In partnership with the St. Simons Land Trust, proceeds from the 1% for St. Simons voluntary giving program for local businesses help to preserve the island’s character and charm. Donations are used for land acquisition, land management, education and outreach, public access to waterways and wildlife preserve, and to the protection and preservation of historic properties forever. The 1% for St. Simons program participants include restaurants, hotels, outdoor activity companies, associations, media and printing businesses, as well as marketing and design agencies.
The newest 1% for St. Simons partner is DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty. “With roots going back more than 100 years as well as being a lifelong resident, I know how special St. Simons is, the importance of green space, and balance of development” says Frank DeLoach, owner and broker of DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty, whose company has been a leader in the local real estate market serving the Golden Isles since the early 1990s. The firm is a full-service real estate company offering comprehensive and personalized support to both sellers and buyers.
“I’m delighted to have DeLoach Sotheby’s join 1% for St. Simons,” says Sara Baker, manager of the program. “We appreciate Frank’s willingness to participate and give back to the community and to be the first in his industry to join the 1% for St. Simons program.”
Joe Loehle
Buying or selling a home, or any other type of property for that matter, is a much more involved process than many people realize. For home owners, it can also be an emotional and stressful time. DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty recognizes this and is committed to supporting their clients every step of the way, using both modern practices combined with personal attention. With a team of real estate pros, and with decades of local knowledge, the firm works to ensure that the home buying and selling processes are smooth and enjoyable experiences.
DeLoach was born on St. Simons Island, lived his entire life in this community and is a University of Georgia alumni. Opening his real estate brokerage and development company in 1992, he quickly grew the company into one of the area’s largest and most well-known businesses. He is also a community leader, serving on the Board of Directors of the St. Simons Land Trust, as a Commissioner on the Glynn County Airport Commission, and has served as Deacon in the St. Simons Presbyterian Church.
Joe Loehle
“Frank is blazing the trail for other real estate companies and organizations to get behind and support this worthy cause” says David Pope, St. Simons Land Trust Executive Director.
Money raised by the 1% for St. Simons program, allows the Land Trust to undertake projects that are carefully vetted against a set of criteria that include ecological value, public access/benefit, and fundraising feasibility. Their current focus areas include: 1) The large amount of acreage available for protection north of the Lawrence Road roundabout, including Musgrove and Cannon’s Point. These properties are wooded, feature maritime forests and wildlife habitat, and are among some of the most ecologically sensitive in the world. The north end also faces the largest threat of development, and therefore represents the largest impact on our rare ecosystems and quality of life. 2) Numerous opportunities for greenspace on the south end of the island. These properties tend to be small in scale and more expensive in price. 3) Building trails by working as a facilitator with PATH Foundation, Glynn county, and other private donors. Pedestrian resources and connectivity to parks and natural areas are important values for the Land Trust. “Trails and nature” are consistently two of the top reasons why visitors choose the Golden Isles, according to the Convention & Visitors’ Bureau annual survey.
DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 2901 Frederica Road on St. Simons Island and can be reached at 912.638.0406. The St. Simons Land Trust office is located at 1624 Frederica Road #6. If your business would like to participate in the 1% for St. Simons Program, please contact Sara Baker at 912.638.9109 or onepercent@sslt.org.
