Why I Give

george-stewart-with-stewart-commercial-team-members-charisse-mcelroy-and-julie-stewart-yang

George Stewart approaches giving the same way he leads his commercial real estate business – vision-minded, goal-oriented, and passion-driven – so it’s really no surprise that he and his team at Stewart Commercial Realty raised over $100,000 last spring at their Bites & Blues Party to benefit Arlington Free Clinic’s new Oral Health Program. At Stewart Commercial, community involvement and outreach is a priority. George challenges his team to dive in: “Do more than write a check! Donate your time and invite your friends to join you – you’ll have fun!”

George was introduced to AFC and its mission after attending the Clinic’s Annual Benefit Gala as a guest of a close friend. He was inspired to learn more about the organization and the patients it serves, partly because George and his team have extensive experience brokering and developing medical offices and clinics. However, George has a heart for people, and he’d probably say that his call to action was actually inspired by a smile – a patient’s smile.

While touring the Clinic, an AFC patient smiled at him, flashing a big toothless grin. This led to a conversation with AFC staff about their desire to bring much-needed dental services to their patients – dental care not only affects one’s self confidence but can greatly impact overall health. The Clinic had long wanted to launch a dental program, and walking away from the tour and thinking of the patient’s grin, George was determined to partner with AFC. He set a few goals and put a plan into action, gathering his colleagues to help brainstorm ways to collaborate with the Clinic. His McLean-based company resolved that they simply needed to “introduce” AFC’s need to their families, friends, neighbors, investors, colleagues and clients. But, in a town chock-full-of fundraisers, what would make this one special? A night of casual fun including great blues music and plenty of light-up party flair – and the opportunity to sponsor a patient, making each person’s donation very personal.

The result: a spectacularly fun evening that had people talking for weeks, in which George and his team at Stewart Commercial generated $100,000 toward healthier mouths at AFC. A fact that we’re all still smiling about!


Read our complete 2016 Annual Report.