The Everitt Family’s Epic Journey: A Global Mission for SOS Children’s Villages
In an inspiring display of dedication and philanthropy, Tom and Kerrie Everitt, prominent real estate professionals and passionate community volunteers, are embarking on what they describe as the trip of a lifetime. Accompanied by their spirited children, Capri (10) and Bowen (8), the Everitt family is setting off on an extraordinary global adventure. Their ambitious goal: to visit 80 villages across 80 different countries in the coming months, all to raise crucial funds and global awareness for SOS Children’s Villages, an organization devoted to providing loving homes for children in need worldwide.
This remarkable journey is not just a feat of extensive travel but a deeply personal mission, with each family member playing a unique and vital role. Ten-year-old Capri, a budding musical talent, will be the heartwarming voice of the expedition. In each village they visit, she will sing the respective country’s national anthem alongside local children, creating a powerful cultural bridge and a universal message of hope. Kerrie Everitt, the astute managing broker of Main Street Dexter Associates Realty, explains the thoughtful reasoning behind Capri’s choice: “Capri wanted to think of a song that the children would already know, something that transcends language barriers and popular culture.” Her husband, Tom Everitt, lightheartedly adds, “We didn’t think they would necessarily know the hit songs around here – you know, the Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake or Taylor Swift songs.” This simple yet profound approach ensures immediate connection and shared experience, fostering a sense of unity among children from diverse backgrounds and truly embodying the spirit of global community.
Meet the Visionary Couple: Tom and Kerrie Everitt’s Professional Journey and Philanthropic Spirit
Beyond their role as intrepid world travelers and dedicated parents, Tom and Kerrie Everitt have built a formidable reputation in the real estate industry. Tom Everitt has been a licensed professional since approximately 1999, accumulating decades of invaluable experience and insight into the dynamic real estate market. His expertise laid a solid foundation for their family’s professional endeavors. Following the birth of their daughter, Capri, in 2005, Kerrie Everitt made her entry into the industry, swiftly demonstrating her capabilities. By 2008, her dedication and leadership skills propelled her to the role of managing broker, a position that perfectly complemented her husband’s established role as an agent. Together, they have nurtured Main Street Dexter Associates Realty into a successful and community-focused enterprise, known for its integrity, client-centric approach, and deep roots in the local community.
Their professional journey in real estate has undoubtedly equipped them with a unique set of skills that are proving indispensable for planning such an intricate global undertaking. The meticulous organization, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication required to navigate the complexities of property transactions are now being expertly applied to coordinating international travel, managing a vast budget, and fostering global partnerships. This background underscores their capacity for detailed planning and their unwavering commitment to achieving ambitious goals, whether in business or in humanitarian efforts. Their decision to temporarily step away from their thriving careers highlights the profound importance of their mission, demonstrating that their passion for community and global welfare extends far beyond their local sphere, inspiring many along the way.
SOS Children’s Villages: A Global Haven for Children in Need
The core purpose of the Everitt family’s extraordinary journey is to shine a spotlight on and raise vital funds for SOS Children’s Villages. This remarkable international charity is driven by a powerful and universal message: to provide a loving home for every child. In a world where millions of children face adversity, displacement, and loss due to conflict, poverty, and natural disasters, SOS Children’s Villages offers a beacon of hope, ensuring that no child grows up alone. The charity’s global footprint is extensive and impactful, with a compassionate presence in 134 countries worldwide. This vast network encompasses over 2,500 locations and includes 550 dedicated SOS Children’s Villages, each designed to nurture, protect, and empower vulnerable children.
The support offered by SOS Children’s Villages extends far beyond simply housing children. It encompasses a holistic approach to child welfare and family strengthening, focusing on programs that help keep at-risk families together, preventing abandonment. Additionally, they provide high-quality alternative care for children who, due to tragic circumstances such as war, death, or other critical issues, are unable to live with their biological parents. This comprehensive support includes crucial education and vocational training initiatives, empowering young people with the skills they need to build independent and fulfilling lives, breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability. Furthermore, the charity offers vital prevention programs and essential healthcare services, addressing the root causes of vulnerability and ensuring the physical and mental well-being of both children and their communities. In SOS Villages, children find a safe, stable, and happy home environment for as long as they need it, supported by dedicated caregivers and surrounded by a nurturing community that fosters healing, growth, and the chance to thrive.
The Young Ambassadors: Capri’s Voice and Bowen’s Blog
The Everitt children are not merely passengers on this grand adventure; they are active and enthusiastic participants, each contributing their unique talents to the cause. Ten-year-old Capri has been developing her musical gifts since the tender age of five, demonstrating a remarkable proficiency in both singing and piano. Her role as the lead vocalist for the “Around the World in 80 Anthems” project is central to the family’s mission. Capri’s ability to connect with children globally through the universal language of music is truly inspiring, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering empathy. Her performances are expected to be emotional highlights of their visits, creating memorable moments for both the host communities and the Everitt family, while also serving as a powerful call to action for donations and support to SOS Children’s Villages.
Eight-year-old Bowen, equally enthusiastic and possessing a keen sense of observation, has taken on the vital role of chronicler and storyteller for their journey. He is a prolific blogger on his sister’s dedicated charity site, aroundtheworldin80anthems.com. Through his engaging blog posts, Bowen offers a candid and charming perspective on the family’s preparations for the monumental trip, as well as captivating glimpses into their daily life at home before their departure. His entries detail the excitement, challenges, and learning experiences of a young boy about to embark on a global odyssey. Beyond writing, Bowen is also responsible for uploading the rich tapestry of pictures, videos, and other engaging multimedia content that brings their adventure to life for their online followers. His observations, often infused with youthful curiosity and honesty, provide a fresh and relatable insight into their experiences, making the journey accessible and inspiring to a wide audience across the globe.
Bowen’s blog also reveals his burgeoning interests and passions, showcasing how travel is broadening his horizons. He articulates his excitement for one particular destination with infectious enthusiasm: “The country that I am most interested in seeing is India, because they have the most computer programmers.” His fascination with technology and global innovation is further emphasized by his insightful knowledge of global tech hubs: “We will be going to Chennai. Out of the top 10 cities in the world that professionals with tech skills moved to, five, including the top four, were in India. Indians like computers and so do I.” This demonstrates not only his intellectual curiosity but also how this trip is serving as an unparalleled, real-world educational experience, exposing him to global trends and diverse cultures in a highly personal and engaging way. His unique perspective adds a layer of authentic discovery to the family’s already profound philanthropic endeavor, proving that learning knows no bounds.
Navigating the Globe: Logistics, Challenges, and Meticulous Planning
While Capri’s singing and Bowen’s blogging capture the hearts and minds of their audience, the intricate machinery of this global expedition rests firmly on the capable shoulders of Tom and Kerrie. Their primary responsibility during this monumental journey is the meticulous planning and flawless execution of getting the family from one destination to the next, ensuring they arrive in time for each scheduled event, performance, or gathering. This involves an extraordinary level of logistical coordination, considering the sheer number of countries, diverse transportation methods, and often-complex international travel routes.
Tom Everitt candidly admits to a personal challenge he must overcome daily: his nervousness about flying. “I’m not a big fan of flying,” he confesses, highlighting the profound personal sacrifice and unwavering determination required for this mission. “But we will go around the globe three times, and we are sponsored by Flight Centre.” It’s important to note that while Flight Centre provides invaluable support and expertise for their extensive travel arrangements, helping them navigate complex itineraries and secure bookings, they are not funding the trip itself. As Tom clarifies, “They are not paying for our trip; we are doing this ourselves to raise as much money as we can for SOS.” This distinction underscores the family’s deep personal investment and commitment, emphasizing that every dollar raised directly benefits SOS Children’s Villages, rather than covering their own travel expenses, maximizing their philanthropic impact.
Kerrie Everitt, the organizational mastermind behind the entire undertaking, is tackling the logistical labyrinth with characteristic precision and an almost superhuman dedication. “I’ve got spreadsheets and more spreadsheets,” she says, detailing the immense amount of planning involved in orchestrating a journey of this magnitude. Each spreadsheet meticulously outlines their itinerary, specifying where the Everitts are supposed to be and precisely when, down to the minute. Accommodations also present a complex challenge; while some villages have generous families ready to host them, other locations require more flexible arrangements. “We’re going through Airbnb to find places to stay during the trip,” Kerrie adds, showcasing their adaptive approach to ensure comfortable, safe, and suitable lodging across diverse environments. This level of granular planning and flexibility is absolutely crucial for navigating the demanding schedule of visiting 80 countries, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing potential disruptions to their vital mission.
Maintaining Harmony: The Importance of Routine on a Global Scale
Beyond the logistical complexities of traversing the globe, Tom and Kerrie Everitt prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of their children during this intense period of constant movement and new experiences. They firmly believe that their fundamental role throughout this adventure is to support Capri’s singing efforts and, crucially, to maintain as much normalcy and routine as possible for the kids. Moving to a new place every three or four days presents a significant challenge to stability, making a consistent routine absolutely critical to their harmony as a family and to the overall success of their journey.
Establishing and adhering to a routine provides a vital sense of predictability and security amidst the ever-changing backdrop of their journey. This might involve consistent meal times, dedicated periods for schoolwork – whether traditional lessons conducted remotely or hands-on learning from their travels – and ensuring ample time for play, rest, and connection. Such a structured approach helps children process new environments, adapt to different cultures, and prevent potential burnout or homesickness, fostering resilience and curiosity. The Everitts understand that the success of their mission hinges not only on their external achievements but also on preserving the internal balance and happiness of their family unit, allowing Capri and Bowen to fully embrace, learn from, and ultimately cherish this unparalleled global educational experience without feeling overwhelmed.
The Grand Kick-off: Ottawa and the Initial Caribbean Leg
The monumental world tour is set to officially kick off with a highly significant event in Ottawa, Canada, on November 20th, coinciding with International Children’s Day. This poignant choice of date and location profoundly underscores the global importance of their mission and amplifies their message of child welfare to a national and international audience. In front of the esteemed Senate building, a symbol of Canadian governance, Capri Everitt will deliver a powerful and moving performance, singing the national anthem for Parliament. This high-profile platform will not only showcase her remarkable vocal talent but also allow her to articulate her upcoming journey and the urgent need to raise funds for SOS Children’s Charities, bringing their cause to the attention of national leaders, media, and the wider public.
Immediately following this impactful launch, the Everitt family will transition swiftly from the political heart of Canada to the vibrant, sun-drenched landscapes of the Caribbean and beyond. Their initial itinerary is packed with a series of diverse and exciting destinations, all scheduled to be visited before Christmas. This includes hopping on a plane to the Dominican Republic, followed by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, the Cayman Islands, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas. To round off this exhilarating first leg, they will make a significant stop in New York, a global hub that will further amplify their message. This intensive initial phase will undoubtedly test their planning and adaptability, immersing them quickly into the rapid pace of their global quest, while bringing the heartwarming message of SOS Children’s Villages to a diverse array of communities across the Americas.
Ensuring Continuity: Dexter Associates Realty Back Home
Undertaking such an extended global journey necessitates meticulous planning not only for the trip itself but also for the continuity of their professional lives. With Kerrie working as a managing broker within her husband’s real estate firm, Main Street Dexter Associates Realty, their joint venture often requires their full, undivided attention. However, this unique professional arrangement has also fostered a strong team environment, allowing them the flexibility and support needed for their ambitious philanthropic endeavors. Dexter Associates Realty boasts a robust team of 153 dedicated members, all committed to upholding the firm’s standards of excellence and client service, ensuring a smooth operation even in the founders’ absence.
A particularly heartwarming aspect of their preparations involves entrusting the day-to-day oversight of their successful business to Chris Campbell. Chris is not just an employee; he represents a profound full-circle story of mentorship and community. Tom Everitt proudly mentored Chris when he was a youth through the impactful Big Brothers Little Sisters program, guiding him through formative years. Now 22 years old, Chris has not only grown into a capable and reliable professional but has also become an integral part of Tom and Kerrie’s business, embodying the values they stand for. His willingness and ability to help manage the firm during their absence speaks volumes about the enduring impact of mentorship, the power of paying it forward, and the strong, family-like bonds within Dexter Associates Realty. This arrangement ensures that while the Everitt family is making a monumental difference across the globe, their local business continues to thrive, managed by a trusted and competent team member who truly embodies the very spirit of community and support that the Everitts champion in all aspects of their lives.
The Everitt family’s “Around the World in 80 Anthems” adventure is more than just a trip; it’s a testament to human kindness, familial bond, and the transformative power of a shared mission. Through Capri’s enchanting voice, Bowen’s captivating blog, and Tom and Kerrie’s tireless dedication, they are not only exploring the world but actively shaping a better one for vulnerable children everywhere, proving that with passion, meticulous planning, and an unwavering purpose, ordinary families can indeed achieve extraordinary things and inspire a global movement of compassion.