How Christie’s International Real Estate Lone Star Agents Are Giving Back Across Austin
These agents dedicate their time, talents and resources to organizations across Austin that strengthen the communities they serve
The article is produced by TRIBEZA as sponsored content.
So often, real estate is measured in data. Days on the market. Homes sold. Number of offers received. Percentage over list. In a booming market and city like Austin, those numbers matter, but they do not tell the whole story of a community.
At Christie’s Lone Star, agents see their work as extending beyond the closing table. Through volunteer efforts, fundraising and community partnerships, they dedicate their time, talents and resources to organizations across Austin that support children, families, the arts and health care access.
“Culture and community service aren’t just things we do, they’re the foundation of who we are. We have created an environment where people feel connected, supported, and inspired to make a difference. That’s what makes Christie’s International Real Estate Lone Star such a special place to be.” – Romeo Manzanilla COO.
Here are a few of the organizations and causes the brokerage’s agents are supporting.
Helping Hand Home
The brokerage recently hosted a Juneteenth volunteer event with Helping Hand Home, where agents spent the day on campus celebrating with children. The event featured Juneteenth-themed activities, games and shared experiences, while offering an opportunity to build meaningful connections with one of Austin’s longest-serving organizations dedicated to helping children who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma.
Abbey House
Christie’s Lone Star also supports families facing extraordinary challenges through its work with the Abigail E. Keller Foundation. The brokerage is supporting the upcoming Abbey Lights Up COTA Gala, alongside agent and founding board member Jéan Bruns and board director Suzie Adams.
The foundation is leading an effort to establish Abbey House, the first pediatric hospice and respite facility in Texas. Designed to serve families caring for medically fragile children, Abbey House will provide professional medical support, give caregivers needed respite and offer a peaceful, compassionate environment for families navigating a child’s end-of-life journey.
“We are pioneering the first children’s hospice and respite facility in Texas,” said Bruns. “If you have a medically fragile child, everyday moments that many families take for granted, such as attending a sibling’s ballgame, celebrating a wedding, or simply catching up on much-needed rest, often aren’t possible because specialized care isn’t readily available or affordable. Abbey House will change that. It will provide families with the support they need, whether that’s temporary respite or a peaceful place to cherish precious time together. There are approximately 85,000 families across Texas, including nearly 7,500 in Central Texas alone, who could benefit from an Abbey House.”
Art Bra®
Austin and the arts are deeply connected, and the brokerage’s community involvement also extends to creative philanthropy. Christie’s Lone Star agent Khani Zulu has been selected as a featured designer for Austin’s Art Bra event.
The annual showcase blends fashion, creativity and philanthropy to raise funds for breast cancer support, screening and patient services throughout Central Texas. Zulu’s participation reflects the many ways the brokerage’s agents use their individual talents to make an impact beyond real estate.
Dancing with the Stars Austin
Christie’s Lone Star principal and broker associate MJ McFarland will also take the stage as a participant in the upcoming Dancing With the Stars Austin competition benefiting the Center for Child Protection.
The annual event pairs local leaders with professional dancers to raise funds that provide advocacy, healing and support services for children recovering from abuse. Through months of fundraising and preparation, participants help ensure the organization can continue serving children and families across Central Texas.
“Community has always been at the heart of what I do,” McFarland said. “Being part of Dancing With the Stars Austin is an incredible opportunity to support children and families while bringing people together for a cause that truly matters. I hope our community will rally behind this mission and help create lasting change.”
Whether volunteering with local children, supporting families facing unimaginable challenges, using creativity to advance life-saving causes or stepping onto a dance floor to advocate for children in need, Christie’s Lone Star agents demonstrate that real estate is about more than buying and selling homes.
After all, loving where you live also means helping it thrive.