REALTORS® Who Care: Supporting Our Community in Times of Need
Realtors Who Care: Supporting Our Community in Times of Need
Written by Mallorie Kragt, RWC Chairperson
REALTORS® Who Care (RWC) is the heart of the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® (WMLAR), serving as its charitable arm. As a 501(c)(3) organization, RWC is dedicated to supporting our REALTOR® and Affiliate Members, along with their immediate families, during times of hardship, whether due to illness, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances.
RWC extends its reach beyond just the members of WMLAR. The committee actively donates funds to various causes and organizations across Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties, ensuring that the impact of their generosity is felt throughout the community.
The primary funding source for RWC comes from generous donations by our members and affiliates, along with sponsorships of our two major annual events: the Virtual 5k in August and Octoberfest. These events not only raise essential funds but also bring our community together in support of a common cause.
Click on the graphic above to learn more about the virtual 5K.
Octoberfest serves as a silent auction fundraiser benefiting WMLAR’s Non-Profit, REALTORS® Who Care, with proceeds benefiting both members and the community. What to expect? While the silent auction takes center stage, there’s also a team activity card game. Teams of four will receive four random playing cards upon registration (price to be announced). Teams will engage in various enjoyable activities at Affiliate-sponsored booths, collecting stamps on their activity cards for a chance to win additional prizes. Auction tickets are priced at $10 or $20 each, offering the chance to win coveted items such as big-screen TVs, arcade games, Blackstone grills, kayaks, jewelry, and more. Additionally, the REALTORS® Who Care committee endeavors to secure donated big-ticket items like tickets to popular sporting events, concerts, or weekend getaways when available. Team registration cost is to be announced.
We are thrilled to announce that through our collective efforts at last year’s Octoberfest, we raised $8,281.99! These funds will be used to provide financial assistance to our WMLAR members and affiliates, helping them navigate through challenging times.
In 2023, RWC donated $2,900 towards local charities and organizations supported by our WMLAR members and affiliates. Additionally, we provided $6,000 directly to members of WMLAR affected by everything from accidents to emergency surgeries and everything in between.
Allocation requests can come from anyone within WMLAR and can be brought to anyone on the REALTORS® Who Care committee or WMLAR staff. This ensures that those in need have a straightforward way to seek help and receive the support they require.
Over the years, REALTORS® Who Care has been involved in numerous initiatives and events aimed at providing financial assistance and support where it’s needed most. From fundraising events to direct donations, RWC has continuously demonstrated its commitment to caring for those who make our community strong.
One of the most touching aspects of RWC’s work is the personal stories and testimonials from those who have received assistance. As one recipient shared, “I am in receipt of a check dated 7/18, and please let everyone at RWC and WMLAR know how appreciative I am for this kind act of generosity. I absolutely had no idea that I would be considered for such a disbursement, and I am really touched by this check… I am such a believer in giving back, and helping others, it’s really amazing to be on the receiving end for a change.”
We are proud to have such a dedicated group within our association, working tirelessly to uphold the values of compassion and community support. REALTORS® Who Care exemplifies the spirit of giving and solidarity that defines the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®.
If you would like to get involved or support REALTORS® Who Care, please reach out to us. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our members and the broader community.
