BH is a national apartment operator with nearly 110,000 apartment homes owned or managed from coast to coast. 

Backed by fundraising by its employees nationally, BH has increased the amount it donated to United Way in each of the past three years. In 2023, some 300 employees combined to contribute $146,000. BH’s Annual United Way Campaign includes events such as BINGO, Wear-Jeans-to-Work Day, raffles and a silent auction. 

BH employees also provided hands-on support for United Way activities. This past year, the company helped with Girl Scouts, Youth Emergency Services, Orchard Place and Central Iowa Shelter & Services. These organizations all received funds that were delegated by United Way. 

BH takes its philanthropic lead from its founder, Harry Bookey, who is a leading philanthropist in the Des Moines, Iowa, area, where he and the company are based. 

BH prioritizes volunteering as part of its company culture through its “BH Gives Back” program. Each employee is given eight hours of PTO each year to support any organization that is important to them and impacts their local communities. 

Last year, 727 employees spent 4,270 hours making a difference. From food collection drives to helping at local schools to angel tree donations and serving ice cream, the opportunities to give back were endless. 

BH recognizes one employee each year who has gone above and beyond as the “Philanthropist of the Year.” For 2023, it was Jessica Grandstaff, a Regional Coach based in Des Moines, who volunteers for The Puppy Jake Foundation, the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa at the Iowa State Fair, Central Iowa Shelter & Services and It’s Cold Out There. 

This all ties into one of BH’s core values: Create Community. The company is passionate about putting people first, both in its communities and at work.