By Ginger Downs, RCE, CAE, IOM
Chief Executive Officer
Finding the “right” philanthropic cause to support is a wonderful, satisfying and heart-warming feeling. There are many reasons to give back, and now is a great time to look into the ways that we, as Realtors, can get involved. Perhaps there is a cause that has tugged at your heartstrings and could inspire you to donate your time or money to an organization in line with your beliefs and interests. Or maybe you’ve seen a loved one endure an illness or fall on hard times. In your backyard or an ocean away, there are millions of causes that Realtors can give to, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, or simply in the spirit of generosity.
What makes charitable giving so gratifying and so personally fulfilling is that there is not just one “right” cause for all of us. Chicago’s Realtors are giving back in countless ways. Mabel Guzman, a member of our Board of Directors, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help reconstruct Gulf Coast communities shattered by Hurricane Katrina. A number of our member offices participate in group efforts, walking with the Easter Seals or hosting blood drives. Our individual members are on hospital boards, volunteer at community shelters and participate in faith-based giving initiatives. Chicago Realtors are making our city a better place to live, work and play, both on and off the clock.
Association staff members take charitable giving very seriously, as well. We have recently begun shipping toiletries, socks, washcloths and other essentials to Iraq, where Lead Member Care Specialist Tamika Woodard’s husband is serving in the armed forces. In addition to the toiletries, we sent treats for Halloween, and intend to do the same for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Outside of the office, our staff members donate their time to animal shelters, charity auctions, public radio and countless other causes. Like Realtors, they are driven by the desire to contribute what they can, where they can, to foster stronger communities, and help make a difference.
As real estate professionals, you work hard, and your time is valuable with precious few moments each day for yourself. The fact that you donate your time and well-earned pay to the betterment of our community, whether local or global, is admirable and inspiring to your peers. We wish you a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones from all of us at the Chicago Association of Realtors.
THE CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (CAR), “THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN CHICAGO” SINCE 1883, REPRESENTS THE BUSINESS INTERESTS OF MORE THAN 17,000 REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN CHICAGOLAND. CAR IS LED BY A VOLUNTARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ELECTED BY THE MEMBERSHIP, WHO WORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.