On November 24, 2006, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® held its 4th Annual Members Charity Ball. The event raised $10,000 in support of Family and Children’s Services Niagara – an organization that investigates the abuse and neglect of children, and helps provide a better home for them through foster care placement and adoption.
Each year, Association members choose a different local charity to help out. These include Red Roof Retreat, a mini vacation for disabled children who have an opportunity to get away without their families; a new Cancer Hospice centre; and Hannah House, an organization that provides services for unwed mothers.
Up until 2003, the Ball was an event to honor the president and Association volunteers. The Association’s 2003 president, Gary Zalepa Jr., decided the Ball should become a charity event and should honor all members of the Niagara Association of REALTORS®.
The main event of the evening is the silent auction where money raised from the items goes to the chosen charity of the year. Local media and real estate related companies help to sponsor the event by donating auction items and money. A silent auction company supplies the majority of the items and sets the price for which people can bid.
“It’s just an easy way for us to raise funds for our community,” said Lynda Kitchen, Executive Officer for the Niagara Association of REALTORS®. Each year, the Association hosts a Charity Ball and a golf tournament in support of local charities. “We do well with both charities every year,” added Kitchen.
