At Onward Real Estate, community isn’t just where we work, it’s who we are.
For more than 40 years, a quiet but powerful tradition of generosity has brought real estate agents together during the holiday season to support children in need across Middle Tennessee. Known as Christmas for the Children, this long-standing initiative has now helped more than 10,000 children and raised over $500,000 to ensure families experience joy, dignity, and care at Christmas.
How It Began
Christmas for the Children didn’t start as a formal program or fundraiser. It began decades ago as a simple, heartfelt idea from agents who wanted to give a meaningful Christmas gift to Bob Parks, one that reflected the values he lived by. Instead of a personal present, they chose to give back, pooling their resources to provide gifts for children in need.
That single act of generosity grew into an annual tradition that continues today, touching hundreds of lives each year.
A Community-Led Effort
Each year, Christmas for the Children supports nearly 200 children, providing gifts and essential items made possible through:
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Agent contributions across the brokerage
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Annual support from the Tyler Morrissey Golf Tournament, which has contributed to the initiative for several consecutive years
What makes this tradition special is that it is entirely community-driven — powered by people who believe that success means lifting others along the way.
Carrying the Legacy Forward at Onward
Today, Bob Parks and his wife, Marie Parks, are part of the Onward Real Estate family, serving in advisory roles and continuing to champion a culture rooted in service and generosity. Their long-standing commitment to giving aligns seamlessly with Onward’s mission to be more than a real estate brokerage — to be a trusted community partner and pillar in the places we serve.
“Christmas for the Children represents the very best of our people and our purpose,” said Jenni Barnett, CEO of Onward Real Estate. “It reflects who we are at Onward — a company committed to supporting children, strengthening families, and showing up for our community year after year.”
Why It Matters
At Onward, we believe real estate is ultimately about people — their homes, their neighborhoods, and their sense of belonging. Traditions like Christmas for the Children remind us that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can create lasting impact far beyond the transaction.
As this tradition enters its fifth decade, Onward Real Estate is proud to help carry it forward — ensuring that the spirit of giving continues to brighten the holidays for generations to come.
