Continental Cares Celebrates a Record‑Breaking Year of Giving

At Continental Properties, our team members are committed to giving back to the communities we serve through our Continental Cares program and our charitable partnerships across the country. Our Continental Cares committee was formed in the spring of 2018 to identify charitable opportunities that closely align with Continental’s core values, beliefs, and work ethic. In 2025, Continental Cares partnered with three charitable organizations: Revitalize Milwaukee, Ronald McDonald House, and K9s for Warriors. We are excited to share that our team raised a record-breaking amount of $159,000 in 2025 to be donated to our charitable partners! 

From Shelter Pup to Service Hero 

K9s for Warriors rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service dogs for veterans with service-connected post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. Their mission is to end veteran suicide and help military veterans live a life of dignity and independence. In 2025, Continental Cares had the privilege of sponsoring an adorable pup named Cheddar throughout his training with K9s For Warriors. Once training was complete, Cheddar graduated and was officially matched with veteran Joseph and his family. Continental Cares committee members Lanae Haertel and Melissa Wilichowski attended the graduation ceremony and had the chance to meet Cheddar and his new family. We are honored to support the nation's largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans and help rescue dogs like Cheddar find a forever home.   

Providing Comfort, Connection, and Care for Families in Need 

Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Monetary donations raised through Continental Cares support RMHC’s mission by funding overnight stays for families in need, maintaining the house, and sustaining interactive programs such as the LEGO room, art activities, and the Magic Garden. RMHC strives to keep life as normal as possible for families during their stay, fostering social interaction and helping them form bonds with others experiencing similar situations. Beyond monetary donations, Continental team members also had opportunities throughout the year to prepare and serve dinner to guests of the RMHC.  

Continental Cares proudly partnered once again with the Milwaukee Admirals for the 2024–2025 season. For every assist the Admirals had, Continental Cares donated $10 to the Ronald McDonald House, and the Admirals matched this contribution. Together, we donated a total of $10,050 to the Ronald McDonald House in 2025.  

Continental Teamwork Driving Community Transformation 

Revitalize Milwaukee is the largest provider of home repairs to eligible homeowners in Southeast Wisconsin. In 2025, Continental team members volunteered at the annual Revitalize MKE Block Build in Waukesha County. Our team spent a Saturday completing essential home repairs, including installing new living room flooring, replacing deck railings, adding structural supports to the existing deck, refreshing landscaping and paint, and installing a new Bilco door. We are proud to support Revitalize Milwaukee and all they do to restore communities for vulnerable and low-income seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.  

Our Continental Cares committee hosted several fundraising and volunteer opportunities throughout the year for our team members. Events included a delicious bake sale, a spirited Office Olympics, an exciting March Madness tournament bracket, and a “Spooktacular” bags tournament. Our largest fundraising event was our 6th annual golf outing, where team members, corporate partners, friends, and family gathered for a day rooted in generosity and connection. The golf outing raised a record-breaking amount of $155,000.  

Melissa Wilichowski, Project Administrator and Continental Cares committee member, shared her experience: 

“Continental Cares is truly a work of heart. While fundraising is essential to support our charitable partners, allowing them to continue helping those in need throughout the year, it’s also about bringing Continental team members together. By stepping outside of our day-to-day roles to serve the community, we strengthen relationships, build meaningful connections, and make a significant positive impact on the lives of others. Our committee members are invaluable, insightful, passionate, and dedicated to ensuring the program’s continued success.” 

Thank you to our Continental Cares committee, Lanae Haertel, Amber Lichtensteiger, Katrina Thompson, Annie Weber, Tommy Schloemer, and Melissa Wilichowski, for your leadership, commitment, and passion. Your work strengthens the impact of Continental Cares and inspires our organization. We also extend our appreciation to our Continental team members and corporate partners for their volunteer hours and generous donations that make a real difference in our communities. We look forward to continuing our charitable partnerships and making an impact in 2026! 

About Continental Properties        

Continental Properties is a National Multifamily Housing Council Top 10 developer, owner, and operator of rental home communities, retail, and hospitality properties. Since its inception in 1979, the company has developed 137 apartment communities, encompassing over 37,000 apartment homes across 20 states. In addition to its development portfolio, Continental Properties has strategically acquired nine apartment communities, further expanding its national footprint.