At Riverside Homebuilders, our commitment to the communities we serve in DFW goes far beyond constructing quality homes—it extends to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. From volunteering at events to connecting with local organizations, one remarkable Riverside tradition, in particular, embodies this spirit—the annual donation initiated by our dedicated Community Sales Manager, Karolyn Shelton. As she generously donates her commission during her birthday month to an organization of her choice, Riverside Homebuilders enthusiastically matches her contribution. This year, the spotlight falls on Aledo Children's AdvoCats, a non-profit organization making a profound difference in the Aledo area. Read below to learn more about this incredible tradition and hear from Karolyn and Lisa Robertson, the President of Aledo Children’s AdvoCats.

The tradition of giving

Karolyn Shelton's journey of giving traces back to her early days as a Community Sales Manager in Ennis. Fueled by a deep-seated commitment to community well-being, Karolyn established the tradition of donating a portion of her commission during her birthday month. Reflecting on the origins of this tradition, she shares, “Every year around July, I visit different local charities to see what they are all about and to see what kind of assistance they need/get. We always like to give back to the communities that we are working in, to let the homeowners know that we aren't here to just sell homes—we are here to make this place a well-rounded community.”

Her motivation stems from a personal promise made at a young age, growing up in a single-parent home that relied on outside assistance. This tradition, born during the challenges of the COVID era, has evolved into a heartfelt mission to give back to those who face hardships. “Working with Riverside Homebuilders,” Karolyn adds, “I finally have the opportunity to let the little 8-year-old girl in me give back to people just like her. I was donating a smaller percentage the first year, not realizing what an impact it would make, but as the years moved on, we started donating more and more because it just felt like the right thing to do. This year was the most we have given!”

Choosing Aledo Children’s AdvoCats

Selecting Aledo Children's AdvoCats as this year's beneficiary wasn't a decision made lightly. Karolyn shares, “We were going through different local charities, and this one really stuck out to me. This organization helps so many kids in need throughout the year.” Aledo Children's AdvoCats is a volunteer-based, women-led organization committed to addressing the unmet needs of children and families in the Aledo area—which Riverside Homebuilders proudly builds new homes and communities in.

“Aledo Children’s AdvoCats was formed 21 years ago by a group of women who wanted to help children in need,” Lisa Robertson shares. “Today, with nearly 300 members and a volunteer board, we continue to help meet unmet needs for kids and families in Aledo ISD communities. To date, we’ve distributed more than $1,000,000 in the community, which is used to help with medical, dental and vision expenses, counseling, career and technical education courses, living expenses, clothing needs and crisis intervention.”

Karolyn was particularly moved by the organization's impactful programs, such as providing clothing to children every six weeks and ensuring that girls have the opportunity to shop for prom dresses, turning it into a memorable experience. Witnessing the testimonials and the genuine impact of their work, Karolyn knew she had found the perfect organization to support.

Amplifying the impact with our donation match

A significant aspect of Riverside's commitment to community welfare lies in our matching program. Karolyn emphasizes, “Riverside Homebuilders matches dollar for dollar on all of my donations and have been for the last 5 years.” This matching initiative is not just about financial contributions; it's a symbol of shared values and a genuine concern for the communities we build in. “This is a significant aspect because it just amplifies the number of children that we can help, and it's nice to be a part of a business that actually cares about where they are building, too,” says Karolyn.

At Riverside Homebuilders, our mission extends far past building new homes in DFW—for us, it’s about doing our part in any way possible and giving back to the communities we serve. Through Karolyn’s initiative, we’re honored to be able to make a difference for such crucial, phenomenal organizations like Aledo Children’s AdvoCats. 

“This is an incredibly generous donation and we’re grateful,” Lisa explains. “The donation is very helpful and allows us to fund two programs that help kids at both ends of the educational spectrum. The funds helped fund our Pre-K Literacy Program—where we provide kids enrolled in our AISD Preschool program with 4 books in the fall, 4 books in the spring and 2 books that go home with them in the summer. With the help of our teachers, we order through Scholastic Books. For many of the kids in this program, these are their first books! It also allows us to provide help to teens who are working toward a path of higher education and independence.”

How you can help

For individuals or businesses looking to support Aledo Children’s AdvoCats, Lisa suggests becoming a member, which not only funds the organization's mission—but also provides valuable community information and opportunities. Donations, both in cash and clothing, are welcome, and annual sponsorships are available for businesses or individuals wanting to contribute to fundraising events.

It’s safe to say that Karolyn speaks for the entire Riverside team when she says: “I love every aspect of what I do, but I love the fact that I can give back even more.” We’re proud to stand beside Karolyn in making a positive impact, supporting amazing local organizations like Aledo Children's AdvoCats that embody the spirit of community and compassion. Together, we're building hope and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. To learn more about Aledo Children's AdvoCats or donate to their cause, visit https://aledoadvocats.com/. For any questions about Riverside Homebuilders or our new homes in DFW, give us a call at (817) 601-6230 or contact us online today.