By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

In a display of unity, real estate pros showed a spirit of giving back during REALTOR® Volunteer Days. See the projects they undertook.

About half of REALTOR® associations across the country hosted community service events during the week-long REALTOR® Volunteer Days, which ran from June 3 to 11, showing a unified front when giving back to their communities in a variety of ways. Associations and members volunteered at food banks and pet shelters and built homes with Habitat for Humanity, among many other projects. REALTOR® Volunteer Days are part of the REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors campaign.

Northeast Tennessee Association of REALTORS® had special events for the day plus their on-going volunteer projects. Some randomly selected photos of members during those projects are included at the end of this report.

“Huge numbers of RELATORS® found ways to give back in their communities this week—as they do year-round without any fanfare,” says Sara Geimer, manager of community engagement programs at the National Association of REALTORS®, including the Good Neighbor Awards. “It’s uplifting to see social media posts from REALTORS®, associations and real estate companies from all over the country contributing their time to causes that make their communities stronger. It certainly shines a light on the fact that REALTORS® are good neighbors.”

For example, the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® planned 12 events across the city during the week, including three that supported past Good Neighbor Award recipients. Members served alongside 2019 Good Neighbor Mark Solomon to improve the Veterans Community Project, a tiny home village that offers personalized support services for homeless veterans. Volunteers also came out to serve at Mimi’s Pantry, a grocery store-style food pantry founded by 2022 Good Neighbor Dennis Curtin, and Agape Pamoja, a nonprofit serving immigrant refugees founded by 2021 Good Neighbor Brent Gieseke.

“As REALTORS®, we have a common trait—the desire to help others,” says KCRAR President Sydney West. “We serve a large community, and there are many areas of need. When we can bring our members together with our community, everyone comes out ahead.”

The Missouri REALTORS® state association launched a statewide campaign to encourage local boards and associations as well as brokerages to participate. Nearly 30 volunteer events were held throughout the state. “Our plan is for this to shine a light on the amazing things REALTORS® are doing in their communities,” says Cara Harmon, a spokesperson for Missouri REALTORS®. “Opportunities like this allow us to elevate and showcase the importance of REALTORS® in communities.”

The Dayton REALTORS® association in Ohio sponsored several volunteer events for their members—from holding toy, food and pet supply drives to assisting at food banks and more. The association kept the momentum going with a golf outing on June 12 after REALTOR® Volunteer Days officially wrapped up. The golf outing raised funds for Crayons to Classrooms (which provides school supplies to area schools), Clothes That Work (which aims to clothe, educate and empower individuals for employment success) and the Dayton REALTORS® Foundation.

“Through volunteerism, [our members] have the opportunity to connect with residents, local businesses and organizations, fostering relationships that enhance community spirit and wellbeing,” says Bob Jones, director of communications at Dayton REALTORS®. “It shows a commitment beyond the REALTORS®’ professional responsibility, building trust and creating new connections while improving the lives of others—all while contributing to a worthy cause.”

During REALTOR® Volunteer Days, associations and real estate pros were urged to share on social media how they participated, showing the varied ways that members served their communities. Here’s a snapshot of some of the volunteer events that took place.