REALTOR® Laurie Moore, president of the Greater Gateway Association of REALTORS® (center) presents a $1,000 check to the board of directors of the Haskell House Children’s Museum in Alton.

The Greater Gateway Association of REALTORS® (GGAR) is working with the city of Alton to help restore the century-old Haskell House into a children’s museum as part of their bicentennial legacy project.

Laurie Moore, president-elect of GGAR, presented its first fundraising check to the Haskell House Children’s Museum Board in late 2017 and is continuing fundraising efforts with a Music Themed Trivia Night on March 2, 2018 to raise proceeds for the restoration and development.

The Haskell House, which was left to the city of Alton, has sat vacant for years until now. Plans are underway to transform this house into an educational children’s museum.

Assisting in the development of a structural plan and fundraising, GGAR will be aiding in the progress towards the transformation of the home during the early stages of its development. The Haskell House, built in 1911 in Alton, has been sitting vacant for years, until two local women decided to turn the home and its land into a children’s museum. Today, the city is working to restore the building, which will be the only museum of its kind in the area.

“REALTORS® are community partners focused on making our communities better places to live, work and raise your family. We are proud to partner with this great group for an amazing and needed project,” stated GGAR President-Elect Laurie Moore. “Cultural amenities like a children’s museum are just one of the things people look for in a community when they are choosing a home. Alton continues to grow in its rich historical tradition!”

REALTORS® across the state are working with heart in their communities to complete projects like this to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. GGAR’s project is one of 36 legacy projects being completed by our 29 local REALTOR® associations. Various projects include fundraising for local historic home repairs while others are funding historical murals for their community or promoting local historical properties and societies. Illinois REALTORS® has donated land in downtown Springfield next to our headquarters to build Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership, which is a signature project of the state bicentennial celebrations.

“Working with heart in every community,” underscores how REALTORS® are leaders in their local communities, supporting local charities and causes, promoting economic development and a strong economy all while helping real estate buyers and sellers achieve the American Dream.

The association is an official endorsed partner with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, which oversees the state’s plans for the milestone birthday.