Your heart is an astounding organ. It pumps blood to nearlyevery one of the trillions and trillions of cells in your body, delivering enough new blood every single day to fill 50 average-sized rain barrels. Go ahead - take a moment to be in awe of your heart.  While we rush through our days, our heart dependably keeps us going beat by beat. And, indeed, many of us don’t pay much mind to our hearts until an emergency gives us cause to.

One of our brokerage colleagues, Holly Hassenzahl, reminded us of some sobering facts about women’s heart health during a recent meeting. Did you know that one in three women will face a life-threatening cardiac event in their life? And more sobering yet, women are less likely than men to receive CPR from a

The Sewing Machine Project is our first nonprofit spotlight of 2026. Having just celebrated its 20th anniversary, this organization was founded - and continues to operate - with a vigor that captures the spirit of the new year.

In the spring of 2005, Margaret Jankowski read a BBC news article that particularly touched her. It was about a woman in Southeast Asia who had just endured the devastating tsunami and lost her sewing machine in the tragedy. However, this sewing machine was her essential tool for making a living that she had saved up for years to purchase, so the impact was profound and pervasive. Margaret was sure she could help. She quickly connected with the American Hindu Association to send 25 sewing machines to Sri Lanka and

This year we've been intentional about prioritizing in-person over online interaction, and we've really enjoyed staying in touch with you:

We started the year off with an evening of learning and fun at the Planetarium, and a wildflower plant giveaway with Tend Native Plants. Then gatherings at Garver Feed Mill, Ethical Trade Company, and Drumlin Ridge Winery. And most recently, our Thanksgiving pie giveaway with Just  Bakery. 

Beyond our gatherings, we've heard from many of you seeking advice on home improvement projects and recommendations for contractors to do your work. Of course we're always happy to visit you at your home and help you make a good contractor connection. 

We're looking forward to staying connected and hosting more

For many of our neighbors in Dane County, the answer to this question depends on more than their symptoms. For low-income, uninsured Madisonians, receiving specialized medical care could result in bills high enough to topple their monthly budget, leaving families to decide whether to pay rent that month or treat an ailment. It goes without saying that this unfortunate dilemma leads to our community members delaying - or altogether foregoing - treatment that could significantly improve their lives, or even save them.

Specialty Care Free Clinic is a nonprofit specialty clinic funded entirely by donations that has been addressing this need since 2001. It was founded by three local doctors who saw these disparities reflected in their

We’ve come to love the Ice Age Trail as a nature-filled hiking path that hugs the western border of some Madison’s suburbs. But did you know that the Ice Age Trail is so expansive that 60% of Wisconsinites live within 20 minutes of it? Over 700 miles, made up of over 100 different segments, laces through the state. And that’s, of course, by design! 

(Photo: Dan and Kellie Miller on the Ice Age Trail in Door County)

Around 100 years ago, Raymond Zillmer had a dream to preserve and expand Kettle Moraine State Park so its beautiful glacial features could be enjoyed by more people than would otherwise travel to another distant national park. A lawyer by trade and an avid walker by hobby, Zillmer founded the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (now

When you think of the significant moments in your life before the age of 16, what do you think of? Maybe you quickly recall building friendships at school, a special family vacation, or developing an interest that has endured into adulthood. However, it’s easy to overlook how foundational a safe and supportive home life is to these formative life experiences.

Before 16 is a local nonprofit founded by our Broker, Dan Spransy, that focuses on aiding “older orphans” (ages 6-16) around the world in finding their Forever Family. It may come as a surprise that many children “age out” of orphan community support services at 16 years old in their home countries, and that 16 is typically the cut-off age for an international adoption. Thrust into adult life at

If you've spent even a short while with our agent Isabella, you know she has a passion for caring for animals. So, it was no surprise when she introduced our team to Shelter from the Storm (SFTS), a nonprofit animal rescue where she volunteers. Isabella and Amanda recently sat down for coffee with Payton Pritzl, Chief Operating Officer of SFTS, to learn more about the ins and outs of the good work they do. To our excitement, Payton brought along one of their current shelter dogs, Zuko, who received his own "pup cup" treat.

One way Shelter from the Storm differs from other animal shelters is their ability to give intensive, dedicated rehabilitation time to animals with injuries. They often partner with organizations throughout Madison to take on this

Summer invites us to play, enjoy the outdoors, and soak in carefree moments. Dan O'Kane is an inventive and caring member of our community who is helping a deserving group of kids do just that.

In 2016, Dan and his wife, Laura, founded Josie's Gift. Through this organization, Dan creates personalized fishing rods for kids who are facing or have overcome medical challenges. Dan's craftsmanship and attention to detail create extra-special moments for these kids who may be overlooked when planning an outdoor adventure. So far, Dan has handcrafted over 80 custom fishing rods, including a Big Bang Theory-themed rod and a Green Bay Packers rod. 

Most notably, Dan's first fishing rod was the one he created for Josie, the nonprofit's namesake. Dan met

We have so many ways to get out of our homes and into our neighborhoods and make a positive contribution to our community. Here are two meaningful paths to consider in Dane County: 

Become a steward of the land

Join a “friends group” for the Ice Age Trail, The UW Arboretum, Groundswell Conservancy, a Dane County Park, or a Madison Park. These organizations welcome volunteers of all skill levels who want to help preserve our local green spaces. You'll enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while learning about the natural world in community with others. Whether it's helping with trail maintenance, removing invasive species, or assisting with educational programs, your contribution makes a difference. 

Help neighbors who are food insecure

Get involved

The feeling of true community is unmistakable. Maybe you’ve felt such mutual respect and love walking into your home during the holidays, when you get together with a dear group of friends, or at your place of worship. This same sense of belonging was immediately noticeable when I visited Yahara House earlier this year.

Yahara House is a ‘clubhouse-style’ recovery center for individuals with mental health struggles. It is one of over 330 clubhouses in 30 countries that use this model. You probably have driven by Yahara House many times if you live in Madison. Behind its doors at 802 East Gorham Street is a group of members and staff focused on recovery through hope, dignity, and community. Members of Yahara House can spend 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the