Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Home Office

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty raised more than $15,000 and donated 547 backpacks filled with school supplies for Northeast Florida children during its 22^nd Annual Backpack Challenge.

From left, Linda Sherrer, Kevin Waugaman and Ann King with USO of Greater Jacksonville representatives

The backpacks filled with school supplies were donated to Northeast Florida schools and family/youth-centered organizations including Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, AMI Kids, the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, Grace United Methodist Church in Lawtey, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mayport Elementary School, Operation New Hope, Osceola Elementary School in St. Augustine, the USO of Greater Jacksonville and World Golf Village area schools.

From left, Kimberly Donahue, Holly Hayes, Elizabeth Hudgins, Liz Snead, Nely Lanier, Sarah Alexander and Ann King

During the campaign, monetary donations as well as new backpacks and school supplies were collected at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty offices throughout Northeast Florida. The company used the donated funds to purchase additional backpacks and school supplies for local students in kindergarten through grade 12.

From left, Marisa Barbieri, Margaret Ceaser, Mary Grimes, Katie O’Connell (principal, Mayport Elementary) and Kevin Waugaman

The company’s Beaches branch office collected $5,000, which was matched by an anonymous donor, for a $10,000 donation. In addition to purchasing backpacks and school supplies, the company presented five $1,000 checks to AMI Kids, the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mayport Elementary School, and Operation New Hope for the organizations to use as needed.

From left, Donna Hodges and Darby Stubberfield, Vice President of Development, Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida

With the support of her contributors, Realtor Donna Hodges of the company’s Mandarin branch office donated more than 68 backpacks to the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida. The donation marked a new personal record for Hodges, who has participated in the company’s Backpack Challenge for many years.

From left, Nathalie Mockler, Liz Bobeck, Leighton Tesche, Kimberly Waterhouse, Norma Albano, Heather Cosgrove, Carla Bahri and Josh Cohen

“Words cannot express how much we appreciate the numerous donations and generous funding we received from our Realtors, employees, clients and the community during The Backpack Challenge,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty CEO Kevin Waugaman. “It is so important for students to have the tools they need for success, and we truly appreciate the support to help make a difference in the lives of children and families in our communities.”

From left, Sheron Willson and Ann King