Latest news with #Czarnecki
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Keller Williams Donates $150,000 to Support Central Texas Flood Relief
AUSTIN, Texas, July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keller Williams Realty, LLC (KW), the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count, and KW Cares, a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support the KW community and their families, have donated $150,000 to support Central Texas flood relief efforts. "We're heartbroken by the devastation caused by the recent flooding across Central Texas," said Chris Czarnecki, CEO and president of KW. "At Keller Williams, we don't just show up in moments like this, we come together." "This donation and the amazing relief efforts being undertaken by our affiliated agents and leaders reflect our deep commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with our people and their communities when they need it most," said Czarnecki. The $150,000 donation from KW and KW Cares will be directed to TEXSAR: Texas Search and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit first-responder organization headquartered in Austin, Texas, and Mercy Chefs, a faith-based nonprofit organization providing disaster and humanitarian relief. TEXSAR serves all citizens of the State of Texas and deploys at the request of law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies. Mercy Chefs provides professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies. "In every disaster, our mission remains the same, which is to bring immediate relief and lasting hope to the people we serve," said Alexia Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares. "From mobilizing supplies to helping KW-affiliated agents and families rebuild, we're here for the long haul." "While all agents and leaders are safe and accounted for in the recent flooding, we are very proud to help support the local community through these two amazing non-profit partners," said Rodriguez. "We are also on standby to support our KW community members who are affected by the flooding in North Carolina over the past weekend." KW Cares has trucks, trailers, and pre-stocked warehouses with supplies for disaster response. The Austin, Texas-based KW Cares call center assists KW® agents and families impacted by disasters. Since 2003, KW Cares has provided over $67.0 million in assistance through more than 7,300 grants to KW® agents and families. KW Cares is funded primarily through KW® agents who donate a portion of their real estate commissions. About KW Cares KW Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support KW® associates and their families through hardships they experience as a result of a sudden emergency. This charity is at the heart of Keller Williams' culture in action—finding and serving the higher purpose of business through charitable giving in the market centers and communities where associates live and work. About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams Realty, LLC is the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 163,000 affiliated agents. The franchise is No. 1 in units and sales volume in the U.S. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards affiliated agents. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Darryl G. FrostDirector of Public Relations and Media / 254-466-3627 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Keller Williams Donates $150,000 to Support Central Texas Flood Relief
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Keller Williams Realty, LLC (KW), the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count, and KW Cares, a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support the KW community and their families, have donated $150,000 to support Central Texas flood relief efforts. 'We're heartbroken by the devastation caused by the recent flooding across Central Texas,' said Chris Czarnecki, CEO and president of KW. 'At Keller Williams, we don't just show up in moments like this, we come together.' 'We're heartbroken by the devastation caused by the recent flooding across Central Texas,' said Chris Czarnecki, CEO and president of KW. 'At Keller Williams, we don't just show up in moments like this, we come together.' 'This donation and the amazing relief efforts being undertaken by our affiliated agents and leaders reflect our deep commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with our people and their communities when they need it most,' said Czarnecki. The $150,000 donation from KW and KW Cares will be directed to TEXSAR: Texas Search and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit first-responder organization headquartered in Austin, Texas, and Mercy Chefs, a faith-based nonprofit organization providing disaster and humanitarian relief. TEXSAR serves all citizens of the State of Texas and deploys at the request of law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies. Mercy Chefs provides professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies. 'In every disaster, our mission remains the same, which is to bring immediate relief and lasting hope to the people we serve,' said Alexia Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares. 'From mobilizing supplies to helping KW-affiliated agents and families rebuild, we're here for the long haul.' 'While all agents and leaders are safe and accounted for in the recent flooding, we are very proud to help support the local community through these two amazing non-profit partners,' said Rodriguez. 'We are also on standby to support our KW community members who are affected by the flooding in North Carolina over the past weekend.' KW Cares has trucks, trailers, and pre-stocked warehouses with supplies for disaster response. The Austin, Texas-based KW Cares call center assists KW® agents and families impacted by disasters. Since 2003, KW Cares has provided over $67.0 million in assistance through more than 7,300 grants to KW® agents and families. KW Cares is funded primarily through KW® agents who donate a portion of their real estate commissions. About KW Cares KW Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support KW® associates and their families through hardships they experience as a result of a sudden emergency. This charity is at the heart of Keller Williams' culture in action—finding and serving the higher purpose of business through charitable giving in the market centers and communities where associates live and work. About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams Realty, LLC is the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 163,000 affiliated agents. The franchise is No. 1 in units and sales volume in the U.S. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards affiliated agents. For more information, visit
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lerner on the Lawn returns
ELKHART — The free Lerner on the Lawn concert series is back this summer at Central Green with new energy and flare, Lerner Theatre officials said. It will also be on a different day of the week from the downtown ArtWalk this year. This is the fourth year The Lerner has hosted the free monthly concert series. The first Lerner on the Lawn will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, featuring EatDrinkBeHappy, a music project from Nashville-based songwriter and artist John Allan Miller. 'If you can imagine the kind of music that you'd like to hang out on the lake and listen to on a boat, maybe a yacht, I don't know, and come together with your friends, maybe have a little drink, and just relax,' said Jenna Brouillette, marketing and communications manager. 'And really enjoy the summer feeling that comes with the warm weather and the clear skies. That's the kind of event that we're looking forward to.' Like in previous years, the Lerner on the Lawn event will have food trucks along High Street, Brouillette said. The events will be sponsored by the city and the Elkhart County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. The events will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Lerner Theatre and will be free to the public. In years past, the ArtWalk has occurred alongside the Lerner on the Lawn events, but this year the events will be separate. 'ArtWalk is being a little bit reimagined,' Brouillette said. 'It's being taken on by Elkhart Parks and Recreation, which we are super excited for them to continue Elkhart ArtWalk on Wednesdays this year.' ArtWalk will be held the last Wednesday each month through September starting June 25. By separating the events, Brouillette said, people have more opportunities to head downtown to see, eat and play. The vision was to bring ArtWalk back down to Main Street and showcase the businesses in downtown, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jamison Czarnecki said. 'The goal is to take it back to its roots to where it was when it was first created,' Czarnecki said. 'Put it in around Main Street and then try to put as many artists as we can on Main Street, in and out the businesses, diversify the types of art that are out there that we're showcasing, and then have music throughout Main Street. It should be a fun event.' ArtWalk will also feature a large kids zone on the plaza led by the Tolson Center, Czarnecki said. The hope is to continue to make downtown vibrant with something to do for everyone, he said. More information about Lerner on the Lawn is available at or from The Lerner Theatre's Facebook page.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Milwaukee currently has the second worst air quality in the US, The New York Times says
Milwaukee is again experiencing some of the worst air quality in the U.S. from Canadian wildfire smoke on June 5, according to The New York Times. The city had the worst air quality in the country around noon EST on June 4, with an air quality index of 153, the Times reported. While Chicago has since topped the Times' list with an AQI of 161, Milwaukee claims the second spot. As of 11 a.m. EST on June 5, city has an air quality index of 139, the Times reported. Aurora, Colorado is experiencing the same index as Milwaukee. This AQI is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards. For indexes in this range, members of sensitive groups could experience negative health effects. The general population is "less likely" to be affected, according to As a result, an air quality advisory from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been extended until noon on June 6, Air Management Outreach Coordinator Craig Czarnecki confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Czarnecki noted the scope of the advisory will be reduced and include the following counties in the eastern portion of the state: Brown, Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. The AQI for these areas will range from "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups," he said, adding air quality throughout "much of the rest of the state" has improved to the "moderate" level. More: Canadian wildfire smoke is still affecting Wisconsin. How to keep kids and pets safe with poor air quality The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website. You can also type in your ZIP code into the website. For those interested in receiving alerts, you can sign up to receive air quality advisory notices through the DNR's website at More: Air quality map: View current air quality conditions in Milwaukee This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee has second worst air quality in US on June 5: NYT
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Canadian wildfire smoke could affect Wisconsin all summer. Here's how to track air quality
Wisconsin could see the affects of wildfire smoke throughout the summer as blazes across Canada rage on, subsequently affecting air quality in the U.S. Most recently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality advisory for the entire state from June 3 to June 4. But, the state has already surpassed the total air quality advisory totals from wildfire smoke issued in 2024. Two advisories were issued in 2024 and three have been issued in 2025 thus far, DNR Air Management Outreach Coordinator Craig Czarnecki told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an email. Czarnecki added that more advisories are "possible throughout the summer." "As these wildfires become more frequent, last longer, or burn more intensely, it increases the chances that smoke will impact air quality here in Wisconsin," he said. Czarnecki said the department encourages Wisconsinites to "stay informed and take appropriate precautions" when air quality advisories are issued. Here's everything you should know about potential effects of these wildfires in Wisconsin: There are more than 200 wildfires burning across Canada as of June 3, with 104 classified as "out of control," according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. For Wisconsin specifically, the DNR said smoke is coming from wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. These fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres, resulting in the evacuation of at least 17,000 people as of May 30. More: What to know about Canadian wildfire smoke's effect on Wisconsin, Milwaukee air quality The map below shows the locations of wildfires throughout North America and outlines where the smoke from those fires has gone. Wisconsin is just one of several states affected by the smoke. Wildfire smoke is a "complex mixture" of pollutants shown to cause a range of health effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These effects can be "relatively minor," like eye irritation, to more serious, including premature death, the agency says. Moreover, particle pollution can affect the body's ability to "remove inhaled foreign materials," like viruses or bacteria, the EPA says. Short-term exposure — classified by the EPA as a few days — can result in respiratory and cardiovascular effects, such as difficulty breathing, reduced lung function and heart attacks. A study of wildland fire fighters showed "cumulative short-term exposures" — classified as multiple days to a few weeks — led to reduced lung function, per the EPA. The agency notes studies have not determined health effects from wildfire smoke inhalation "over multiple seasons." More: Canadian wildfire smoke is fouling U.S. air quality. We show where. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from the smoke, according to the DNR: Check local air quality index Stay indoors Keep windows and doors closed Avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution, like vacuuming or using candles Install a high-efficiency air filter Wear an N95 mask if outside for long time periods The AQI is the EPA's index for reporting air quality, according to the EPA's AirNow website. It's divided into six categories on a scale of zero to 500, with higher numbers indicating increased air pollution and subsequent health risks. For specific categories and totals, you can view an AQI table on the AirNow website. The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website. USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is causing the bad air quality in Wisconsin?
