2008 Foundation Fund Advisory Board Committee

Having a good solid Foundation

By Brad Bennett, Chair
Foundation Fund Advisory Board

Whether it is poured concrete, steel, or block, we REALTORS® and our affiliated partners know the importance of having a good, solid Foundation' supporting the properties we sell. That strong `Foundation' creates a solid base for the owner to occupy, or even expand the property. It is a key ingredient of having a good investment, and that greatly benefits the neighborhood and community.

Our REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Fund is no different. Our mission is to support real estate related programs and entities whose goals result in the improvement of the overall real estate environment in central Ohio. Never before in the history of real estate development has this support been more critical.

In this economic climate that adversely affects real estate investment and the quality of life in central Ohio, we have many communities that are `at risk'. Just as "real estate is our profession, and politics is our responsibility", supporting sound communities and housing is our obligation to both ourselves and to others.

Our Foundation is a `Field of Interest Fund' under the umbrella of the Columbus Foundation. With a charitable status under Section 501c(3) of the IRS code, gifts to the REALTORS® Foundation Fund may qualify the donor to federal, state, estate, and/or gift tax deductions.

In the face of negativity in the media, our Board is trying hard to show the buying public that "all real estate is local". Best of all, our Foundation is "local". We have supported community programs with educational scholarship and grants that increase the quality and availability of housing in central Ohio, in the past four years over $200,000, with more on the way.

Some of the organizations we supported in the past year are:

• Columbus Housing Partnership
• Material Assistance Providers
• Homeless Families Foundation
• Homes on the Hill
• Creative Housing
• Greater Linden Development
• Coalition for Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
• Habitat for Humanity Greater Columbus
• OSU Star Project

In addition to financial support for REALTOR® Care Day this year, over 500 REALTORS®, affiliates, friends and family gave of their time and effort to personally work in neighborhoods and on community facilities to improve housing and the quality of life for some less fortunate than others. You would have been touched by the tears, smiles and hugs of thanks from those who benefitted from this effort.

So what can you do? Open your heart (and your pocketbook) to help others. The Foundation Fund has several effortless methods of contributing.

Our Foundation Walk into the Membership Headquarters Building, constructed of memorial and honorary bricks and pavers, is a lasting way to memorialize your support of the Foundation. You can designate one in your name or someone else's, and the walkway is being updated with new pavers twice a year. Remember the Foundation in your estate. CBR's Stan Collins can assist in directing your estate to be a legacy benefactor to this worthwhile charity. Remember, 100 percent of your gifts go to charitable giving.

Perhaps instead of sending flowers, or contributing to another charity in someone's honor or memory, consider sending a check to our Foundation. A card will be sent to the recipient's family noting your generosity.

Lastly, sign up and participate in the next REALTOR® Care Day scheduled for June 10, 2009.

In these difficult economic times, it is a bit more trying to raise funds for our Foundation. If you have any questions about giving, please call Stan Collins at (614) 475-4000 or myself at (614) 273-7703.

And, remember...No one will benefit more than you for your labor and/or contribution to help others less fortunate.