The 1% for Good Program is designed to contribute to community building organizations in Santa Cruz County that encourage youth development and empowerment, as well as creating outcomes that benefit the community as a whole. Each quarter, Sam chooses an organization that fits with the overall goals of the program and donates one percent of all commissions to the organization. He has previously donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz County, as well as sponsoring the Santa Cruz Warriors in 2018.

For the first quarter of 2019, Sam is donating to the Mountains 2 Sea program, which works with schools to help at-risk youth develop leadership skills and learn about environmental stewardship. The program aims to empower young people by working with schools and local organizations to help facilitate the programs they offer. Other current partners of Mountains 2 Sea include UC Santa Cruz, Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, Mount Hermon Adventures, and Save Our Shores.

Have questions about the local real estate market or buying or selling a home in Santa Cruz? Feel free to reach out to Sam with any questions by contacting him. If you’re considering a certain neighborhood in Santa Cruz, you can learn more about them under the Neighborhoods section of the website.

Mountains 2 Sea provides opportunities through their program for at-risk youth to embark on outdoor adventures that include hiking, sailing, surfing, backpacking and trail maintenance, among other projects and activities. Each student receives a stipend at the end of the program, essentially making it a paid learning experience similar to an internship that fosters learning and personal growth. Outings are organized on a weekly basis throughout the school year.

Students come out of the program with improved self-confidence, a stronger ability to work as part of a group, better problem-solving skills, and a stronger connection to the outdoors through the work they do. The program’s influence and the work of Executive Director, Brian King, and his staff often stretch well beyond the scope of the program itself. Many of the students involved go on to volunteer with other organizations or even land a job with those that do similar work in the community. The positive impact of Mountains 2 Sea the effect it has on those involved is undeniable, both for the students in the program and the wider Santa Cruz community.