Realtors® roll into Harrisburg for RPAC

Six Realtors® pedaled into Harrisburg on their bikes, arriving on the steps of the Capitol late yesterday afternoon. They were riding to raise money for the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC).

The inaugural Bike Ride for Homeownership, sponsored by the Suburban West Realtors® Association, was a 65-mile trek from Chester County to Harrisburg. It was initiated to highlight the value of homeownership and the significant impact that legislative issues can have on Realtors®’ clients and their profession.

The Realtors® departed from Parksburg at 7:30 a.m. yesterday. Bikers included: Suburban West Realtors® Bill McFalls, Jim Ryal, David Brant, Andrew Keen and Liz Frame; Bucks County Realtor® Jeff MacDonell and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach employee Dawn Evans. Volunteers included: Suburban West Realtors® Kathy McQuilkin and Leann Murphy and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach employee Scott Waldman.

The staff at the Suburban West Association mapped out a route that started on Route 30, through the farmlands of Lancaster County, through downtown Lancaster, via Columbia and along the Susquehanna River. The route, while not the most direct, was designed to create the most enjoyable bike tour.

The unique RPAC fundraiser was the brainchild of PAR District Vice President Bill McFalls, who also serves on the PA-RPAC Fundraising Committee. “We’re always looking for a new way to raise money and awareness of RPAC,” he said. “I thought this bike tour was achievable. I’ve been working on personal health goals and thought I could combine that with this fundraiser. We have a small group this year but we hope it will grow in the coming years.”

McFalls sees the bike tour as another way to raise awareness of how Realtors® protect homeownership as well. “Our investment in RPAC matters because we’re on the front lines of protecting consumers and private property rights,” he said. “Our RPAC dollars are used to help educate elected officials about why homeownership matters.”

The Bike Tour has more than 80 investors supporting the team, raising more than $2,800. They’ll be recognized on the bike tour t-shirts.