Local Realtor® associations raise more than $23,000 for charities

Realtors® volunteer their time to a host of charities throughout the year. This year, hundreds of Realtors® in 27 local associations took part in local Realtors® Reach Out events in October. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® started Realtors® Reach Out 10 years ago to highlight Realtor® volunteer activities.

The associations sponsored activities that benefited programs in their own communities. Together this year, they raised more than $23,400 and gathered in excess of 7,000 pounds of food for those in need. In addition, they collected coats, created hygiene bags, gathered school supplies and diapers and many other items to help in their neighborhoods.

“It’s simply phenomenal,” said PAR President Kathy McQuilkin. “Realtors® dedicate so much time and energy to help make their communities better places to live. As I’ve visited local associations throughout the state, I’m amazed at how many ways my fellow Realtors® are making a difference.”

The Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors® held its annual Basket Raffle during its fall membership dinner and raised $2,500 for the Honesdale community pool project. Pike/Wayne Association President Anne Marie Barlett said, “This is an awesome event and Realtors® look forward to it every year. We had a huge turnout and members and affiliate members donated more than 30 baskets and items to make this event such a great success.”

Ron Huber, president of the Butler County Association of Realtors®, said their association’s Night at the Races fundraiser was also a hit. “This year we chose a local charity, Connect2Tomorrow, which provides tools, education and mentoring to help young people gain life skills,” Huber said. “We’re pleased to have raised $2,700 for this worthy charity.”

Central Susquehanna Valley Board President Pam Whitenight said her board encouraged members to participate in their fundraiser through Cards for a Cause. “We’re very proud of our members’ efforts this year. We raised $1,120 this year – 50 percent more than last year – which we’re distributing to nine different charities in five counties. We wanted to help within our board’s entire footprint,” she said. “We made it easy for members to donate by purchasing gift cards at local grocery stores.”

Associations holding events for Realtors® Reach Out include:

• Allegheny Highland
• Allegheny Valley
• Beaver County
• Bradford-Sullivan
• Bucks County
• Butler County
• Cambria Somerset
• Central Susquehanna Valley
• Clearfield Jefferson
• Fayette
• Greater Erie
• Greater Harrisburg
• Greater Lehigh Valley
• Greater Mercer County
• Greater Scranton
• Huntingdon County
• Luzerne County
• Montgomery County
• Pennsylvania
• Pike/Wayne
• Reading-Berks
• Realtors® Association of Metro. Pittsburgh
• Realtors® Association of Westmoreland, Indiana and Mon Valley
• Realtors® Association of York and Adams Counties
• Schuylkill County
• Suburban West Realtors®
• West Branch Valley