By Sam Hardy, Brian Kemp and Josh Uminski, Co-Chairs, CORPAC Fundraising Committee
The world has been turned upside down with recent events and as we all try to navigate the ‘new normal’, the importance of CORPAC (Central Ohio REALTORS® Political Action Committee) and the government affairs advocacy efforts of the Association at the local, state, and national levels has become increasingly clear.
In addition to keeping the membership up to date as much as possible with weekly video and electronic updates, lobbyists at the statehouse and federal level fight daily to make sure REALTOR® voices are heard. Thanks to these efforts, real estate in Ohio has been included in the list of the governor’s essential services and provided with small business emergency relief in the federal CARES Act, a testament to the importance of REALTOR® and affiliate members to the national economy.
Elected officials routinely look to the Association and its members for advice on the rapidly changing economy and housing industry and these relationships have never been more important to maintain.
This year we are your CORPAC fundraising chairs and like so many other programs and fundraising based campaigns, things have changed rapidly. Unable to host this year’s annual auction in-person (usually in May), we have met with our committee, staff, and leadership to develop a new virtual campaign that seeks to engage as many Columbus REALTORS® as possible.
Inspired by President Mills theme ‘Better Together’, we hope that during these tough times members will pool their resources together to make a huge impact—this year’s fundraising goal is $235,000, on par with the past few year’s totals. If each member contributed just $29.96, we would make our goal together!
The $29.96 campaign will begin mid-May and run through mid-July. In addition to ongoing government affairs updates, we will be launching this virtual campaign via video and e-communication. Staff is working hard to revamp the e-payment system to ensure it is as easy as possible to give.
At the beginning of June, we will also launch an online silent auction that will run until the middle of July. Featuring items updated bi-weekly, this will be a great opportunity to invest in CORPAC at a higher level. It is our hope that we will be able to offer direct delivery to your home.
At the end of the campaign the total amount and participation will be announced, and each investing member will be recognized in the In Contract magazine and through digital communications for joining their fellow colleagues to protect the industry.
We cannot wait until we are all able to come together in-person again and are feeling optimistic that we will still be able to host the CORPAC Golf Outing, set for Tuesday, Sept. 1. 2020, at Kinsale Golf & Scioto Reserve Country Clubs. We will keep you posted.
We hope that you will consider joining us in this critical campaign, by investing in CORPAC you are investing in your business, in your industry, and ultimately your community. Please keep an eye out for more information over the next month and remember—we are Better Together!
Interested in Becoming a Major Investor?
Current Annual CORPAC Major Investor Levels (Campaign cycle – 12/1/20-11/26/20):
Platinum R ($10,000+ / $5,000 to sustain) Golden R ($5,000-$9,999 / $2,000 to sustain) Crystal R ($2,500- $4,999 / $1,500 to sustain) Sterling R ($1,000- $2,499) President’s Circle*
*Additional $2,000 direct investment to national REALTOR® Party Champions pre-identified by the REALTOR® Political Action Committee
(RPAC).
Contact CORPAC staff at (614) 475-4000 for more information.
