Realtors® Creating Stronger Communities through Philanthropy
By Suzanne Westrum, CEO, Prescott Area Association of Realtors®
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of working alongside realtors from the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) and their affiliate members at the Chino Valley Safeway to raise food and monetary donations for people in need in our community. It was overwhelming to see the enthusiasm and care our members put into their efforts, despite the heat and long hours on their feet. In the end, they raised $1,800 in cash and checks as well as hundreds of pounds of groceries, all in a single day, to benefit the Chino Valley Food Bank.
And this is not unusual. In June, our local Realtors® and Affiliates supplied, prepared, and delivered more than 350 care packages containing live plants, puzzles, craft supplies, and essential household items in collaboration with Prescott Meals on Wheels. In July, we will be dedicating a new Early Childhood Development Nook to the Prescott Valley Public Library supplied with books, toys, and play equipment provided through generous donations from our members. We also hold the annual Coats For Kids winter clothing drive. Our members’ commitment to this community never ends.
Many people may think of their Realtor® as just the person who helps them buy or sell a home. But what most do not realize is the care these professionals have for their community. After all, they live and work here and are at the forefront of helping others find a connection here, too. Their genuine love for being advocates within the community is what drives many Realtors® to do what they do: assisting people in finding their next home.
Realtors® care deeply about building strong communities because they recognize the fundamental role these places play in the lives of their clients. Beyond mere financial gain, Realtors® understands that a vibrant community fosters a sense of belonging, security, and overall well-being for its members. By investing their time and efforts in community development and support, Realtors® demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of their clients and the broader society, which goes far beyond the confines of any single real estate transaction. As Realtors® continue to excel in the realm of real estate, they prove themselves to be more than just professionals in their field; they are champions of community development and heartfelt generosity.
There is a reason I have dedicated more than a decade of my professional career to the National Association of Realtors®, first in San Antonio, Texas, and now here at home in Prescott. Across the country, almost 66 percent of all Realtors® volunteer monthly in their community. Giving back is part of who we are as both people and as professionals. It’s a tradition I’m proud to be part of.
As the adage goes, “Home is where the heart is,” and these Realtors® have undoubtedly proven that their hearts lie firmly within the communities they serve, forever making a difference in the lives of those they touch.
Learn more at https://www.paar.org.
About PAAR:
The Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) is the trade association representing more than 2,000 Realtors® serving the greater Quad Cities area. Established in 1944, PAAR’s mission is to advocate for private property rights, and provide its members with resources to foster their business success. The term REALTORS® is a registered trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics as members of the National Association of REALTORS®. The National Association of REALTORS® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.