Almost daily, the members of the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors are actively giving back to their communities. The members take great pride in finding and funding solutions that make Southwestern Michigan a better place to live, work, and play; while being professional real estate advisors helping clients purchase and sell a property that will benefit their clients’ financial futures.
Patty Lauten, Managing Broker with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group in Edwardsburg, was looking for an organization that helps kids dealing with bullying. She was shocked at how hard it was to find a group that addresses this subject. We have several members that have family members affected by bullying – some with tragic results.
“As the President of the Association, I had the opportunity to select a non-profit to receive a donation. It was so awesome to meet with the staff and kids at the Benton Harbor Boys & Girls Club and present them with a check for over $10,000 from the President’s Choice Charity.”
Association members and affiliates raised funds for the donation at their 2020 Christmas fundraiser.
Mackenzie Kastl, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club, stated, “Our Club is growing in every direction in Southwest Michigan to serve the young people who need us most. Investing in our community’s kids is our responsibility. Support from the REALTORS® in this area helps to foster the young people that will lead our communities in the future.”
Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc., summed up his organization’s quest, “The face of real estate has changed dramatically over the past ten years, and the commitment of our members is more important than ever. Our board oversees and encourages all of our members to become engaged in their communities. Our Association wants to encourage the public to call or email with any questions they may have regarding the activities of Realtors.”
About
The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. is a professional trade association for real estate licensees who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and ancillary service providers for the real estate industry in Allegan, Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The Association can be contacted at 269-983-6375.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Club has served the youth of our community since 1998. The Club provides after school and summer programs promoting academic and career development, character and leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles for nearly 1,900 youth and teens each year at two Benton Harbor legacy sites: the Fettig Youth Campus and Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, as well as community-based locations in Benton Heights, St. Joseph, and South Haven. Learn more at www.bgcbh.org. Or contact Sherrie Ulleg Community Engagement Manager.