A commitment to community involvement and support for Atlantans facing life challenges led to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty’s participation in an extraordinary donation to the Atlanta Mission. The contribution by home owner Tycho Howle of 20% of the proceeds of the $1.8 million sale of a Powers Ferry Road estate was complemented by an additional donation by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty and the two listing agents Charles Gerrick and Debbie Pille. Proceeds benefited the 73-year-old charity serving Atlanta’s homeless.
When Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty’s agents Charles Gerrick and Debbie Pille listed the 3-story residence on behalf of its owners, high-tech entrepreneur C. Tycho Howle and his wife Marie, they were impressed by the Howle family’s philanthropic commitment to the city and to education, including their $2.5 million endowment of two Chairs in Computing Research at South Carolina’s Clemson University. As part of this philanthropic commitment, Tycho Howle designed and built the estate, called the “Gift House,” for the purpose of providing funds to five charities.
David Boehmig, co-founder and President of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty and a member of the Atlanta Mission’s Board of Directors, and Tycho Howle met through their mutual support of the Mission. Debbie Pille and Charles Gerrick shared their interest and support of the organization’s programs for the homeless. “From emergency shelter to transitional housing, the Atlanta Mission offers support to more than 950 homeless men, women and families every single day,” he explained. “Equally important is the Atlanta Mission’s focus on job attainment and re-introduction into productive, independent living. The Mission has come a long way from its founding as a 1930s soup kitchen in downtown Atlanta that helped feed homeless men during the Great Depression.”
Upon the completion of the transaction by Charles Gerrick and Debbie Pille, owner Tycho Howle presented his donation to the Atlanta Mission, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Woodruff Arts Center/Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Westminster Schools and Harvard Business School. Atlanta Mission President Jim Reece was among the not-for-profit leaders for whom the “Gift House” proceeds were a greatly appreciated blessing.