RASM Recognizes Humanitarian in Quarter 2 | July 2021 ELEVATE Magazine

Humanitarian of the Quarter for Q2: Holly Switow

RASM has established a Humanitarian Award to be bestowed quarterly, designed to recognize the Realtors® who are doing great things in our community. The RASM Community Outreach Committee has proudly recognized Holly Switow, Realtor® with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, as the “Humanitarian of the Quarter” recipient for the second Quarter of 2021.

In addition to being a busy and successful Realtor®, Holly has spent much of her free time over the past six years volunteering with Everyday Blessings, Inc. (EBI). She is also an active member of the EBI Board of Directors. EBI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides full residential care for children from the Tampa to Sarasota area, ranging in age from newborn through 17 years old, who have been removed from their previous home due to issues of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The organization provides the children with full-time, live-in caregivers, creating a “family” atmosphere of love and support.

HOW SHE STARTED

Getting involved with EBI was a natural fit for Holly and tied in perfectly with her role as a Realtor®.

“A close friend of mine was doing some volunteer work with Everyday Blessings and shared some of their needs with me,” said Holly. “Being a Realtor®, she knew that I have connections with a lot of people and businesses. One day, the center needed sofas, so I would ask around to see who could help. Then, she would ask about donations to take the kids to the movies or donate meals to help give the house mom a break. So many people in my office, and clients as well, felt called to help. I eventually brought my own boys to go visit and play with the children and make dinner together. These children have been through so much. It’s really heartbreaking to see what they’re going through, and they crave the same love and support that all children need.”

GOLF SCRAMBLE

Holly also participates in EBI’s Annual Sarasota/ Manatee Area Golf Scramble, which raises support and awareness through sponsors and area businesses. Now in its ninth year, the popular event also raises much-needed funds through a raffle and auction of hundreds of goods and services, graciously donated by the community. “The Golf Scramble is a great event that draws attention every year, and we’re always looking for donations and volunteers,” said Holly.

The organization’s Sarasota Springboard golf outing is coming up on October 25, 2021. It will be at the Legacy Golf and Country Club in Lakewood Ranch.

HELP AT THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays can be especially difficult for children in need, and Everyday Blessings goes above and beyond to make the holiday special. “They provide the kids a holiday experience through a Christmas Shop,” said Holly. “The children can pick out several presents that have been graciously donated, and it’s so much fun for them. We work hard to provide a really nice experience, and the kids can invite friends, or a parent or grandparent that might still be in their lives.”

EBI SPRINGBOARD SARASOTA

Many children who live at EBI stay until they are 17 years old. At this point, EBI’s goal is to provide an independent living situation for their children who transition into young adults.

EBI SpringBoard is an innovative program, designed to meet the needs of young adults aged 18-22 who are participating in the Extended Foster Care Program. This program provides quality, conveniently located, homes in Sarasota. In addition, young adults are provided with realworld life skills, training, tutoring, and mentoring to help them find careers and become self-sufficient members of society. Sadly, many times children who age out of foster care do not have the tools to support themselves.

“The EBI Springboard program is a wonderful support to these kids to help them gain independence, and acclimate them to the real world. Like all the services EBI provides, I am so proud of this program and the kids who are shaped by it,” said Holly.

Everyday Blessings and the EBI Springboard program are working diligently day and night to provide quality, loving homes for our community children who are living without families of their own – something that so much of us take for granted. These worthy programs are in need of our financial and volunteer support to continue doing their good work. For more information, visit www.everydayblessingsinc.org.

RASM sincerely thanks Holly Switow, and all our members who volunteer and give to our community and make a difference in the lives of others. To nominate someone for the RASM Humanitarian Award, email outreach@myrasm.com.