Building Community Through Service: Drucker + Falk Team Members Unite for Keep America Beautiful Initiative

In an era where political climates can often feel divisive and community spirit sometimes overshadowed by the rush of modern life, the team at Drucker + Falk (DF) has shone a beacon of unity and environmental responsibility. Over 250 employees of this leading multifamily management company used their annual 'Day of Giving' to participate in 17 clean-up events spanning 7 states. Their dedication culminated in 883 hours of volunteer service aimed at beautifying public spaces and nurturing a sense of community pride.

From June 12, 2024, the DF team members were seen donning gloves and wielding trash bags in locations ranging from serene nature trails and bustling downtown areas to local parks, beaches, and schools. With volunteers across Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, the effort was no small feat. Collectively, they amassed over 275 bags and buckets of trash, significantly improving these localities while underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship.

For a community that values fostering connections and inclusivity, these efforts are more than just acts of cleaning; they are symbols of solidarity. LGBTQ individuals, who often have to work harder to create and maintain spaces where they feel safe and valued, understand the transformative power of communal action. Through their work with Keep America Beautiful, DF employees showcased the impact of unified efforts on both the environment and community cohesion.

Tarra Secrest, Director of Marketing for Drucker + Falk, highlighted the company’s commitment to community service, stating, "We prioritize creating impactful volunteer opportunities for our team members throughout the year. Whether partnering with inspiring nonprofits or organizing our own initiatives, this focus on giving back allows us to make a real difference in our local communities. The recent events to create a more beautiful America not only resulted in improved spaces but fostered team building through service."

This sentiment was echoed by Wendy Drucker, Managing Director for Drucker + Falk, who shared, "I've always felt that time giving back is time well spent. Having the opportunity to serve alongside our team members was truly rewarding and I look forward to future opportunities to do so again. While DF organized this year's impressive lineup of clean-up events, it's our team members that make them happen. Coming together across 7 states for so many events had a significant impact and we couldn't be more proud of their participation."

For many LGBTQ people, who may find themselves excluded from traditional family structures or community events, participating in initiatives that serve the broader community can be a way to forge meaningful connections. The act of coming together, side-by-side, working towards a common goal mirrors the collective efforts seen within our own paradisiacal Pride spaces. Volunteering not only enhances the environment but also strengthens bonds between people, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and belonging.

The initiative forms part of DF's larger, ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Initiatives like these not only showcase the company's values but also inspire employees to carry forward these principles in their everyday lives, shaping the culture both within and beyond the workplace.

The 2024 Keep America Beautiful clean-up drive by Drucker + Falk employees not only left behind cleaner parks, nature trails, and public spaces, but also planted seeds of unity, illustrating the profound effect of community service. These efforts are a reminder that communal action, driven by empathy and commitment, has the power to transform our surroundings and strengthen our connections to one another—principles that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ community.

For those looking to contribute to making their environments more vibrant and inclusive, further information on similar initiatives can be found through Keep America Beautiful. Let’s continue to take these lessons back into our own lives, creating spaces that celebrate and uphold our shared values.