From an elegant fundraising gala in Toronto to grassroots efforts in our local communities and support for the important work of nonprofits, our agents are united by a shared purpose. They’re determined to make meaningful change in the lives of others.
Across offices and markets, they’ve championed causes close to their hearts this year—including housing access, clean water, youth mentorship, and the arts. The Agency’s deep-rooted culture of care is woven into everything we do, and it continues to create lasting impact in the communities we serve and in the lives of individuals across the globe. Let’s take a look at some of the fundraising, volunteer work, in-kind donations, and nonprofit support our team has contributed in 2025.
The Agency Canada Hosts Successful Fundraising Gala
The Agency recently held the Giveback Homes Charity Gala at the beautiful and historic Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario. The event raised $25,000 USD for Giveback Homes and Habitat for Humanity. The elegant evening gala was held on Friday, June 20, 2025, and was attended by top-producing agents in the region, as well as The Agency’s CEO and Founder, Mauricio Umansky.
Giveback Homes will work in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need, helping to lay the foundation for a brighter future. The event was a collaboration between our corporate headquarters, generous sponsors, and was presented by several of The Agency Canada’s offices. These included The Agency Waterloo Region, Oakville, Muskoka, Brant County, Toronto West, York Region, Niagara, and Halifax—all led by Managing Partner and Broker of Record Katia Bailey.
The event venue, Casa Loma, was built in 1914 in the style of a castle. Owned by the City of Toronto, the treasured heritage landmark serves as a hospitality and entertainment venue in what is now midtown Toronto. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, gourmet food stations, and a cocktail reception with a live DJ, as well as surprise performances throughout the event.
To learn more about The Agency’s ongoing philanthropic efforts or to make a donation to Giveback Homes, please visit donate.givebackhomes.com.
The Agency Seattle Builds on Its Red Heart Legacy
The Agency Seattle was among the first recipients of The Agency’s Red Heart Award, an honor given annually since 2021 to the office within our global community that demonstrates a deep commitment to driving positive change and advancing The Agency’s philanthropic mission.
Our Pacific Northwest team continues to exemplify these ideals. Cyrus O’Bryant, a broker with The Agency Seattle, was recently honored by the YMCA of Snohomish County with the Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year award, and Leilani Aktepy recently fulfilled her lifelong dream by donating a portion of her liver to provide a lifesaving transplant for a stranger in need.
The Agency Seattle’s Managing Partner, Jen Cameron, serves on the board Augie’s Quest, and supports the ALS community alongside her husband. Together, they host an annual golf tournament fundraiser in the region to help support efforts to find a cure for ALS.
Along the West Coast, more members of The Agency family are sharing their passion for giving.
The Agency Orange County
Ann E. Metzger works from The Agency Orange County office and is involved with a Laguna Beach–founded nonprofit called With My Own Two Hands, which brings sustainable clean water and agriculture solutions to communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. “I’ve joined them on the ground in Kenya several times, witnessing firsthand the power of these projects—and the women they uplift,” shares Ann. “The work we support is not just about water, it’s about transformation.”
Ann recently visited a project site where the nonprofit helped to install a solar-powered deep water well that now provides clean water to irrigate fields to help grow crops tended by local women, and sold to nearby villages. The resulting income helps pay for their children’s schooling. “It’s a full-circle model of dignity, empowerment, and resilience,” says Ann.
The Agency Portland
Kristen Downer of The Agency Portland has been fundraising to provide support for Water 4 Kids International (W4KI), a division of Hope 4 Kids International. The 501 (c) 3 nonprofit uses a holistic approach to promote safe water access and bring lasting safe water and equity solutions to communities in need through deep-well drilling, hygiene and sanitation education, as well as water chain awareness.
Kristen recently hit a milestone, raising enough funds to drill a well in a small village in Katapala, Uganda, whose population currently relies on contaminated water. “The well will bring them safe, clean water—a true lifesaver for the entire community,” says Kristen. The W4KI organization was inspired to create Agents of Change, a designation specifically for real estate professionals wanting to make a difference in the lives of people around the globe.
The Agency Beverly Hills
Tony O’Brien of The Agency Beverly Hills recently partnered with Kidsave, a nonprofit that helps older foster children find their forever homes. These children are at a greater risk of becoming unhoused, with over 30% ending up on the street within one year of aging out of the system. “I’ve launched a community fundraiser page and I create content around it on my Instagram and TikTok,” says Tony. “I’m also committing 10% of my business profit to Kidsave.”
The Agency Scottsdale
Photo courtesy of Cyn Sylva
Scottsdale artist and real estate professional Cyn Silva has donated her beautiful paintings to countless nonprofit organizations and fundraising events, including The Surfrider Foundation Los Angeles, The Scottsdale Saguaros Foundation, and the Oligo Nation Foundation for cancer research.
“Philanthropy is deeply woven into my heart and art practice,” says Cyn. “Over the past four years, I’ve donated my art to numerous organizations, primarily here in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I now live and create.”
For a complete list of the charities and fundraising events to which Cyn has contributed her art pieces, please visit the philanthropy page and art donations section of Cyn’s website.
The Agency Austin
Photo Courtesy of Players Reach
As a former NFL athlete and now a respected real estate professional, The Agency Austin’s Peyton Thompson has merged his platform with purpose by founding Players Reach. The nonprofit organization empowers underserved youth through mentorship, sports, and education initiatives. By drafting local community leaders, the charity’s mission is to mentor Austin’s youth into becoming successful future leaders, creating a lasting impact in their lives and throughout the Austin community.
Ana Ruelas, also of the Agency Austin, devotes her time and energy to actively serving as a volunteer on nonprofit boards. Ana’s focus is on supporting education, women and children, the arts, youth mentorship, and the Latino community. Her heart for uplifting her community through service has impacted a long list of organizations, including Players Reach, The Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, Giveback Homes, Habitat for Humanity, Latinitas and more.
“My approach has always been one of hands-on involvement, raising funds, volunteering time, and building awareness for the incredible work these organizations do every day,” says Ana. “Giving back is not something I do, it’s who I am.”
While these generous efforts span North America, they’re rooted in the same core values of collaboration and service upon which The Agency was built. Giving is woven into the fabric of who we are as a company and we’re proud to work with agents who share in our mission to support meaningful causes and improve the lives of others.
