Chicago, IL - On October 28 and 29, 2023, New Home Star hosted its annual National GEM Run, a 5K initiative to promote wellness and honor a charity. Beginning in October, GEM Run participants, which included employees, friends, family, and builder partners, started a four-week training program and were allowed to run for dollars, with each mile logged being matched by a donation to the Movember Foundation. On October 28 or 29, participants were encouraged to partake in a 5K race, and upon completion, a bonus donation was given to the foundation. With the team’s help, nearly 2,241 miles were run, and New Home Star was able to donate $10,000.
This initiative was created based on New Home Star’s Giving Every Moment (GEM) project, a company-wide volunteer and service program, which was implemented to carry out one of the organization’s cherished core values of giving in meaningful ways. “Each year this GEM run initiative brings to life the meaning of this core value,” says Marketing Manager, Erin Henderson. “Amidst the daily tasks of our new home sales consultants and employees, we strive to create a culture which has a higher purpose.”
Throughout the four-week challenge, team members logged their miles and posted updates on the organization’s home builder software, New Home Connect™. “There is something about how this GEM run brings our employees together to help serve others,” says New Home Star VP of Organizational Development, Keith McKinney. “Seeing the eagerness of our team, their families, and friends to participate in this effort shows their heart behind this initiative to make a significant impact on every community NHS touches.”