In February 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Global Relief Fund Summit, put on by the Emergency Assistance Foundation, for the first time in my tenure with KW Cares. This conference brings together employer-sponsored nonprofits that provide hardship funds—just like us. Attending this Summit reaffirmed for me just how much KW Cares stands apart; we are head and shoulders above the rest! Compared to other organizations, our support is unmatched in both scale and impact. 

At the time, we had just closed out a historic January—having awarded the most grant funding ever in one month in our entire 21-year history. Everyone I talked to was blown away by what we offer to our people. I told them we’re able to do that only because of how blessed we are through the culture of caring at Keller Williams. “Family Helping Family” is so much more than a tagline. It’s reality.

In my fourth year as the CEO of KW Cares, I experienced this unparalleled culture in a way I never had before.

Our biggest challenge of 2024 was responding to 5 hurricanes that hit 6 of our KW regions. In the days after one of these storms, Hurricane Helene, I traveled to the Carolinas region to be a helping hand on the ground. Seeing the devastation was gut-wrenching. And yet, getting to witness the KW Family from affected communities come together to take care of their own was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

I saw associates who had lost everything show up to give what they had left: their love, their time, their care. People with needs of their own arrived in the mornings and stayed late into the evenings to help in any way they could: unloading generators, organizing supplies, unloading water bottles, diapers, and canned foods. I watched as they worked together to turn Market Centers into refuges and beacons of hope. It left me speechless—and more committed than ever to do more for our KW Family members.

We want our donors to know that when you give to KW Cares, your funds will be used wisely to help those in need. So our team worked hard to maintain our platinum status with Candid for the third year in a row—an achievement that demonstrates our dedication to transparency and excellence at the highest level.

And the KW Family really rallied around our own throughout the year, helping us surpass incredible fundraising milestones in all of our campaigns. From the 381 fundraisers launched as part of our inaugural KW Cares Month, to the most successful Multiply campaign ever, to the outpouring of support when Mo Anderson and Mark Willis challenged us all to step up in response to disasters, our fundraising campaigns all exceeded our goals! When combined with the steadfast giving of those who donate with closings in Command, KW Cares was able to remain fiscally stable even in the face of tough market conditions.

But even more importantly, we awarded $4.8 million in grants and disaster relief in 2024. Together, we affected the lives of thousands in our KW Family and provided assistance, support, and love to our folks when they needed us the most.

I’m inspired by the passion and dedication of my small but mighty team, who work night and day to make sure no one slips through the cracks. I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering spirit of generosity ingrained in the KW culture. To our donors, Board of Directors, and every member of the KW Family: thank you for embodying the true meaning of Family Helping Family. Together, we are making an enduring difference.

Warmly,
Alexia Rodriguez
Chief Executive Officer
KW Cares