Sereno 1% for Good is Good for CHC

Kristy Duncan, Director of Giving and Corporate Responsibility at Sereno 1% for Good Charitable Foundation, beams with pride as she reflects on the meaningful impact Sereno Real Estate has on its local communities. “It is so important to be honoring these local organizations that are doing such hard work,” she emphasizes. Since its inception in 2006, Sereno has been committed to giving back, pledging 1% of its gross commissions to charitable causes with the uplifting mantra: “We believe in giving back to the places that we live in and love.” This commitment is not just a one-time gesture; it’s ingrained in the company’s culture, with an ongoing grants cycle and a straightforward application process—ensuring support reaches where it’s needed most, all year round.

CHC was a recent beneficiary of Sereno’s generosity with a $10,000 gift to bolster its essential services for youth mental health and learning differences. “It’s truly an honor to receive support from such a remarkable and inspiring local company,” expresses Dr. Ryan Eisenberg, CEO of Children’s Health Council.

The roots of Sereno Real Estate Group run deep, planted by childhood friends Chris Trapani and Ryan Iwanaga in 2006. Their shared vision was not just about building a successful real estate firm but also about making a tangible difference in their communities. What started as a regional boutique firm has now blossomed into a network of 620 agents spanning various regions, from Silicon Valley to the Central Coast.

Sereno Group’s 1% for Good was inspired by the ethos of “1% for the Planet” championed by Patagonia. Over the years, this commitment has translated into significant impact.

“Ryan [Iwanaga] and I are both rebel souls,” reflects Trapani. “One of the things we said early on was that we wanted to set out to make meaning, not just money. Now I can sit here today and say that that’s true. The first check was $5,000 to one charity. And last year, ten years into the program, we’ve eclipsed over $5 million dollars in giving to over 400 local charities chosen by our agencies.”

Echoing Trapani’s sentiments, Iwanaga emphasizes the importance of active participation in the community, “To me, an extension of social entrepreneurship is that you not only exist as a business owner within the community, but you also participate in the community as well. That’s really where the measure of one’s success comes from — how engaged you are in the community.”  

Sereno’s 1% for Good initiative is a tangible embodiment of this philosophy, reflecting the company’s dedication to being a force for positive change. 

Children’s Health Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sereno 1% for Good and its unwavering mission to uplift local communities. Partnering with companies like Sereno is instrumental in advancing youth mental health initiatives, and CHC welcomes collaboration through its Corporate Partner program. 

If your company shares a commitment to supporting youth mental health and seeks opportunities for meaningful engagement, please reach out to Lori McGilpin at lmcgilpin@chconline.org.