What happens when you combine a thoughtful, community-loving team of real estate agents with the holiday season? A generous outpouring of love for their favorite go-to local stores and mission-driven organizations.
Thanks to our Vitalius Giving Program, our team gives back all year to nonprofits that are meaningful to them, however, this time of year we expand our list to include a few additional organizations and small businesses that are special to us. These makers, crafters, creators, and doers are the reason we choose to work, play, and shop here!
FOOD & BEV
"I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS! For amazing pies and other treats, I like Katie Made Bakery, Scratch Bakery and Rosemont Bakery. For my holiday shopping I always head to bookstores first - Sherman's and Longfellow Books are two of my favorites. HandiWork and Darby Jones, both in Deering Center, are such fun places to gift shop, especially when you don't quite know what to get someone. I can always find something fabulous at either place! I also try to attend a few craft/holiday fairs each year because there is nothing better than buying directly from the artist/creator." - KATIE BROOKE
ELISE LOSCHIAVO knows pairing locally crafted chocolate and coffee always makes the season merry and bright! This time of year she has been known to arrange a few gifts bags for her clients containing Rwanda Bean and Deans’ Chocolates and the combination is perfection. ELISE is working on a longer list from Tattoo artists to photographers, jewelers, potters, and LGBTQ Youth groups, and more. To see her complete list be sure to subscribe to her newsletter!
Farm-to-flask distilling isn't a slogan at Maine Craft Distilling, it's their operating principle. BRIT VITALIUS appreciates their Yankee ingenuity, collaboration with local farmers, and sharing their interesting craft-distilled spirits with his circle of friends, family, and colleagues. Their high-quality offerings include spiced rum, blueberry liquor, cinnamon vodka and an array of canned cocktails - orange spritz, Blueshine Lemonade and Brit's favorite, Cranberry Island Cocktail!
SOCIAL JUSTICE & NONPROFITS
It is vital to support organizations that are providing direct services to that empower and support our most vulnerable neighbors.
"Portland is so lucky to have a rich and diverse population from people all over the world. It is our responsibility to welcome them with open arms as they settle into a new life here. The NAACP has a long and strong history of creating real change nationally and locally, and The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center provides key support and collaboration for new Mainers. BEN and I are regular supporters of Teens to Trails and Birth Roots, so we are always eager to increase our support around the holidays to help set them up for a successful new year." - KATIE BROOKE
"Holidays can be a tough time for many people. The services and safe places The Center for Grieving Children provides to both children and adults in tenuous situations is unmatched." - JIM DUPLISSIE
Falmouth Food Pantry - Serves families from the following communities: Falmouth, Westbrook, Cumberland, Yarmouth, and Portland. Dropping off food and other supplies is super easy and you can also donate at the Town Hall Falmouth Churches, or the Falmouth Memorial Library.
Maine Needs - This grassroots organization strives to help individuals and families in Maine meet their basic, material needs by providing donated clothing, hygiene products, household items, and other necessities.
"Here's to embracing what the holidays should be about - celebrating the season with those you love and doing kind things for those in need. Donations to organizations providing critical resources such as Preble Street, Florence House, City of Portland's Family Shelter are an impactful way to help those who need support" - LISA SMITH
ARTS & CULTURE
Despite the challenges of the past two holiday seasons, the Portland Symphony Orchestra has kept this beloved musical tradition going for everyone to enjoy. Now in its 42nd year, Magic of Christmas will be offered in-person or online which makes it a thoughtful gift for friends and family near and far.
YASMIN VITALIUS is a professional violinist at PSO, violin instructor, and the Director of the New England Suzuki Institute (“NESI”). This non-profit is dedicated to nurturing student's character through the beauty of music and believes all children should have access to the to the philosophy and teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki by providing financial assistance through their scholarship program.
SMALL BUSINESS
Salt & Wool Maine - Built on their belief in the talents and traditions of salt of the Earth Mainers, MOLLY CLIMO's friends turned their passion project into a reality. This company supports the local economy while providing functional and stylish hats. All materials are sourced here in Maine and make great gifts for both men and women!
From KATIE BROOKE, we've discovered Even Keel Card Company. Caitlin Hopkins creates original handprinted cards to send a little bit of joy out into the world. Each design is hand-carved into rubber and then handprinted on to individual cards. -
HOME & OUTDOORS
Family owned businesses, unique gifts (and names!), gorgous floral designs, one-of-a-kind Maine products - RACHEL DAVEY's favorite stores are dedicated to offering quality home decor and the most thoughtful gifts and accessories. Explore GooeyGump Designs, Petalage Florals , and Lisa Marie's Made in Maine and you will definitely find that perfect something for everyone!
Give the gift of a backcountry experience that inspires reverence for Maine's western mountains, forests, and waters and help strengthen the local economy. Maine Huts & Trails, Portland Trails is here to remind us that this great State is pretty spectacular and it is volunteers like CHRIS DAVIS who keep these treasured places accessible to everyone all season. Joined by family and friends, Chris recently cleaned up several trails in Carrabassett Valley after 20+ blowdowns!
When NOVA TOWER moved to Portland, Maine from New York in 2009, she was bowled over to discover an abundance of pristine beaches and forested trails within such easy reach. “You just don’t have that anywhere else,” she told Downeast Magazine in this interview. Nova now co-chairs Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Next Wave Council, a group of young supporters out there dedicated to keeping Maine beautiful and accessible to everyone through conservation, respect, and a true passion for community.
We hope our list inspires you to continue investing in your local neighborhoods this holiday season and beyond. Your investment in where we call home truly make a difference.
Be Well & Happy Holidays!
The Vitalius Real Estate Group Team
