For the past four years, Jerry Aulenbach of Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate Inc. in Edmonton has held an annual fundraising event for a local women’s shelter. He was inspired to give back when he heard the Executive Director of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation speak about the importance of shelters. “I believe in this cause and want to further it,” says Jerry, a husband and father of four.
This year’s event – #yeghelp 2012 – took place on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Just under 30 people attended and an estimated $500 was raised for LaSalle Shelter in Edmonton, care of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. The evening began with a three-course meal at Lux Bar and Grill.
After dinner, guests enjoyed a sunset view of Edmonton on the recently restored #33 street car, with wicker seats, old-fashioned light bulbs, creaky floors and windows, and endless charm.
Leading up to the event, Jerry (@zoomjer) tweeted about #yeghelp regularly, posting links to the ticket sales page along with witty invitations. (For example, “Looking for a great date night idea? Come to #yeghelp” and “I bet if you turned your couch upsidedown you’d find enough change to buy a #yeghelp ticket.”) Word about the event spread as his friends retweeted his messages.
For other REALTORS® interested in hosting similar charity events, Jerry recommends forming a committee of trusted supporters and delegating as much as possible so there’s less to worry about on the day or night of the event. “As host, you don’t want to be the one sitting at the front door putting wrist bands on guests when you should be spending more time chatting with people and keeping the vibe up,” he explains.
