Executives from real estate Boards and Associations across Canada gathered in early June in beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, for the 2014 AE Seminar.
The Association Executives Network (AEN), formerly known as the Association Executives Council (AEC), is a network of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) comprised of association executives involved in the management of real estate Boards and Associations across Canada. Its mission is to provide a collaborative network to ensure the highest standard among association executives and the real estate organizations they administer.
For years, the AEN has taken the opportunity at the Seminar to raise money for a local charity. “It’s important to our members that our event has a positive impact on the local communities where it’s held and the Charity of Choice program allows for this,” explains Sharon von Schoenberg, CREA’s Program Manager – Leadership & Education. This year, the AEN selected Stars for Life Foundation for Autism to be the beneficiary of their fundraising efforts.
Throughout the Seminar, attendees raised money with a 50/50 draw, an auction, and sand-ski races. They were also able to visit the charity’s exhibitor booth on-site and learn more about the organization from a representative. By the end of the campaign, a total of $3,254.50 had been raised for this great cause.
“I think it is great to support a charity in the town we are in,” said one attendee. Others reported feeling “very proud” and that “the recipients were very deserving and grateful.”
Executive Director Lisa Gallant has advised that the money raised at the Seminar will go towards the day programs for their clients. The AEN will be following up with Lisa in the fall to take a closer look at the impact our members’ generosity has had on the foundation and the identified programs.
Stars for Life Foundation for Autism is a registered charity based in Charlottetown, PEI. Their goal is to make a positive change to the lives of people with autism by providing continued education; create businesses where challenging jobs will be enjoyed; and build homes where aging parents will know their children will live happily and safely beyond their own lives.
Pictured (left to right): Sharon von Schoenberg, CREA’s Program Manager – Leadership & Education; Lisa Gallant, Executive Director of Stars for Life Foundation for Autism; and Peggy Marquis, member of the 2014 AE Seminar Task Force and Executive Officer of the Prince Edward Island Real Estate Association.
