RISMEDIA, March 18, 2009-Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, announced that even during the challenging real estate market of 2008, its employees, agents and brokers continued to volunteer and raise funds for their local chapters of the Realogy Charitable Foundation, which distributed $2.9 million to more than 600 charities during the 2008 fiscal year. In the past five years, the company says that the Realogy Charitable Foundation has distributed more than $12 million in net proceeds to support over 1,200 charities in communities across the United States. In addition, Realogy’s real estate brands raised an additional combined total of $4.5 million for their respective charities in 2008.
“I am very proud of the charitable record of our employees, brokers and agents, and commend their significant contributions to positive changes within our communities nationwide,” said Richard A. Smith, president and CEO, Realogy Corporation. “It is particularly gratifying to see that their charitable spirit has not wavered in the wake of challenging times for our industry and the overall economy.”
The Realogy Charitable Foundation was formed in 2004 to coordinate the philanthropy of Realogy’s employees, sales associates and subsidiaries through its local chapters. NRT LLC, the company-owned real estate operations of Realogy, maintains 27 of the 33 chapters in the Foundation.
This year, NRT’s local operating company in Colorado, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, was recognized with the NRT Humanitarian Outreach Award for, among other charitable activities, raising funds from sponsors for its agents’ participation in a 300-mile, 5-day bike ride along Colorado’s Front Range, stopping at each of the company’s 14 offices in nine counties along the way. The funds raised were donated to the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Kempe Foundation, local youth-at-risk organizations, Angel Eyes (SIDS Foundation), LUPUS Research Foundation and Windsor Tornado Community Fund.
Fundraising efforts through the Realogy Charitable Foundation culminated in a distribution of net proceeds to Easter Seals, Conservation International, Habitat for Humanity, Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Home for Little Wanderers and Junior Achievement, among hundreds of other charitable organizations. The Realogy Charitable Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity incorporated in the state of Delaware.
In addition to the efforts by the Realogy Charitable Foundation, Realogy’s franchise brand networks underscored their support for several charities aimed at improving the quality of life for people across the country.
Specific highlights include:
In 2008, Century 21 Real Estate LLC and its affiliated brokers and agents continued their steadfast support by raising $2.6 million for Easter Seals, the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. Since 1979, the CENTURY 21 System has raised nearly $98 million on behalf of Easter Seals and stands as the organization’s all-time leading contributor.
At Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the Coldwell Banker® Golden Hammer Society, comprised of leaders in the Coldwell Banker system dedicated to supporting Habitat for Humanity, raised $770,000 in funds in 2008 to build houses on behalf of Habitat for Humanity and the families they serve. Coldwell Banker also announced a new multi-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity International in 2008 that centers on the Coldwell Banker Homes for Habitat campaign. The partnership is expected to raise $4 million by 2011, through the efforts of Coldwell Banker affiliated companies and their sales associates.
Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Affiliates’ singular charitable cause is Big Brothers Big Sisters, which provides children with positive role models to help mentor them as they grow. In 2008, CBC raised more than $20,000 by completing the 2008 edition of the Climb For Kids’ Sake, which involved a sponsored team of brokers led by CBC’s president to scale Mount Rainier and Mount Adams in Washington. The event has raised over $60,000 since its inception in 2007. In addition, the company raised funds for other national and regional activities as well as secured affiliate involvement with their local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters.
ERA Franchise Systems LLC and its affiliates presented $1.1 million in donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon in 2008. ERA Real Estate has supported MDA in its fight against neuromuscular diseases for more than 30 years, raising more than $30 million for MDA during that time.
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC’s charitable outreach efforts are focused on the communities in which they operate and are managed by their local offices. As the newest real estate brand within Realogy, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is currently developing its charitable plans. Its local offices are focused on charitable outreach efforts within their communities.
Title Resource Group, Realogy’s title and settlement services unit, participated in local fundraisers in its offices across the country to reach out to the neighborhoods where they have a presence. In 2008, TRG and its family of companies helped to support local food banks, Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society, women’s centers, conservation associations, children’s medical centers and numerous other causes.
Also in 2008, employees of Cartus Corporation, Realogy’s relocation and workforce development solutions services unit, raised more than $380,000 during the Cartus Annual Charitable Giving Campaign. In addition, Cartus employees donated more than 25,000 hours through formal charities and individual volunteer initiatives.
For more information, visit www.realogy.com.