Community November 29, 2021

Our Community Involvement in 2021

We love Bainbridge Island and our community involvement is an important part of how we operate. So, we thought we would take a moment to share how our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has been involved this year. By doing so, we hope to spread awareness about some of the great events and non-profits that you can connect to and support as well.

Annual Support

We’ve proudly supported Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) for years. Since 1962, they’ve worked hard to “promote the social and emotional well-being of adolescents and young adults” through a variety of services including free, confidential counseling, and peer tutoring.

Another youth-centered organization that we support on an annual basis is the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. They offer a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. When the pandemic began, our local Boys & Girls Club chapter began offering discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.

PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap has been helping pets and their people for 45 years, and we love supporting their efforts. PAWS is a volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare organization. Their services include pet adoption, spay/neuter assistance, pet retention counseling, humane care for elderly cats, and veterinary financial assistance. They have been helping cats and dogs find loving homes since 1975.

Community Events

Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk is a vibrant event, and we love participating in it. It happens the first Friday of every month and it’s a fun way to enjoy local artists’ creations and live music while having a bite to eat and chatting with neighbors and friends. This tradition is brought to you by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. This year, we moved our office to downtown Winslow Way, and we’ve loved highlighting local artists and musicians during the Art Walk. We will continue to do so in the new year.

Another fun event we look forward to each year is Shred Fest. It’s a free event where you can safely and securely shred old documents and recycle old electronics. We love to host this event because it helps people get organized and recycle. And, it’s always fun when friends and clients stop by.

Every year, all Windermere offices close for Community Service Day so that we can give back to the communities we serve. This year, some of us helped with the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, which works to “conserve and steward the diverse natural environments of Bainbridge Island for the benefit of all”. They’ve protected 1, 471 acres to date and provided 1,102 public acres. Additionally, we hosted an online fundraiser in an effort to further support Bainbridge Youth Services.

Every year, we participate in Pacific Northwest Title’s annual food drive. This year marked their 17th year. There are many in need in our community, and a food drive is an easy way to give back. In fact, in Kitsap County, approximately one-third of adults are food insecure and over a third of local children are in need of free and reduced lunch. Our local food banks serve about 48,000 residents per year.

This year we also supported Kitsap Humane Society‘s drive sponsored by Pacific Northwest Title, and we promoted Kitsap Humane Society for Kitsap Great Give. Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming pets, Kitsap Humane Society has been serving our community since 1908. It’s one of the leading animal welfare organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Last year alone, KHS rehomed 3,676 animals. Check out our video promoting Kitsap Humane Society, which features some of our agents and their pets.

 

Other fun events that we were happy to support this year include Hometown Halloween and the senior class graduation parade.

Additionally, a couple of our agents sponsored some of the studios for the Bainbridge Island Studio Art Tour. This free, self-guided tour celebrates locally made art. It’s a chance to appreciate local artisans, see works in progress, and purchase beautiful art. The Winter Studio Tour 2021 was December 3rd – 5th. If you weren’t able to attend, you can explore the featured artists’ work online.

Windermere Foundation, Bainbridge Island

A portion of every agent’s commission is donated to the Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island. All of our agents participate, and we’re also proud to be part of the broader Windermere Foundation. It impacts communities across 10 states and we’ve collectively raised over $41 million for programs that provide shelter, food, children’s programs, and more.

Every year, our Foundation awards two or three Bainbridge High School graduates a total of $6,000 in scholarships based on their community service, academic achievement, and financial need. We have also supported a variety of local nonprofits. This year we awarded grants to Peacock Family Services, Helpline House, Arms Around Bainbridge, Housing Resources Bainbridge, and Bainbridge Youth Services. All of these organizations strengthen our community, providing vital resources and support to those in need.

While we recognize that there are many different ways to give back, we’re proud of what we’ve done so far. If you’re looking to get more involved in our community, we hope this has sparked some ideas. We should note that our agents also support a variety of charities on their own. So this only reflects our office-wide community involvement.

Community January 14, 2021

New Agent Spotlight: Ashley Mathews

We’re excited to highlight our new Broker, Ashley Mathews. Highly involved in our community, Ashley is passionate about helping people. She has a background in marketing and a range of industry experiences. Read on to find out more!

What unique professional skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?

I started working at my mom’s travel agency at around 12 years old, which taught me organization in a transactional industry. After stints as a realtor in the fast-paced New York City market, I moved on to the marketing side of the business. I am a marketer at heart and bring the combination of my marketing expertise to my transactional knowledge of real estate, which benefits my clients.

What drew you to real estate?

Real estate has been the backdrop to my life for as long as I can remember. I love the ever-changing landscape, market conditions, and being able to impact someone’s life in such a monumental way.

How long have you lived here and what brought you here?

I have lived on Bainbridge Island for 12 years. I moved here from New York City after meeting a man from Bainbridge Island. He is now my husband of ten years.

Ashley Mathews Bainbridge Broker and husband

What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?

I think it’s important to be a good listener, have the ability to roll with the punches, have a good sense of humor, and possess dedication and integrity.

What area do you serve and what do you love about it?

I serve Bainbridge Island and have a great deal of first-hand knowledge of Bainbridge’s unique neighborhoods, having lived in downtown Winslow, Fletcher Bay, the Sand Spit, and Pleasant Beach. I love its beauty and the fact that it can be whatever one desires. Sometimes I enjoy its quiet serenity. Other times, I want to enjoy one of our award-winning restaurants. There is something here for everyone.

What made you decide to work with Windermere?

My passion for service has always made me a fan of the Windermere Foundation and its work. The Windermere Brokers on Bainbridge Island have such a great reputation and I wanted to be on their team. Blue is also my favorite color.

How are you involved in the community?

I serve as a board member for the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and I serve as Planning Commissioner for the City of Bainbridge Island. Additionally, I serve as the Chair of the Board Development Committee for Treehouse For Kids and sit on its Board of Directors Executive Committee. For over a decade, I’ve been involved in Bainbridge Island’s vibrant equestrian community and am a member of the Bainbridge Island Saddle Club. I love the arts and have performed with the Bainbridge Chorale and on the Bainbridge Performing Arts stage in “Chicago” and “Cats”. I am also a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I have a 19-year-old daughter who inspires me every day as she navigates our new normal as a college freshman, as well as a beautiful and not so smart Doberman named Grace and a beautiful and very smart horse named Nektonia. I love to meet new Islanders so if you see me come say hi. Human connection is so important these days.

We’re so glad that Ashley Mathews has joined us. We know her local expertise and her integrity make her an excellent choice for buyers and sellers. You can connect with her on Facebook or through her website

Community September 29, 2020

Windermere Partners with Seahawks again to Tackle Homelessness

We are honored to be the “Official Real Estate Company of the Seattle Seahawks.” All of us at Windermere are proud to kick off our fifth season partnering with the Seahawks to #TackleHomelessness. 

Our Tackle Homelessness Campaign

For every defensive tackle made at a Seahawks home game this season, Windermere will donate $100 to Mary’s Place. Mary’s Place provides safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children, and families on their journey out of homelessness. This cherished, essential organization has served the homeless community of greater Seattle since 1999.

With the Seahawks’ defensive efforts last year, Windermere donated $30,000 to Mary’s Place. This brought our grand total to $128,200 raised over the past four seasons! We look forward to raising even more this year.

The History of Our Foundation

Our partnership with Mary’s Place aligns with the mission of the Windermere Foundation: to support low-income and homeless families in the communities we serve. Please visit this link if you wish to donate directly to Mary’s Place and their imperative work.

Since 1989, the Windermere Foundation has been raising funds for those in need. A portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold using a Windermere agent supports low-income and homeless families in our communities. In 2019, we reached a new milestone by raising nearly $3 million, bringing the grand total to over $40 million in donations raised over the past 31 years.

We are excited to continue our partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and you can follow our progress this season on our social media pages. Follow us on FacebookInstagramTwitter, and LinkedIn for updates. Go Hawks!

Community February 7, 2020

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2019 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $52,475 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2019. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Bainbridge Island School Foundation | 2019 Dinner and Auction Gala

Bainbridge Youth Services | Annual Sponsorship

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Peacock Family Services

Arms Around Bainbridge

Bainbridge Youth Services | Additional Funding

Bainbridge Island Senior Center

Island Time Activities

Boys and Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu | Annual Sponsorship

Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Foundation | Shred Fest Sponsorship

Bainbridge Island Land Trust | Preservation Partners Party

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

PAWS | Gala and Auction

Community January 18, 2019

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2018 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $56,550 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2018. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge Schools Foundation

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Program

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Peacock Family Services

Bainbridge Youth Services

Bainbridge Island Senior Center

Island Time Activities

Salish Sea Expeditions

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu

Bainbridge Land Trust

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Cynthia Lait Art | Bainbridge Island Community Mural

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Community January 12, 2018

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2017 Donations

 

WIndermere Bainbridge Foundation

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $57,050 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2017. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

Bainbridge Schools Foundation

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Peacock Family Services

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Bainbridge Youth Services | Annual Sponsorship

Arms Around Bainbridge

Salish Sea Expeditions

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu

BARN | Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network

Bainbridge Island Senior Center

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Land Trust

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island | ShredFest Sponsorship

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Community January 5, 2017

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2016 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $35,200 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2016. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Bainbridge Youth Services | Annual Sponsorship

Salish Sea Expeditions

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Peacock Family Services

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu

Sustainable Bainbridge

Housing Resources Bainbridge | Rental Assistance Program

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Bainbridge Land Trust

Bainbridge Island Public Library | Spelling Bee Sponsorship

Bainbridge High School Robotics Team

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Community January 10, 2016

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2015 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $31,300 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2015. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Program

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Arms Around Bainbridge

Hannah’s Hopeful Hearts

Crush Kids Cancer | Seattle Children’s Hospital

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run Sponsorship

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Bainbridge Arts & Crafts

Bainbridge Island Public Library | Spelling Bee Sponsorship

Bainbridge High School Robotics Team

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Island Schools Foundation

Community February 1, 2015

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2014 Donations

 

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation Donations 2014

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $28,6500 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2014. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Ben Towne Foundation | Seattle Children’s Hospital

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Program

Salish Sea Expeditions

Arms Around Bainbridge

Peacock Family Center

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run Sponsorship

Westsound Wildlife Shelter

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts

Bainbridge Island Public Library | Spelling Bee Sponsorship

PAWS 

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Land Trust

Community January 12, 2014

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2013 Donations

 

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation Donations 2013

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $25,105 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2013. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Helpline House | School Clothes Project

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Arms Around Bainbridge

Peacock Family Services

Boys and Girls Club Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run

Westsound Wildlife Shelter

Helpline House

PAWS

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Bainbridge High School Robotics Team | Spartronics Team 4915

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Public Library | Spelling Bee

One Call for All

CAST for Kids

Bainbridge Land Trust