Last Updated on December 2, 2025
Today is GivingTuesday, a global day of giving, collaboration and celebration of generosity through donations, service and advocacy. Created in 2012, GivingTuesday is based on a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
At Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate and Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Real Estate, giving is part of our core beliefs – not just today, but every day. As the leading real estate company in the Carolinas and one of the independent brokers in the country, Howard Hanna Allen Tate and Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks understand that success is built on trusted relationships and the support of the local communities we serve.
“By investing in the neighborhoods where our agents live and work, we help strengthen communities, which creates lasting value for everyone,” said Gary Scott, president, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate.
Founded in 1957 by H. Allen Tate, Jr., the former Allen Tate Companies has always focused its giving on the areas that make the most impact on quality of life in our 81 local communities. As the company has grown its footprint and expanded into new areas, the recently rebranded Howard Hanna Allen Tate and Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks have also grown in their commitment to local philanthropy.
Across the 14-state Howard Hanna Real Estate footprint, more than $27 million has been invested in organizations that support educational, health and humanitarian programs. That total includes more than $6 million raised by Howard Hanna Allen Tate and Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks in the Carolinas.
“Howard Hanna is more than just a leading real estate company; it is a steadfast advocate for community engagement and social responsibility,” Scott said.
One of Howard Hanna Allen Tate’s key philanthropy initiatives is FUNday. For the past 28 years, Howard Hanna Allen Tate agents, employees and guests have gathered each fall to raise money for local public education organizations.
FUNday, which began as a one-day field day where agents “pay to play,” has evolved to four unique regional events in North and South Carolina. Over the years, FUNday has taken shape as a chili cook-off, Western hoedown, garden party, old Hollywood soiree, retro disco party and upscale tailgate, but the mission has remained the same: raise money for public education and have a good time while doing it. The company held virtual campaigns for public education when COVID restricted in-person events in 2020 and 2021.
This fall, four regional FUNday events raised more than $115,500 to benefit 37 public education organizations across the Carolinas.
“When it comes to buying or selling a home, one of the single most important factors is the quality of the schoolhouse at the end of the street. FUNday truly makes a difference in the lives of students and teachers in our communities,” said Pat Riley, chairman, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, who founded FUNday with Allen Tate in 1998.
In August, Howard Hanna announced a new initiative, aligned with the rebrand as Howard Hanna Allen Tate: the establishment of the Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund in the Carolinas. Howard Hanna donated $10,000 to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and $10,000 to Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham to kick off the fund, which ensures local children are never denied the best medical care available by helping support uninsured or underinsured families.
Since 1988, the Children’s Free Healthcare Fund has established partnerships with more than 20 children’s hospitals across the East Coast and donated more than $22 million to provide essential medical care and services. Local grassroots fundraising efforts will begin in 2026 in the Carolinas.
Across the Carolinas and Georgia, Howard Hanna Allen Tate and Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks and their agents support causes that are unique and important. In 2024 and 2025, the companies sponsored Carolina Strong events to support hurricane relief efforts in Western North Carolina, including the Rock to Rebuild concert for home repair work. Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks agents and employees also raise money for local non-profits through their quarterly Karma Keg events at local breweries; have helped rebuild trails destroyed by Hurricane Helene; and organized blood drives.
“At Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the quality of life for which Western North Carolina has become famous. Making a significant difference in the communities where we live and serve is how we remain Carolina Strong,” said Neal Hanks, president, Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Real Estate.
In the SC Lowcountry, real estate companies who have recently joined the Howard Hanna Real Estate family have brought with them long-standing traditions of community support. Since 2007, the Annual Charity Golf and Tennis Tournament has raised $220,000 to support local charities including Family Promise and Old Savannah City Mission. Since 2021, the company has awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to deserving students through the Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Lowcountry agents also financially support and volunteer time with numerous local charities and community organizations.
“Our commitment to giving back reflects our deep connection to the Lowcountry and the people who make it such a special place to call home,” said Kelly Ryan, Lowcountry marketing director, Howard Hanna Allen Tate.
“Through our community commitments, Howard Hanna Allen Tate and Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks demonstrate our dedication to improving the quality of life for others and reinforces the belief that a strong community is built on compassion, generosity and collaboration,” Scott said. “We are grateful for these opportunities.”
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 1,800 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit www.howardhannatate.com.
