This is the second in a series of blog posts that highlight Illinois REALTORS® Who Made a Difference in 2018. Check this blog daily through December to see them all.

In early October, Chicago REALTOR® Michael LaFargue and Naperville REALTOR® Jack Persin received honorable mention status for the 2018 NAR Good Neighbor Awards.

As a result, both earned $2,500 grants from NAR REALTOR® Magazine, and LaFargue also was given a $2,500 bonus grant as the Web Choice winner and receiving the most online votes.

LaFargue, of Coldwell Banker Residential in Chicago, has worked with several nonprofits related to transportation, schools, neighborhoods and parks in an effort to make changes 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.

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 by making needed repairs, such as replacing aging systems and constructing wheelchair ramps to accommodate disabilities.

REALTOR® Magazine offers individual stories about LaFargue and Persin.

Read the first REALTOR® Who Made a Difference in 2018 story about Sabrina Conti.