Elliman Connection: Monica Novo Helping New Yorkers Through God’s Love We Deliver

Douglas Elliman agents continue to inspire us through their creative ways of giving back to the community. Agent Monica Novo and managing partner of New York City restaurants Empire Diner and Cafeteria , Stacy Pisone, didn’t waste a minute, or a bite, when they decided to give back. Once they suspended their operations at their well-known New York City eateries Cafeteria and the Empire Diner , they loaded up more than four truckloads of food to donate to God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD), a charity that provides meals to New Yorkers who are too sick to cook. Elliman Insider sat down with Monica to find out what other ways she is choosing to give back during these hard times, and how she continues to stay connected with those she cares about. Elliman Insider: What are some ways you’re giving back to the community? MONICA NOVO: Aside from the donation to GLWD, we donated most of our cakes and desserts to first responders such as the Fire Department of New York. EI: What’s inspired you to donate your time or efforts to that particular cause? MN: I know several seniors that are quarantined and alone that do not have anyone to help them; they are easily exposed to the virus if they go out which puts them at high risk. We felt the need to put together care packages for each of them and deliver them to their homes. EI: What’s the best way you think we can provide emotional and motivational support to each other through all of this? MN: Daily check ins with people you care about, making sure that the people you know are alone have someone there for them. Having to be home for so many hours, days and weeks can cause extreme loneliness. Every day we have been calling, Facetiming, Zooming, creating groups on Whatsapp and iMessage chats so that everyone is connected. EI: What are some ways you think others can give back while still practicing social distancing? MN: So many people do not have the supplies to protect themselves so we made sure that we bought enough gloves and masks. We have been giving them out to people who don’t have any, especially to the elderly. EI: When business goes back to usual, how do you think you can still maintain your sense of community and continue to give back? MN: I have always maintained a sense of community: I volunteer at GLWD and since Covid-19 happened, I’ve supported my fellow restaurateurs and hospitality industry by donating to several GoFundMe causes. I donate to a variety of charities such as ASPCA , St Jude’s , Bestfriends.org , City Meals on Wheels , NOCC , New York Aids Walk , NBCF , Brooklyn Arts Council  and Steve’s Camp to name a few. EI: People have been coming together to support each other during this time; have there been some examplesmoments that have inspired you? MN: There are so many helpful acts of service, but seeing the number of people that have been fostering animals has been especially inspiring. We decided to assist our elderly neighbor by offering to take her pup during this time, helping to reduce her exposure so she wouldn’t have to go outside to walk her dog. People fostering animals is just one of the many acts of kindness—it is awe-inspiring how we have all come together and how much nicer and more caring people are to one another during this crisis. Donate to God’s Love We Deliver today.