Recognized for giving back to their communities, Ken Bessason of Royal LePage Kelowna and Helen Holton of Prudential Kelowna Properties are the 2013 recipients of the REALTORS® Care Awards for the Central Okanagan Zone of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).
Many REALTORS® give of their time, money and expertise, and this is the seventh year OMREB has recognized the exemplary volunteer efforts of its member REALTORS® in the Central Okanagan.
“Ken and Helen are very worthy recipients of this award,” notes OMREB President and working REALTOR® Karen Singbeil. “Their energetic and ongoing support for worthwhile causes in the Kelowna and West Kelowna area exemplifies those REALTORS® who have made long‐term contributions to the communities in which they live and earn a living. They promote public awareness that our members care deeply and are actively involved.”
Ken Bessason is recognized for his outstanding community service and leadership ‐‐ tirelessly and selflessly supporting fundraising events for a variety of non‐profit societies, and volunteering his time and expertise to a number of business organizations. For the 15 years he has lived in Kelowna, Ken has devoted many hours to helping those in need and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate – most notably, the Okanagan Kids Care Society which has raised and donated close to $1.4 million since 1995. Over the years, he has also worked diligently to further the efforts of the Variety Club Boat for Hope, Shelter Foundation, Salvation Army, and United Way.
Ken finds time to participate in every Royal LePage fundraising event. Highly respected for his integrity and strong work ethic, he is always there to help fellow REALTORS® and mentor newer agents. While Ken has
donated much of himself ‐‐ both in dollars and hours – he is very humble and always shows gratitude towards others.
Helen Holton is acknowledged for her exemplary community service and leadership as President of the Westside Community Food Bank. Since 2002, she has devoted countless hours to fundraising in order to provide a service dedicated to much needed food and support to the less fortunate living in the District of West Kelowna.
Helen has been on the Food Bank’s Board of Directors and served as President for the past five years. During this time, she has led the organization through a coming of age process to create a greater presence in the
committee. Under her leadership, the Westside Community Food Bank has now evolved into a well‐run, nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to serving the needs of all citizens of this community. During Helen’s
tenure, she was instrumental in the fundraising needed to acquire the current building.
“Congratulations to the winners and all nominees for being good public citizens, and caring about their local and global communities,” says Janice Myers, Executive Director of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. “It is amazing to see the diverse ways our REALTORS® give back, the leadership they take, and the good example they set for others. Their community spirit remains undeterred.”
Top photo (l to r): Helen Holton and Ken Bessason
