Meritage Homes has a tradition of giving to the less fortunate, according to Robb Beville, president of the company's Nevada division. He said he was touched by the response from his fellow workers who stepped up to the plate in 2005 when they were asked to help out.
"Meritage of Nevada workers gave generously on several fronts," Beville said. "Not only did they open their hearts to help local children suffering from cancer, they also gathered necessities to help the Nevada chapter of the (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). And, when a corporate fundraising effort was launched after Hurricane Katrina, our associates joined in."
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In wake of the devastation caused by the hurricane, Beville said the staff was moved by the company's initial donation of $50,000 and its vow to match all money raised by its divisions, up to $50,000.
"Once the donations were tallied, Meritage gave a check to the American Red Cross Relief Effort for $160,142.66," he said. "The company doesn't build homes in Louisiana or Mississippi, but our co-chairmen and co-chief executive officers, John R. Landon and Stephen J. Hilton, believe it was our duty to be good neighbors."
Beville said his associates' response to an appeal by Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer of Southern Nevada was heartwarming. The nonprofit organization planned a golf tournament as a fundraiser and approached him about being a sponsor.
"There's nothing more tragic than a child suffering from cancer, and Candlelighters comes to the aid of the children and their families," he said. "We were humbled to be able to participate in that worthy fundraising effort, and will continue to support the annual golf tournament."
Landa York, director of operations for Candlelighters, recently approached Beville for additional support, this time to fund gift cards for the families of the cancer patients.
"These gift cards can be used for groceries, gas for the car or special little treats such as a night out for mom and dad," York said. "The majority of our families have no money left after paying for medicine and other bills related to their children's illness. This gives them a little something extra in their 'Christmas stocking.'"
Candlelighters promotes educational, financial and emotional support for the families of its young clients. There are typically 250 children at a time on its local roster, according to York.
"Most of our families are in low-income situations or have limited resources," she said. "That's why donations such as the gift cards are so important, they give the families a little surprise for Christmas."
"It's a heart-breaking situation for the families, and a very good cause for us to champion," Beville said.
Another beneficiary of the division's generosity were the homeless animals at the NSPCA. Myriad items were collected and donated to the agency.
"Our executive assistant, Nanette Jacobs, spearheaded the collections for both the hurricane relief effort and the animal aid collection," Beville said. "Associates brought in food for dogs and cats, blankets, towels and money."
Meritage is developing Turtle Rock in the northwestern Las Vegas Valley, Geyser Peak in North Las Vegas, and Yellowstone at Mountain's Edge in the southwestern part of the valley. An interest list is forming for Northern Terrace, which will be built within the Providence master plan in the northwest.
