Nathan Butera was inspired by his own upbringing in Louisiana
to assist Summer of Sass in their mission to bring LGBTQI+ teens
from non-inclusive areas to Provincetown, Massachusetts, one
of the most LGBTQ-inclusive places in the country. Nathan
generously donated his time and commission to help them in their
search. Read on to discover how he helped the organization
find the perfect property, and his advice on remaining engaged in
philanthropic giving year-round.
Tell us a
bit about Summer of Sass! What initially inspired you to get
involved with this organization?
Summer of Sass transforms lives by relocating LGBTQI+
individuals between 18 and 20 years old from oppressive areas in
the United States to the welcoming community of Provincetown,
Massachusetts. Having grown up myself a closeted queer in
Louisiana, I understand the oppression and depression that existed
then and still exists today for queer youth in many areas of our
country. To really get an experience that exposes you to a
community who loves and accepts you for who you are is a powerful
thing. To meet people like you in different stages of life who are
successful and thriving can change your life.
Walk us through the process of assisting Summer of Sass
with their home search. What were some challenges you faced? Any
fun highlights from the journey?
Initially, before holding her fundraising event, Summer of Sass
founder Kristen Becker’s goal was to buy a two-bedroom condo
for $1 million that would house four young adults. After her event,
she had raised $2.5 million, so we began looking at guest houses.
We identified a property she felt would be a great match for her
program with the opportunity for some expansion. However, there was
already an accepted offer on the property and the buyer was
unwilling to budge.. We looked at other guest houses, but the
donors providing the lion’s share of the funding favored a
particular property that was a beautiful Victorian guest house on a
sizable lot for $3.695 million. They supported its purchase if it
worked for the program. Kristen was wary about growing the program
too quickly and finding the continued financial support to run not
just a bigger program, but a substantial property. But, with nine
bedrooms that could change the lives of up to sixteen youths each
summer, and the street presence and curb appeal that would grab the
attention of future donors, Kristen decided the property was a wise
investment. I think it underscores the power of Summer of
Sass’s mission and the confidence the donors had in Kristen
that they were willing to get behind such an impactful purchase. It
also demonstrates what an influential symbol a home can be. I have
no doubt that Kristen will use the prominence of the property and
its potential for fundraising events to keep Summer of Sass alive
for years to come.
As an agent focused on philanthropic giving, how do you
stay engaged throughout the year?
As a real estate professional selling million dollar properties in
a second-home market, I’ve made it a point to remain focused
on the housing needs of locals and others for whom it is not easy
to enjoy the beauty and spirit of acceptance that is Provincetown
(and Truro and Wellfleet). I’m currently the chair of
Provincetown’s Year Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust
and I’m on the Housing Task Force of the Cape Cod and Islands
Association of REALTORS®. Keeping my focus on housing in all
its forms helps not only my business, but my community, as well. To
find such support and encouragement for my efforts from Gibson
Sotheby’s International Realty has been icing on the cake.
It’s nice to know they have my back.
Do you have any recommendations for those considering
taking a deeper dive into philanthropy?
I think finding something truly meaningful to oneself is the most
important step. Whether it be the environment, food insecurity,
animal welfare, mentorship, or any number of areas in which the
free market falls short, if you don’t really care about it,
it’s not gonna stick. Find an organization that meets
regularly and start connecting with others. Opportunities will
emerge. And finally, keep your scope narrow and don’t get
sidetracked with other causes that don’t fit into your
personal mission. In so publicly supporting Summer of Sass and
through my volunteer efforts, I am continually surprised by other
personally lucrative opportunities that have presented themselves.
It’s not why I do it, but I’m certainly not
complaining.
To
learn how you can help Summer of Sass, visit www.summerofsass.org
Connect with Nathan Butera at 508-237-8101 or nathan.butera@gibsonsir.com
or visit Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s
Provincetown office at 168
Commercial Street, Provincetown,
Massachusetts.