In November, House 2 Home Realty in Southern Illinois conducted a raffle to help feed local families in need during the holiday season.

Illinois REALTORS Give BackThrough the Harvest of Hope Raffle, $7,500 was raised and proceeds were split among five food banks in the area: the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance, Herrin House of Hope, Cambria Food Pantry, Carterville United Pantry and the Marion Ministerial Alliance. House 2 Home Managing Broker Celia Robertson donated a $1,000 VISA gift card so 100 percent of all funds collected would go directly to the food banks.

“It was amazing how this community jumped on board and participated,” Robertson said. “Our brokers worked hard to get the word out about this event and sold an amazing number of tickets in a two-week period. A local accountant stepped up and bought 50 tickets all on his own, and several other local business people brought multiple tickets, as well. The whole experience was heartwarming to see how giving people truly are in our area of the state!”

House 2 Home Realty mascot, Homer, and Managing Broker Celia Robertson prepared for the raffle drawing.

The Harvest of Hope Raffle was promoted on local radio, Facebook and other social media outlets. Robertson credited her brokers for making sure the event was successful. The project culminated with the House 2 Home Realty Open House & Raffle Drawing. A local television station sent a photographer to the event.

“This raffle was my executive assistant’s idea,” Robertson said. “(REALTOR®) Brent Beasley, who has a background in social work, worked tirelessly to make sure everything was done correctly to ensure a successful raffle. All of our brokers sold at least 10 tickets each, but some went over and beyond. (REALTOR®) Amy Graves sold 100 tickets, (REALTOR®) Joanna Ferrell sold 93 tickets and (REALTOR®) Monica McGinley sold 60 tickets. I’m so proud of my team because they never stopped giving!”

Robertson’s group works year-round on charitable giving. In fact, just about all House 2 Home Realty brokers have a chosen charity that they donate a portion of their commissions to, and Robertson also adds a donation to each broker’s charity after every closing. Through the first 10 days of December, H2H Realty and its brokers have donated more than $23,000 in 2018 to local charities. More than $10,000 of that is from commission donations, while the balance is from a spring yard sale and the raffle.

“I’m so thankful to work with brokers who share my passion for helping others,” Robertson says. “We also appreciate those in our generous community who support H2H Realty and want to be a part of our mission to give back!”

House 2 Home Managing Broker Celia Robertson (far right) presents a $7,500 check to representatives of the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance, Herrin House of Hope, Cambria Food Pantry, Carterville United Pantry and the Marion Ministerial Alliance.