First American’s Maricopa County resale escrow branches recently hosted several fundraisers in support of the BIG Outside Project. Thanks to the generosity of both employees and customers, the twenty branches were able to raise a collective $11,300 for the project.
The BIG Outside Project is a proposed outdoor space for the Cardon Children’s Medical Center, located in Maricopa County, Ariz. Built in 2009, the center is the area’s only pediatric hospital and often sees specialized cases that require long-term hospital stays. While the center is well-equipped to entertain patients indoors with its wide array of toys and playrooms, the hospital does not currently have an outdoor space for children to get fresh air and exercise. “A lot of these kids have downtime in between procedures and appointments,” said Chip Carmer, senior vice president for First American’s direct division’s mountain region. “Without a designated outdoor space, the kids currently spend their outdoor time walking around the parking lot.”
“When Chip approached Arizona state manger Anne McCauley and asked if our team could pitch in and help raise funds to build a healing garden at Cardon Children’s Medical Center, he knew we would deliver results.”
The proposed outdoor area funded by the BIG Outside Project will be a multipurpose space, complete with an amphitheater, bicycle tracks, walking paths, a miniature golf course, basketball courts and Zen gardens. Though the project’s focus is on the patients, the space will also be used by parents and staff. Physical therapists can use play-related equipment to break the tedium of their patients’ exercises. Additionally, the quiet garden areas provide a space for parents to recharge from the draining reality of having a hospitalized child.
“When Chip approached Arizona state manger Anne McCauley and asked if our team could pitch in and help raise funds to build a healing garden at Cardon Children’s Medical Center, he knew we would deliver results,” said executive assistant Shawn Hambright, who helped plan the fundraisers alongside Arizona sales manager Scott Goddard and senior account manager Kylie Rice. The group first sold Fourth of July t-shirts and sent emails to employees and customers alike advertising the fundraiser. Participating offices were able to sell 750 t-shirts and raised $8,500 for the BIG Outside Project.
The branches also hosted a series of ice cream socials, which the team advertised across social media and email to the entire Maricopa client base. All of the branch account managers purchased ice cream and set up areas in office lobbies and conference rooms to serve the cold treats to clients. Thanks to the generosity of the customers and the scorching summer heat, these ice cream sales raised $2,800.
Cardon Children’s Medical Center is one of 23 hospitals operated by the non-profit organization Banner Health. Chip, who is a member of the Banner Health Foundation’s Board of Directors, has seen the center’s impact on its patients and their families first-hand: “Even though the center is only nine years old, its beds are almost always full.” Cardon’s relies on philanthropy projects to cover costs such as renovations and new medical equipment. The current fundraising goal for the BIG Outside project is $500,000.
“It’s rewarding to see our employees band together with our customers to make a difference for these patients,” said Chip. “They need a space where they can just be kids.”
Human services are one of First American’s core focus areas within the company’s philanthropic and community service program, Caring for Our Community. The company and its employees support organizations that provide access to services, education, benefits and opportunities for the disadvantaged. With its dedication to providing the community’s children with exceptional and personalized medical care, Cardon’s shares First American’s commitment to those in need.
Fundraising for the BIG Outside Project is ongoing. According to Shawn, all twenty branches will continue to sell ice cream throughout the remaining summer months. Additionally, the branches will host bingo competitions in September to continue raising funds for the project. “It’s rewarding to see our employees band together with our customers to make a difference for these patients,” said Chip. “They need a space where they can just be kids.”
