As retail continues to evolve, shopping centers continue to be community hubs that foster connection, engagement, and local impact. Second Horizon Capital’s 250 Acts of Community initiative is one example of how retail properties are turning that commitment into action.
Inspired by America250, the portfolio-wide initiative encourages acts of service, appreciation, and community engagement across Second Horizon Capital’s seven shopping centers nationwide. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the initiative provides a way for shopping centers to celebrate by investing in the communities they serve. From honoring military families and supporting local nonprofits, to celebrating first responders and bringing neighbors together, the initiative reflects the company’s belief that successful retail properties should contribute to the communities around them.
The initiative reflects a broader shift across the retail real estate industry toward experiential programming that builds loyalty, strengthens community partnerships and gives consumers reasons to visit beyond traditional shopping trips. Many centers are expanding their role as community gathering places by creating opportunities for engagement, education and connection.
“At Second Horizon Capital, we view stewardship as more than investing in buildings. It is about investing in people and places,” says Kelsey Overby, senior vice president of Impact. “The 250 Acts of Community initiative reflects our belief that shopping centers can be powerful community assets that help strengthen the social fabric of the neighborhoods they serve while reinforcing the important role these centers play in people’s daily lives. Second Horizon Capital was founded on the belief that retail properties can serve as catalysts for stronger and more connected communities and ‘250 Acts of Community’ creates a platform for our centers, retailers, local organizations and community members to participate together in experiences that celebrate service, connection and community pride.”
The initiative gives each center flexibility to create programs that reflect local needs while supporting a shared mission of service and connection. Planned activities include veteran storytelling experiences; school supply, food and hygiene product drives; volunteer fairs; family-focused service projects; teacher and first responder appreciation campaigns; cultural celebrations; intergenerational events; and partnerships supporting local nonprofits.
The initiative is already taking shape through a variety of local programs designed to address the needs and interests of each community.
At Park Plaza in Little Rock, Arkansas, families recently gathered to create handmade “Get Well Soon” cards for local hospital patients. What began as a simple craft activity became an opportunity for children and parents to brighten someone’s day through a simple act of kindness.
At Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond, Virginia, more than 250 guests attended a Community Tea Party, hosted in partnership with The Queen’s Library Tea Room. The event brought together multiple generations for conversation, storytelling and shared experiences while reinforcing the center’s role as a gathering place for the community. The center also organized a letter-writing campaign recognizing local firefighters and thanking them for their service.
In Utah, Layton Hills Mall partnered with Operation Hero to host a special breakfast honoring military spouses and families. The gathering recognized the sacrifices made by military families while creating opportunities for support, appreciation and connection among participants. Building on that partnership, the center is planning additional programming recognizing first responders in conjunction with the upcoming anniversary of Sept. 11.
While the activities vary from market to market, they share a common purpose of creating opportunities for people to come together in meaningful ways. These efforts help strengthen the connection between shopping centers and the communities they serve, creating places where people gather, build relationships and engage in experiences that extend beyond commerce.
The power of the “250 Acts of Community” initiative lies in its simplicity. A handwritten note to a veteran. A donation drive supporting local schools. A breakfast honoring military families. A community gathering that brings neighbors together. Individually, these moments may seem small; collectively, they create a lasting impact.
More importantly, they demonstrate how shopping centers can create value beyond commerce. When community members, retailers, nonprofit organizations and local leaders come together around a shared purpose, the result is often far greater than any single event or activity.
Through hundreds of acts of service, appreciation and community engagement, Second Horizon Capital is demonstrating that the most successful shopping centers are not simply places where people shop; they are places where commerce and community come together.