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In the second installment of our 2022 REALTORS® Give Back project, we recognize four local associations and three brokerages for their charitable activities during November and December.
Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS®
(formerly Greater Gateway Association of REALTORS®)
This local association raised a total of $9,620 and spread out the proceeds across 10 local food pantries in the Metro East region of southwestern Illinois.
The money was raised in early November through a special event named “The Taste of GGAR,” which drew more than 300 people to taste food from local restaurants. The association’s Affiliates Committee organized the event, allowing the Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS® to provide funds to food pantries just before Thanksgiving.
North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® and
Northern Illinois Commercial Association of REALTORS®
A dozen members of the North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® (NSBAR) and the Northern Illinois Commercial Association of REALTORS® gathered in mid-November to help package meals for the nonprofit organization, Hunger Heroes/Outreach Feed 6. Together, they provided $1,100 in donations to the project and helped package 720 meals.
Hunger Heroes distributes meals to food-insecure neighbors, which include veterans, children, families and seniors through “Project Hope.”
“It is a great team-building activity and networking event,” said NSBAR CEO Jeff Lasky, “as well as an awesome opportunity to give back to our community.”
Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®
The Young Professionals Network of the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (MoRE) held an Ugly Sweater Party and used the proceeds to raise $4,000 for South Suburban PADS this holiday season. A total of 185 members contributed to the cause. MoRE will make its donation at year-end.
South Suburban PADS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, affordable homes and supportive services to help people overcome homelessness. It was founded in 1990 by community leaders to help volunteers take Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS).
Glacier Realty of McHenry
Glacier Realty showed its community spirit by hosting a special event in early December to encourage donations for Kids in Need of McHenry County. The event offered muffins and Mimosas as refreshments, free chair massages and mortgage financing information from other local businesses. As a result, Glacier dropped off 30 items, including winter hats, gloves and scarves for children.
“Glacier Realty chose Kids in Need to support because we too advocate for healthy and happy kids and those who support them on their journey to adulthood,” said Erin Bjornson, a broker for Glacier Realty.
“Just like housing is a basic need for any child, having other basic need items fosters security and safety,” said Dorene Swanson, designated managing broker of Glacier Realty. “It also helps relieve the stress and financial burden of those caring for children. Helping others strengthens our communities and creates an atmosphere of oneness!”
RE/MAX of Rock Valley in Oregon
Thanks to several toys drives organized by RE/MAX of Rock Valley, the brokerage donated more than 900 toys last week to the Ogle County Toys for Tots campaign. The events brought together members of the neighboring communities and REALTORS®.
REALTOR® Stephanie Wendt of the RE/MAX office in Oregon, IL, noted the toys will help more than 270 families this holiday season. “I choose to continue to volunteer for this organization for several reasons,” Wendt said. “First, the children. Christmas is about more than presents, and I understand that entirely. But I could not imagine the eyes of a child when they woke up on Christmas morning and Santa forgot to stop at their house! I enjoy assisting in the magic of Christmas morning, and it is important to help bring all the magic and love we can into our communities.”
Arturo Flores Team at eXp Realty in Woodstock
To show its community spirit, the Arturo Flores Team at eXp Realty in Woodstock partnered with the city of Woodstock to make Cookies and Churros with Santa an enjoyable event for area families.
Santa, Mrs. Claus, Woodstock firefighters and the Flores Team gave out churros, cookies and hot chocolate, while professional photographers helped capture the special moments for parents.
“Cookies and Churros with Santa is bringing everyone together for a common cause during this magical time,” said Flores.
Do you have a charity you’re supporting this holiday season?
If you have a non-profit organization your brokerage or local association is helping this holiday season, please fill out a REALTORS® Give Back form and submit photos to [email protected].
