Realtors continue to contribute

We Realtors take a lot of criticism. Heck, some people even blame us for the real estate boom and subsequent decline. As if we had that much power. Others assume that we goof off a great deal. Many of us have heard comments about how little we do, instead just driving around, playing golf and making too much money without much effort. If you are of that school of thought, you obviously don't have a friend or family member who makes their living in this trade.

Maybe you saw your Realtor neighbor loading up golf clubs this past Friday and thought, "It must be nice." Well, in fact it was. Nice of one 130 Realtors, bankers, title and escrow employees, home inspectors and appraisers to put their businesses on hold to play a round of golf to raise money for the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center.

You may not have heard of them. They were formerly known as the Coeur d'Alene Women's Center, but due to need in the community they now serve any family member who may be a victim or perpetrator of violence.

The North Idaho Violence Prevention Center provides counseling through individual help and support groups. They have a shelter for victims of either sex, help with prescription medication and a 24-hour crisis line for those in distress.

All of their services are provided free of charge so they are dependent upon donations to support their various programs. Their thrift store on North Fourth Street is staffed by volunteers and provides some of the much-needed revenue that keeps them going. The rest comes from donations and a small grant.

Each year, Realtors and their affiliates from related industries select a variety of worthy causes to raise money for. This year our golf tournament proceeds will go to the center.

If you would like to donate items to their thrift store, donate money or know someone in need of their services, please call them at 664-9303. If you want to know more about the services they provide, visit their website: www.cdawomenscenter.org.

Outside the annual golf tournament we Realtors are offering support to our community just as the rest of you do. Next Saturday, July 23 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, we will participate in the annual, "Stand Down" which provides help for homeless veterans. As in years past, we will be making a cash donation and many of our members will volunteer to staff the event.

According to their website: www.standown.org, it provides "assistance to veterans who are struggling and have lost their homes and ability to lead productive lives due to combat and non-combat related mental and physical wounds/illness, addictions and/or other issues; regain their independence and lives through transitional living, a multi-tiered program, and collaboration with government agencies, VSOs (Veterans Services Organizations) and the community."

"It is our honor to provide an opportunity for these men who have served our country to regain their strength and dignity and to return to productive lives."

"Ditto" from the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors.

Next time you see your Realtor neighbor, friend or relative, perhaps you'll view them with just a little more respect knowing that, just like you, they are contributors to the community in many different ways in addition to working hard to make an honest living.

Trust an expert... call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.

Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664.