Submitted by the Thurston County Realtors Association
Leaders from the Thurston County Realtors Association (TCRA) recently presented a $5000 check to Robert Coit, executive director of the Thurston County Food Bank at the non-profit’s new warehouse location on Mottman Road in Tumwater. The Realtors have contributed to the Food Bank annually for the last several years.
Coit told the Realtors that it was a significant contribution, the equivalent of approximately 2000 meals based on the calculations they use. He also expressed his appreciation for the organization that raised the money.
“Realtors are a good representation of our small business community,” noted Coit. “They are generally independent and they are everywhere. That’s important to us because it is a good connection to the local community. And, Realtors are connected with homeowners, another important sector of our community. We like a broad range of support from a lot of different sectors. Groceries are an important sector and JBLM is an important sector and Realtors are an important sector.”
The sizable Realtor check represented a portion of the proceeds from the trade organization’s annual golf tournament held in September of this year. The golf tournament was the organization’s 36th annual event of its kind, with real estate offices competing at Capitol City golf course in Olympia.
“We are making the contribution to our Food Bank now to help area families with the holidays,” says TCRA president Jerry Wilkins. “It is one of the many ways we take part in this season of giving.”
Earlier this year, Thurston Realtors and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) gave a $16,500 Housing Opportunity Grant to support SideWalk’s Rapid Rehousing program that helps those experiencing homelessness. On December 2, scores of local Realtors will be part of their annual “Ring Day”, ringing bells to raise money for the Salvation Army in front of area shops and on street corners. Then, on December 9, the organization will hold its Charity Wreath Auction where contributions of contributor-designed holiday wreaths raise money for charities throughout Thurston County.
“Regardless of the times—whether the housing market is up or down, the economy is good or bad—Realtors have been committed to lending a helping hand anywhere we can in our communities,” said Wilkins about the association’s steady stream of giving. “This is where we plant our roots, work hard and where we chose to have our own homes. It is also where we help others find theirs.”
The Thurston County REALTORS® Association of nearly 600 REALTOR® members provides professional real estate services to buyers and sellers and has been committed to protecting property rights and preserving the quality of life in Thurston County for more than 90 years.
