Pardee Homes Celebrates a Holiday of Giving
Valencia, CA, Jan. 1, 2009 —The wintry sparkle only snow can bring added to fun and festivities at Carousel Ranch on December 14, as Pardee Homes hosted Santa Day for the second consecutive year at this Santa Clarita equestrian ranch, which was created in 1997 for children with special needs. Warmed by hot drinks and munching tasty holiday fare, kids, parents, staff and Pardee Homes’ Los Angeles/Ventura counties division employees joined in the celebration. Also assisting were student volunteers from Canyon High and West Ranch High Schools.
“An employee lunch is one way to celebrate, but we get more holiday spirit doing something special for others, and we were delighted to devote our ‘lunch money’ to Carousel Ranch,” said Jim Bizzelle, vice president of community development for Pardee Homes’ LA/Ventura division. “We enjoyed every minute of our time here last year and we were very happy to return!”
Via their office Christmas tree ornamented with 100 children’s names, Pardee Homes’ employees provided gifts for every child who comes to Carousel Ranch for its program of therapeutic horseback riding. As Santa Day sponsor, the company also provided a corral full of snow, drinks and treats and of course, a special visit from Santa, who came to hear wishes and help distribute the children’s gifts.
“We sincerely thank Pardee Homes for going all out for the kids of Carousel Ranch, particularly with such difficult times in the forefront,” said Denise Tomey, Carousel Ranch Executive Director. “Because this company put our special kids and their families first during holiday season, we were able to stage a terrific party and cozy, memorable time for all, and we could not be more appreciative of Pardee Homes!”
Pardee Homes added to Santa Day by contributing to sponsorships for therapy sessions at Carousel Ranch. “The work being done here for special needs kids is truly impressive, so we wanted to add to the party fun with a gift that will assist the Ranch kids in the coming year,” said Bizzelle.
Pardee Homes’ Holiday of Giving is in its fourth year, and is celebrated throughout the company’s regional operations. In each, employees give back in many ways, according to Mike McGee, president and chief executive officer.
“Each regional office has embraced a local charity and designed a program of giving and support to help make the holidays extra special for those in need,” said McGee. “Using the funds that would have gone toward a holiday luncheon, our employees work together to continue our company’s long tradition of philanthropic outreach, and as always, many add the gift of time and personalized holiday cheer from their own resources.”
In addition to the Carousel Ranch in Santa Clarita, the LA/Ventura division dedicated a portion of its 2008 funding to the Santa Clarita Food Pantry and to the Domestic Violence Shelter of Santa Clarita. This division also assisted Pardee Homes’ corporate offices with help for the RAIN Shelter in Camarillo.
Company-wide, monies used in lieu of the luncheons represent all Pardee Homes’ offices in California and Nevada. Other organizations that benefited from Pardee Homes 2007 Holiday Giving program include the King Hall transition house in Riverside, the Polinsky Children’s Center Foundation in San Diego and HomeAid and the Shade Tree shelter in Las Vegas.
Bizzelle said this year’s Holiday Giving builds on the success of each preceding year’s program, and reflects the company’s year-around support on behalf of the homeless, youth and medical research. “Regardless of economic conditions, the giving spirit stays alive and well at Pardee Homes, especially at holiday time,” said Bizzelle. “ “We are pleased to enrich our year-around efforts of supporting the communities in which we build.”
Originating in 1921, Pardee Homes is recognized for quality new homes, responsive customer service and dedication to the civic goals of the communities in which it builds. Pardee Homes is active in California and Nevada, with regional offices in San Diego, Corona, Valencia and Las Vegas.
