On Saturday, May 14th, Vice Presidents Zina Markevicius and Marius Markevicius attended a donor’s lunch at The Yale Street Urban Garden. This garden, created in connection with Upward Bound House, grows food to donate to the homeless in the local area. The garden, which sits on a lot donated by Roque & Mark, plays a vital role in feeding the homeless, and volunteers and donations allow this work to continue. Zina Markevicius and Marius Markevicius were able to see the blooming swiss chard, sunflowers, and chamomile plants, a welcome pop of color and life tucked behind bustling Santa Monica Boulevard. Several donors were present in addition to two families who have graduated from Upward Bound House’s program. Catered by Rustic Canyon, who are avid supporters of Upward Bound House, the lunch was, “Wonderful” said Marius Markevicius, “and a great way to see all the good work being done by Upward Bound House.” All in all, this lunch was another great event that Roque & Mark are proud to have been a part of.
The next day, Sunday May 15th, Upward Bound House hosted a 5K Fun Run to raise money for families affected by homelessness. This run took place on San Vicente Boulevard, and many local families and students participated. The money raised was to provide homeless children and families with food and housing. Vice president, Zina Markevicius, and Property Management Assistant, Gigi Benedict, both participated in the 5K, raising over $1,000 in just four days, surpassing their original goal. Donors included property owners, tenants, community leaders, a local gardener, and others who just wanted to help. When asked about the event Gigi Benedict said,“It was fantastic to participate! I really enjoyed the run and getting to help out my community.” This is the tenth year that Upward Bound House has hosted this charity run, and they are close to their goal of $100,000 in donations, aided by Roque & Mark’s staff.
Earlier in the weekend, On Friday May 13th, Roque & Mark Vice President Zina Markevicius attended a charity gala hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to help children develop healthy habits, build confidence, and help guide them towards academic and career success. Roque & Mark has contributed by making an annual donation around Thanksgiving as a show of gratitude in honor of our clients. The benefit gala hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica was the first in-person event of such nature that they have hosted in eighteen months, and a rousing success. Both silent and live auctions took place, in order to raise money for the betterment of this great local organization. There was also a dinner and live dance performances from several groups that are hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica. When asked about the event, Zina Markevicius said that “We were honored to be a part of such a great event for an even better cause!”
