At Dickson Realty, community involvement isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s woven into the fabric of our company culture. We understand that building stronger communities goes far beyond helping people find their dream homes. It’s about creating lasting positive change through local volunteering, charitable giving, and meaningful partnerships that enhance everyone’s quality of life.
Why Community Involvement Matters in Real Estate
Engaging with the community fosters stronger connections between our agents and the individuals they serve, creating a positive environment for all involved. Community involvement benefits everyone, including home buyers who gain valuable insights and local knowledge, sellers who find greater support in showcasing their properties, and agents who enhance their relationships and understanding of client needs.
- For Homebuyers: Partnering with real estate professionals actively involved in their neighborhoods provides valuable insights into local schools, new developments, and the distinctive characteristics of various areas.
- For Home sellers: Agents engaged in local organizations can offer improved market knowledge, expanded networks, and effective marketing strategies that lead to quicker sales and better prices.
- For Real Estate Professionals: Working with a community-focused brokerage can mean more personal growth, career advancement, and more robust local networks through community service, enhancing market understanding and job satisfaction.
Ultimately, a united community leads to successful partnerships and better real estate outcomes for all.
The Heart of Local Volunteering: Dickson Realty Agents in Action
Dickson Realty agents are deeply rooted in their communities, generously giving their time, skills, and resources to create a meaningful impact. They proudly collaborate with over 150 organizations across various causes, including disaster relief, healthcare, homelessness, women’s empowerment, military support, environmental stewardship, and the arts. Here are many—but not all—of the ways Dickson Realty agents have given back through local volunteering, involvement with the community, donations, and more.
Animal Welfare
Many of our agents are passionate about supporting animal welfare across northern Nevada and California. Gus Torres supports Animal Ark, a sanctuary located in the North Valleys. Barb Wilkinson and Chris Carroll lend their hands to the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, where they help rescue and adopt pets in need. Carol Bond helps the Nevada Humane Society and its mission to offer adoption services, spay/neuter initiatives, and promote humane education, while Kirsten Gardner supports the SPCA of Northern Nevada. Sarah Clark from our Tahoe Sales Team serves on the Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation board. Trudy Brussard contributes her time and expertise to the Washoe County Regional Animal Services Advisory board.
Arts and Culture
Dickson Realty’s team and leadership have taken on many roles within Northern Nevada’s arts and culture scene. For example, Kathie Bartlett has been a founding chair of the Reno Arts Commission, Reno Arts Consortium, and the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Her previous roles as a trustee for Classical Tahoe Music Festival & Institute and as past chair of the Nevada Arts Council highlight her widespread involvement in the arts community.
Museums and Foundations
The Nevada Museum of Art holds a special place in the hearts of many Dickson Realty professionals who have contributed their time and expertise to the institution. Nancy Fennell has served as board chair twice, and Rebecca Dickson is a past trustee. Kathie Bartlett is both a past chair and a current board trustee and serves as the chair of the Nominating and Collections Committees. At the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Sonja Leonard was one of the founders and is the current board chair, and Fred McElroy is an active and contributing museum member.
Our team is passionate about supporting organizations that enrich our community through arts and culture. Kathie Bartlett has served as a trustee for the Sierra Arts Foundation trustee, as has Beth Cooney. Phil DeLone brings his auctioneering talents to the table, helping to raise funds for the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society, a historic gem at Lake Tahoe. Lori Welsh volunteers for Note-Able Music Therapy Services, an organization she considers close to her heart.
Performing Arts
Performing arts organizations in the Reno, Sparks, and Truckee areas benefit from the support of Dickson Realty agents. Heather Neal supports the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which offers professional theater productions during the summer months in a stunning outdoor setting. Kane Schaller is involved with the Truckee Community Theater, participating in both acting and directing. Kathy White is a member of the High Sierra Harmony Chorus, a women’s singing group.
Business & Economic Well-being
Dickson Realty agents actively contribute to the economic vitality of their communities through their involvement in several business and economic organizations. Kaycee Summers is a Carson Valley Chamber Leadership program graduate who serves on the Chamber of Commerce board of Directors and steering committee. Fred McElroy volunteers his time to the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN). Tanya Barron is a business advisor at the Sierra Small Business Development Center. Beth Cooney is a past president and participant in the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, and Donna Gogain has been a Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce member since 1993. Beau Keenan has been involved with the Reno Seed Fund, which supports tech start-ups in Northern Nevada, since its inception.
Civic & Community Service
Dickson Realty and its agents are deeply engaged in various community and civic service organizations through leadership roles, board memberships, committee participation, and hands-on volunteer work.
Civic Involvement
For example, J.D. Drakulich serves on the City of Reno Planning Commission, while Charles H. Johns holds leadership roles on the City of Sparks Advisory Committee, where he serves as chairman and the City of Sparks Brand Leadership Team. Trudy Brussard and Charles H. Johns contribute to regional transportation planning through their involvement with the Regional Transportation Commission. Kathie Bartlett served on the Reno Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee, contributing to the city’s development. Beth Cooney has served on the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority board. Bob Ellis serves on the board of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District. Bonnie Lowder served as a member of the Vantage Pointe Advisory Board. Erin Mayhall volunteers with the Washoe County Registrar of Voters, working on elections and training recruits.
Greta Mestre volunteers with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Air Squadron. Trudy Brussard is the past chair of the West Truckee Meadows Citizens Advisory Board. Chris Barnes, a USAF veteran, volunteers for Project Hero – Reno Chapter, which helps veterans struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries through cycling and other activities. Stephen Tynan supports the WCSD Junior ROTC program.
Several agents actively engage with the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, where Beau Keenan is the board chair. Kathie Bartlett has also contributed to the foundation by participating in its scholarship program at Reno High School. Additionally, Nancy Fennell and Rebecca Dickson have served as trustees.
Service Groups
With the Junior League of Reno, Katie Berman, Nancy Risley, and Sonja Leonard are committed to the organization’s focus on improving the well-being of women and children in the community. Samantha Reveley is a member of the Rotary Club of Reno, the region’s oldest chapter of the international service club. Shelly Plaut is a member of the Kiwanis Club, a global organization focused on serving children.
The Sierra Nevada Chapter of the National Charity League, focusing on mother-daughter volunteerism, attracts the participation of three agents: Brooke Sullivan, Heather Neal, and Jennifer Davies. Both Sullivan and her daughters volunteer through the organization, while Neal served as the president of the 250-member charity organization, highlighting a deep commitment to community service. Heather Neal also lists Special Olympics Nevada as one of her favorite philanthropies, and Lori Welsh volunteers for the organization.
Kathy White participates in Folded Wings International and Kiwi Club International, both philanthropic organizations comprised of current and former flight attendants. Beau Keenan frequently volunteers with JustServe.org, a platform that connects volunteers with service opportunities. Richard Berman supports the Reno Rodeo through charity events, while Brad and Marissa Phillips support the Reno Rodeo Foundation, which aids families and children in need. Dickson Realty agents Chris Carroll and Rory Hickok are involved with the American Red Cross.
The Truckee chapter of Rotary International boasts the involvement of three Dickson Realty agents: Barb Wilkinson, who serves on the board of directors, Kane Schaller, and Jacklyn Wells. Barb Wilkinson is also a founding member of the Queen of Hearts Fund, a women’s philanthropy program of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Chris Carroll also supports the fund, and Donna Gogain is a founding member of the Foundation.
Environment & Outdoors
Dickson Realty agents demonstrate a commitment to environmental and outdoor causes through their involvement in various organizations. Beau Keenan, a strong advocate for community involvement and philanthropy, volunteers with Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful. Tanya Barron contributes her expertise to the Truckee Donner Land Trust. Barb Wilkinson, an active community member, is a past Trails and Vistas board member. Bob Ellis serves as the Vice president of Racing for the Far West Ski Association. Phoebe Landre is a member of the Truckee River Watershed Council and volunteers. Tim Beaupre shows his dedication to inclusivity in outdoor activities by volunteering with Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs.
Healthcare and Wellness Initiatives
Dickson Realty agents actively support various health and wellness organizations in their community. For example, Rebecca Dickson was chair of the steering committee for Fianna’s Healing Garden at Renown, a therapeutic garden at the regional medical center. She also served on the Renown Community Advisory Board.
Brenda Collings has coordinated the A Walk/Run to Remember 5k event, a fundraiser for the Northern Nevada Alzheimer’s Association, for the past two years. Kirsten Gardner supports and is involved with the Children’s Miracle Network, the High Fives Foundation, and Moms on the Run. Sarah Hughes is the secretary for the board and is a member of the fundraising committee of Upstate Nevada, a community-first CrossFit gym that offers reduced or free memberships to military personnel, first responders, teachers, nurses, adults, and children with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Jay Kenny has an annual tradition of donating toys and other charitable gifts to Renown Children’s Hospital on his birthday. Chris Galli serves on the Each One Tell One board, which focuses on dense breast tissue awareness. Trudy Brussard is a past chair of the Family Counseling Service of Northern Nevada. Darlene Sharpe has worked with the March of Dimes and the Nevada Maternal Child Health Coalition. Erin Mayhall has been a core volunteer with the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation for 15 years and received gubernatorial recognition for her service. Brie Forrester became an ambassador for Northern Nevada HOPES in 2022. Donna Gogain is involved with Sight Night with the Truckee Lyons Club.
Homeless, Hunger & Poverty
Dickson Realty agents are committed to addressing homelessness, hunger, and poverty in their community by actively supporting various organizations. Anne LaVoy‘s long-term dedication to Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada includes serving on the organization’s board for 12 years and leading its Ambassador’s Program. Several agents focus on providing food assistance: Chad Mena also supports Urban Roots, which promotes local gardening for food access, and both he and Scott Gunter are involved with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Delores Zunino supports both Habitat for Humanity and the Nevada Food Drive.
J.D. Drakulich has dedicated his time and energy as board president of Eddy House, an organization that aids homeless and at-risk youth, where Kirsten Gardner also offers support. Don Dees and his wife make monetary donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities through their real estate transactions. Shelly Plaut actively participates in the Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts during the holiday season. Phoebe Landre dedicates her time to Meals on Wheels America, delivering meals to home-bound seniors in the Truckee-Tahoe region. Barb Wilkinson is a founding member of Truckee Community Cares, which Donna Gogain also supports through her work.
Women’s Empowerment and Support
As a company founded on a legacy of female leadership, it’s no surprise that many of Dickson Realty’s professionals are committed to supporting organizations focused on women’s issues. Delores Zunino lists the Domestic Violence Resource Center as an organization she supports. Several agents, including Nancy Fennell, Amy Shocket, Glory Kiel, Rebecca Dickson, Sonja Leonard, Trudy Brussard, and Kathie Bartlett, are associated with the Nevada Women’s Fund. Chris Carroll is involved with Soroptimists International, as is Donna Gogain. Kellen Flanigan mentors and tutors young women at Casa de Vida, assisting with GED test preparation and life skills development.
STEP2, an organization providing gender-specific treatment for substance abuse and domestic violence, sees significant support from Dickson’s people, including Darlene Sharpe, J.P. Menante, Kathy Leggett, Lisa Moffitt, and Rebecca Dickson is a past board member. Amanda Gunter has organized the Reno LEXI Women’s Leadership Summit, showcasing a dedication to fostering women’s leadership within the community. Greta Mestre is involved with the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, a women’s fraternity that promotes community service and sisterhood.
Youth & Education
Dickson Realty agents actively support various educational organizations, from elementary schools to universities. Their involvement includes direct volunteering, board membership, financial contributions, and event participation.
Kindergarten through High School
Within the K-12 education system, many of our real estate professionals engage with schools through Parent Teacher Organizations, including Kirsten Gardner at Jessie Beck Elementary, Abby Hogan at Roy Gomm Elementary, Patrick Fletcher at Westergard Elementary, Barb Wilkinson with Truckee Elementary PTO and Amy Shocket, Anna Grahn-Nilsson, and Melissa Meneses in other schools. Colleen Capurro has donated her time to the Partners in Education Program for Maime Towles Elementary School.
Barb Wilkinson is a past board member of the Excellence in Education Foundation, which supports education initiatives. Colleen Capurro has served on the board of trustees for Bishop Manogue High School. Greta Mestre has been a Rotary International Youth Exchange Host. Sonja Leonard has served on the Sage Ridge School and Mountainview Montessori boards. Shelly Plaut founded the Tour De Toni, a local youth scholarship fund. Kathie Bartlett has served on the Washoe K-16 Council.
Youth Development
Beyond individual schools, agents are engaged with organizations that serve broader youth populations. Brad Phillips and Caryn Phelps support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada. Chris Carroll supports the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe, while Don Dees, Nancy Risley, and J.P. Menante support the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. Charles H. Johns has served on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. Anna Grahn-Nilsson is also involved with the Truckee Optimist Club. Agents are also involved with organizations that provide extracurricular and enrichment opportunities for youth, such as Pat Keena, who volunteers with Little League baseball; Sonja Leonard, who has served on the board of Nevada Elite Soccer; and Melissa Meneses, who supports her children’s travel soccer programs.
Higher Education
Dickson Realty agents’ commitment to education extends beyond the K-12 system to higher education. Jay Kenny is heavily involved in charitable work and fundraising for the University of Nevada, Reno. Rory Hickok has supported the Nevada Wolf Pack Athletic Association, while Stephen Tynan focuses on helping the Lacrosse Programs. Nancy Fennell supports the university’s College of Business Real Estate Initiative and has served as a trustee for the College of Liberal Arts. Chris Galli currently serves on the board of the College of Liberal Arts.
These diverse forms of engagement underscore the Dickson Realty agents’ belief in the importance of investing in youth and education for the future of their community.
Want to Learn More?
We’d love for you to join our agents in making our home a better place to live through community involvement. Whether you want to participate in volunteer events with our team or learn more about our community initiatives, we genuinely welcome your involvement.
