Charity Is Priority for Area Realtors

RISMEDIA, April 9, 2007-(MCT)-Some say there's strength in numbers.

That's certainly been the case for the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors [in California]. The organization — which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year — has emerged as one of the strongest real estate boards in the nation.

The result is an organization that participates in innovative and effective housing opportunity programs, cultural heritage initiatives and a variety of service activities that benefit the community.

"We continue to promote good fellowship and fair dealing," association President John Hickey said. "And we have expanded our mission. Today 1/8the association3/8 also serves as a positive force to help improve the quality of life within the communities we serve."

The organization develops, implements and promotes programs and services that are designed to help members conduct their individual businesses successfully.
And that covers a lot of territory.

"Two key points have to do with property rights and enforcement of ethics," said Hickey, a Realtor with Dilbeck Realtors GMAC. "We have a professional standards committee to address problems that might arise between Realtors or between consumers and Realtors."

The association also formalized its community service committee.

"In the last few months we created a foundation to operate our community service programs," Hickey said. "Last year we raised about $100,000 to donate to local charities."

The Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors recently donated $10,000 to Rosemary Children's Service, a Pasadena-based organization that helps boys and girls of all ages who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment.

The agency's programs include a foster family and adoption agency, a non-public school that provides specialized education, a mental health program and a residential program that includes four group homes.

"We're very grateful that the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors shares our commitment to helping the youngest members of our community, children who often have no one to turn to, no friend, until they become members of our 'family' at Rosemary Children's Service," said Greg Wessels, the organization's executive director.

"Our staff, faculty, board of directors and supporters value this partnership with the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors very highly and look forward to strengthening it for years to come."

Richard F. Gaylord, president-elect of the National Association of Realtors, said the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors is "a preeminent example of why Realtors continue to set the gold standard in our profession."

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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