What is a REALTOR®: A skilled negotiator? A trusted partner? Someone who helps you buy or sell? And is that it? Quite simply, no. They are our neighbors, cheerleaders of our community, and an integral part of our area’s pulse.
When they aren’t showing homes, wading through tedious contracts and negotiations, and keeping up with countless hours of continuing education, they are championing food drives, raising money for animal sanctuaries, tending to area park cleanups, and so much more.
Las Cruces Association of REALTORS®
For 70 years now, the Las Cruces Association of REALTORS® (LCAR) has continued a long-standing commitment to give back.
While their Community Service committee spearheads the efforts, it’s an association-wide effort. “Each year our goal is to raise more money through our annual golf tournament, which in turn is donated back to local charities and organizations throughout our area,” shares Erica Mosher, association executive.
“These funds have gone to help with the Gospel Rescue Mission, Southern New Mexico Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, Habitat for Humanity, the Community of Hope, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Dharmahorse Equine Sanctuary, Casa de Peregrinos, Safe Haven, and Honor Flight, just to name a few. The money raised through the tournament and the auctions stay in our community.”
In 2018 they raised over $13,000 and this year’s goal is $15,000. Funds are also earmarked for three scholarships to be used at either New Mexico State University or Doña Ana Community College. In addition to the annual big fundraising push, the association holds at least one clothing drive per year, toiletry drives for shelters, food drives, and blood drives. (Whew — I’m exhausted just typing out all those initiatives, let alone imagining doing them all year, year after year.)
“While we help navigate one of the most emotional and financially-critical times of our customers’ lives, whether they are selling
or buying, we are also invested in our community. It’s more than just a job to us; it’s the passion to see our Mesilla Valley thrive,” notes Jennifer Goude, associate broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate — Steinborn & Associates and long-term Community Service committee member.
When asked why she stays involved in giving back, Jennifer states without hesitation, “It’s part of my job. I just feel it’s part of the service that a real estate professional should offer. Give back to your community to add more to it. Raise money and give to all the charities you can.”
While she is active with the association, donating time and effort is something she does on a personal level, too. “I’ve always been passionate about animals. In fact, the shelter used to joke that when they saw me coming, they’d start filling out the adoption papers because I always left with something,” she laughs. “But joking aside, at the end of the day local giving is just so important and it’s an enjoyable thing.”
Contributing to the Community
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – Steinborn & Associates owner and qualifying broker Amy Hummer says, “Our team members are proud to contribute to the community we call home. We volunteer, we lead, we donate, and we participate. Members of our team serve on a variety of boards like the Boys & Girls Club, Mesilla Valley Hospice, and the NMSU Foundation. We also donate to nonprofits like Jardin de Los Niños, serving children in our community.”
Amy continues, “Our team members follow their passions when they get involved, from education to animals to caring for the homeless. You’ll even find us getting dirty at fundraising events like Mudd Volleyball or cleaning up our adopted neighborhood park.”
Supporting Local Businesses
Kameron Hill, associate broker at Coldwell Banker Legacy, is no stranger to giving back. She and her husband have owned several area businesses and sees how important it is to reinvest your time and money in the community. “When we buy anything — a vehicle, food, anything — we like to support local businesses. The community as a whole is important, not just one specific piece. We want to give that back not just by buying local, but also by sponsoring football or baseball teams, youth groups. I also donate my time to work with Cowboys for Cancer Research, the Bataan Death March survivors, March of Dimes High Heels for High Hopes, teaching children financial literacy through the Junior Achievement program, and something close to my heart, rescue horses.”
Another animal lover who is relatively new to our community, Beth Shapiro, associate broker at Exit Realty Horizons, appreciates how much the association members give back. “Seeing the other REALTORS® in town who devote the extra time they have to various organizations is inspiring; it shows me that there is something out there for anyone to get involved with and support.”
Looking forward to getting more hands-on this fall, Beth shares, “Giving back to a cause and organization that resonates with me and what I believe in will help me feel connected to the city and community on a whole other level.”
“It’s so cool; we get to see these real estate professionals individually and collectively give back to so many causes and groups. From animal services to the Senior Olympics. These real estate professionals are so very generous and their recipients are so grateful,” praises Erica. “Being at the association, we see all walks of life at varying stages of their careers coming together to make our community a better place.”
Is your group looking to be considered for a donation? Send a donation request letter sent to the LCAR office at 150 E Idaho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005. That letter is then sent to Community Service committee for review.
Written by Morgan Switzer-McGinley • Courtesy photos
Originally published in Neighbors magazine
Posted by LasCruces.com
