By Dave Dewey and Bob Kutschbach, Co-chairs, Foundation Fundraising Committee
Better Together: Columbus REALTORS® Foundation (CRF) works hand in hand with the Columbus Community.
Throughout the trials and travails of the year 2020, real estate has thankfully remained a thriving piece of the central Ohio community. REALTORS® everywhere have proven that you are a vital part of what makes Columbus a great place to live and sell real estate!
Unfortunately, the Columbus community is facing more challenges than ever this year, including increased homelessness and economic insecurity in the wake of COVID-19. While many organizations are struggling to keep up with increased demand for social services despite decreased donor support, your contributions have enabled the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation to serve the central Ohio real estate community as faithfully as ever.
Thanks to the efforts of the Foundation Fundraising Committee and the generosity of the REALTOR® community, the Columbus REALTORS® Foundation is able to commit thousands of dollars each year to four main programs:
1) Community Grants - Funding for local nonprofit projects providing real impact in the central Ohio community.
2) Educational Scholarships – Dedicated to investing in tomorrow’s REALTOR® leaders today, funding is available for pursuing 2- and 4-year degrees, residential pre-licensing, broker’s licensing, and other programs related to the field of real estate.
3) REALTOR® Care Day – The annual day of service for Columbus REALTORS® members.
4) Benevolence Fund – Emergency assistance for Columbus REALTORS® members and their families.
We are always particularly excited to partner with other Columbus nonprofit organizations through our Community Grants program. This year, the Foundation invested a total of $50,000 back into the central Ohio community through grants to eleven different local nonprofits, including the third year of support for the “Move to Prosper” program. Check out the next page for more information on this year’s grant awardees!
Always mindful of those struggling even in the most difficult of times, Columbus REALTORS® also came together to raise $4,750 for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, during the Ohio REALTORS® statewide drive (which itself raised over $70,000 for local foodbanks) in May.
The CRF Wine Tasting event on March 12—the last event held prior to COVID-19 restrictions was very successful, with nearly 400 attendees raising over $13,000 in support of the Foundation.
In total, over $70,000 in funds have been raised for the Foundation this year thanks to your hard work and generosity. Partner with us for the remainder of this year and see what other events and donation opportunities are in store!
Coming soon, join us for the revamped Foundation Luncheon, traditionally held mid-November, which is being reimagined as an alternative, socially distant event accompanied by extra opportunities to participate. A virtual auction is in the works as well. If you have any ideas for Foundation events that you’d like to see happen this or next year, please contact Foundation Fundraising Committee chairs Bob Kutschbach and Dave Dewey.
The Columbus REALTORS® Foundation owes its success to the donors and volunteers that help us keep giving back to the central Ohio community. We wholeheartedly thank you for your contributions so far this year, and you are needed now more than ever! We hope you will consider supporting us through the remainder of the year—100 percent of your tax-deductible donation goes to the Foundation and its four programs.
For questions or to donate go to www.columbusrealtors.com/foundation or contact Director of Development, Ida Seitter, at (614) 475-4000. If you’d like to join the Foundation Fundraising Committee or volunteer at an event, contact Bob, Dave, or Ida!
