It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are officially upon us, whether we’re ready for them. As 2022 President of Greater Chattanooga Realtors®, I’m proud of the many ways our Realtors and Association have given back to our area.
In 2022, Greater Chattanooga Realtors® continued our financial commitment to the Snack Pack Food Ministry, one of Greater Chattanooga Realtors® community partners. With a $10,000 annual donation, and a very successful (and fun) trivia night, Realtors helped raise more than $35,600 for this worthy cause. The Snack Pack Food Ministry helps feed nearly 2,500 food-insecure children in 22 Hamilton County every weekend while school is in session. This organization adds so much value to the quality of life by helping those in need in our community
We are also delighted that planning has already begun with our other community partner, Habitat For Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, for Tee Up and Wine Down in 2023. We will be sure to announce details as they are confirmed. Another highlight was our Association donating $10,000 towards Wreaths Across Chattanooga. This organization aims to place a wreath on each veteran’s grave who served our nation, and Realtors are honored to help with this project. Greater Chattanooga Realtors® also made a $10,000 donation to the REALTOR® Relief Fund, which helped many in our community after tornadoes struck northern Tennessee in December of 2020.
One of the newest additions to the Greater Chattanooga Realtors is the Placemaking Committee. In its second year Greater Chattanooga Realtors Placemaking Projects transform underutilized and blighted spaces into safer, vibrant, and active public places for Chattanooga and Hamilton County. We seek projects that are functional, safe, and attractive to the local community. This is an opportunity to redesign spaces for the community and enhance its beauty. Applications are requested and reviewed for funds to be awarded from Greater Chattanooga Realtors as well as an NAR grant to the one local organization. Our local Realtors also pitch in on volunteer days to assist in completing the chosen project. This year we have assisted the Lookout Mountian Conservancy on the St Elmo Trail Conservation project and connector to the Guild-Hardy Trail.
As much as our Association is doing for others locally, I find it remarkable that this charitable giving has increased in the Realtor community nationwide. In fact, a recent study from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) shows a measurable increase in giving and volunteering by Realtors. Two out of three Realtors – 66% – volunteered monthly, spending an average of eight hours volunteering each month – both figures have remained steady since 2018. 79% made charitable donations last year.
This report, the Community Aid and Real Estate Report, or CARE Report, offers insight into the monetary and volunteer contributions of NAR members, broker-owners and association executives or multiple listing service staff. This year’s CARE Report found that the median donation by Realtor® associations was $12,070 last year, compared to $10,000 in 2020 and $5,000 in 2018.
2022 NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith describes Realtor involvement in charitable efforts. “Realtors are deeply involved in their communities and this report shines a light on the great volunteer efforts by NAR members. It is inspiring to see Realtor associations across the country continue to boost local charitable efforts, and I’m proud to be part of such a compassionate and caring group.”
So while Realtors focus on the real estate needs of their own communities, it’s clear that Realtors are making a difference across the nation, and Greater Chattanooga Realtors is proud to be part of this effort to serve our neighbors. Realtors love and work where they live. That’s Who We R®