Coldwell Banker Hartung & Momma P’s Ice Cream Truck Partner to Give Back to Community
Neighbors unite in the aftermath of Tallahassee tornadoes
On May 10, 2024, five tornadoes touched down in Tallahassee. These tornadoes undoubtedly brought despair and damage but also brought many neighbors closer together.
As realtors, the staff of Coldwell Banker Hartung innately know how devastating home loss and damage can be and the importance of the neighborhood community you’re surrounded by during these times.
Two of Coldwell Banker’s own, Jim Butler and Ginger Simpler, live in one of the most affected southeast neighborhoods. Both experienced fallen trees and exterior damage to their homes. Two of Simpler’s cars were totaled.
After assessing their own damage, they took to the streets to check on their neighbors and provide help where they could.
“We were all standing in the street talking or going by one another’s homes to see how we could pitch in to help,” said Simpler. “We were all concerned about one another but knew we were all in this thing together.”
Butler shares a similar experience, “Even though it took a traumatic experience, it brought us even closer together as a community, even meeting some neighbors I hadn’t interacted with before. We got to know each other’s needs and personalities.”
Throughout this time, Butler and Simpler witnessed countless selfless acts even as people went days without power and lived in damaged homes. They also made sure to thank the linemen, police, tree trimmers and other first responders who were active within their neighborhood. Simpler recounts being grateful to the Tallahassee police officers who put on their sirens seconds before the tornadoes hit to alert community members of the severity.
As damage began to be cleared and insurance adjusters arrived at homes, Butler and Simpler pondered what they could do for their neighbors.
“We wanted to do something that would bring the community together again under better circumstances, something that would lighten the mood and bring a smile,” said Butler.
On June 21, the first day of summer fittingly, Coldwell Banker partnered with Momma P’s Ice Cream Truck to distribute ice cream to the southeast neighborhoods of Indian Head Acres, Myers Park and the Woodland area.
On the four-mile route, two 30-minute stops were made at Old Fort Park and Indian Head Park for community members to stop by and select tasty treats.
“The nostalgia of hearing an ice cream truck come through the neighborhood created a child-like peaceful mindset, creating a moment of happiness where this community knew we are there for them and care about them,” said Emery Mayne, marketing director at Coldwell Banker.
Coldwell Banker Hartung
3303 Thomasville Road | (850) 386-6160 | CBHartung.com
