RHP Properties’ 22-Year Partnership Fuels Holiday Hope in Farmington

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – December 19, 2025 – As the holiday season approaches, RHP Properties has reaffirmed its deep-rooted commitment to its home community, marking its 22nd consecutive year of support for the Farmington Area Goodfellows. Through a combination of employee generosity and a corporate match, the real estate firm has donated $8,030 to the all-volunteer charity, providing a crucial boost to its mission of ensuring “No Child or Senior Without a Christmas.”

The donation comes at a critical time, as the Goodfellows and other local aid organizations report a significant increase in demand for assistance. This long-standing partnership highlights the powerful impact of sustained corporate philanthropy in addressing the evolving needs of a community, even one often perceived as prosperous.

A Two-Decade Legacy of Giving

For more than two decades, the holiday season at RHP Properties’ Farmington Hills headquarters has been synonymous with rallying support for their neighbors in need. This year, employees raised $4,015, a figure the company promptly matched, bringing the 2025 total to $8,030. This single donation brings the company’s cumulative financial support for the Goodfellows to an impressive $38,037 over the 22-year relationship, a figure that doesn't include the countless food and toy donations also collected over the years.

This consistent, reliable support has been instrumental for the Goodfellows, allowing the organization to plan and execute its massive holiday drive with confidence. Richard Lerner, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Farmington Area Goodfellows, emphasized the significance of this enduring alliance.

"RHP Properties has grown into our largest single supporter and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our organization," said Lerner. "Their support over the years has helped us reach countless residents across our community and this year's contribution comes at a time when the demand for assistance continues to grow and is greater than ever."

The partnership demonstrates a model of community engagement that extends beyond a simple annual check. It represents a deep, institutional tradition that has become part of the corporate culture at the nation's largest privately held owner of manufactured home communities.

Responding to a Growing, Hidden Need

While Farmington and Farmington Hills boast median household incomes above the national average, these figures can mask the economic realities faced by a growing number of residents. According to recent data, the poverty rate in Farmington Hills sits at over 6%, translating to more than 5,000 individuals living below the poverty line. Compounding this is a high cost of living, with housing expenses significantly outpacing national averages.

This economic pressure is what drives the increased demand cited by Lerner. Local charities are on the front lines, witnessing the strain on families firsthand. Organizations like CARES of Farmington Hills report serving 700-750 families with food assistance monthly, underscoring a widespread and persistent need that extends beyond the holiday season. For many, a single unexpected expense or a reduction in work hours can precipitate a crisis.

This is the environment in which the Farmington Area Goodfellows operates. The organization, which has been serving the community for over 80 years, typically assists 400-500 families, seniors, and developmentally challenged adults each holiday season. This year, they anticipate that number will be higher, making contributions from partners like RHP Properties more vital than ever. Every dollar of the donation will be converted directly into food, toys, books, and gift cards for groceries and essentials, providing tangible relief and a sense of dignity for recipients.

The Engine of Community: An 80-Year Legacy of Volunteerism

Founded in 1939, the Farmington Area Goodfellows is a testament to the power of grassroots volunteerism. The organization operates without a single paid staff member, relying on a dedicated force of over 200 volunteers to power its mission. This ensures that 100% of all financial donations directly benefit those in need.

Their work culminates in a massive logistical effort each December. Volunteers, affectionately known as “Elves,” spend weeks at a donated warehouse sorting tens of thousands of canned goods, packing food boxes, and organizing thousands of new toys and books. The scale of the operation is immense; in a typical year, the Goodfellows process over 30,000 food items and thousands of dollars in gift cards.

This effort culminates on “Delivery Day,” scheduled for Saturday, December 20, when volunteer “Reindeer” will fan out across Farmington and Farmington Hills to deliver the holiday packages. The impact of these deliveries is profound, providing not just sustenance and gifts, but also a powerful message of community solidarity and care during a time that can be isolating for those struggling.
The Goodfellows' impact is amplified through strategic partnerships. They share warehouse space with Oakland County Toys for Tots and ensure any surplus items are passed along to other local charities like Neighborhood House and CARES of Farmington Hills, helping to stock their pantries for the year ahead.

Corporate Citizenship with a Local Focus

The annual donation to the Goodfellows is a cornerstone of RHP Properties' broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company’s philosophy of putting residents first extends into the communities where its employees live and work. This local focus is part of a larger, national philanthropic strategy that addresses critical issues like childhood hunger and educational equity.

The firm is a significant supporter of the No Kid Hungry campaign, having donated over $63,000 since 2020 to help end childhood hunger across the United States. It also maintains a robust partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, contributing over $100,000 to provide essential school supplies for more than 9,000 students, many of whom reside in RHP communities.

Ross Partrich, CEO of RHP Properties, sees this charitable work as a core part of the company's identity. "The Farmington Area Goodfellows do remarkable work and we're honored to support their mission again this year," he stated. "It's a tradition our team looks forward to each year and our employees continue to show extraordinary generosity and heart, coming together to help ensure local children, families, and seniors feel cared for during the holiday season."

As the delivery trucks prepare to roll out this Saturday, the impact of this 22-year partnership will be felt in hundreds of homes across the community, a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a local business invests consistently in the well-being of its neighbors. For those wishing to join the effort, more information on how to donate or volunteer can be found on the Farmington Area Goodfellows website.