until next time, keep spreading those good vibes!

Thank you to everyone who came (not all pictured here)

On behalf of the office, THANK YOU to the agents and staff who showed up and made the work fun, fast, and impactful!

Ivona Andreeva | Brett Bunn | Bernard Franklin | Shellie Fredrich | Jessica Griffin | Georgia Hart | Chris & Diana Hill| Scott Hill| Teresa Hollenbeck | Kerriann Jenkins | Preston Kallshian | Adriana Madison | Diane Miller | George Montemor | Darren & Gwen Munson | Brian O’Donnell | Crystal Poncia | Chasity Rodriguez | Roxanne Santiago | Nicole Tatom | Lynette Thomas | Janet Young | Shari Landrie |

Kerriann Jenkins