Congratulations to Illinois REALTORS® Michael LaFargue and Jack Persin on being named 2018 Good Neighbor Award honorable mentions. A second shout-out goes to LaFargue, who was the top vote-getter and winner of the Web Choice Favorite award.

REALTOR® Magazine announced the five winners and five honorable mentions for the annual award on Wednesday. Each year the National Association of REALTORS®’ magazine honors REALTORS® from around the country whose volunteer work makes a difference in their community.

Besides recognition, honorees also earn money for their charities. LaFargue and Persin will each receive a $2,500 grant as honorable mentions; LaFargue will also receive a $2,500 bonus grant as the Web Choice winner.

Michael LaFargue, of Coldwell Banker Residential in Chicago, has worked with several nonprofits related to transportation, schools, neighborhoods and parks in an effort to make change in underserved areas of Chicago. He is president of the West Chesterfield Community Association and led an effort to install 40 neighborhood security cameras, which led to the arrest of suspects in the murder of a local judge. He also leads the Red Line Extension Coalition which helped drive a $2 billion, 5.3-mile train route expansion that would benefit people in underserved areas.

Jack Persin, of Baird & Warner in Naperville, co-founded Naperville Responds for Veterans, a nonprofit that helps low and moderate-income veterans and their families live with dignity and remain in their homes as they age. The organization has helped nearly 200 veterans to date by making needed repairs, such as replacing aging systems and constructing wheelchair ramps to accommodate disabilities.