Giving is receiving
It is said that, "what goes around comes around." Even so, there is no way we Realtors would accept any credit for the current trend in real estate. It has been a good year for our market and that means a good year for those who ply the trade. Understanding that good times allow people to do good things, the community outreach work the members of the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors have done is deserving of some acknowledgment.
Recently we visited the offices of our members and affiliates; banks, title companies, etc. to collect spare change for our area food banks. It meant more than sacrificing a little professional pride to don Santa hats and reindeer horns in public as we focused, not on our appearance, but on our mission. Everyone upon which we intruded was gracious, welcoming our disruptive presence and digging deep to help feed our less fortunate populace. Thanks to the generosity of our members we raised $3,038.98 which will be given to the Shoshone County, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene food banks.
That event wraps up the year for us, but there is much more to talk about. In addition to the individual work of members who serve on the boards or in the trenches of area nonprofit groups, collectively we strive to make a difference. As one of its sponsors, our staff and member volunteers could be seen serving their own recipes as one of 38 teams at the St. Vincent de Paul Souport the End of Homelessness Soup-Off fundraiser. Held this year at the Jacklin building at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds this event raised $14,500.
Under the direction of President Denise Lundy, we worked with the city of Coeur d'Alene and funded a much needed playground facility at Person Field on 15th Street. The entire cost of the equipment, $30,000, came from our association's members. Many members were on-site for the installation, working hard spreading the wood chip fall cushion and keeping anxious children away from the structure until this task could be completed. Once this was done, the children wasted no time breaking in their new playground.
We also hosted a bowling event this past spring. Donations for this part-day event reached $748 and was donated to Veterans Stand Down, another St. Vincent de Paul event that provides our veterans with everything from veterinary service for their pets to medical and dental treatment for themselves. We also had several Realtor members serving as volunteers at that event.
The TESH breakfast last month saw a table of Realtors, once again digging deep to help the community. Even though the breakfast raised $34,000 it is short of the needed $50,000 goal. Donations are still being accepted. Not only did we help sponsor this event for TESH but we will, once again, be a major sponsor of TESH's Hangover Handicap race on Jan. 1.
Understanding our community is growing and wishing it to be positive growth for all, we have made a commitment to Coeur d'Alene's Vision 2030 as a major sponsor. Local members attend the ongoing meetings and provide commentary to help our great city become even better and a positive influence on our entire area.
Whether you believe in karma or not, you can see successful Realtors anywhere you see people volunteering, donating and caring for their communities. Coincidence?
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.