Chattanooga Times Free Press

Giving Back & Being Held To a Higher Standard

- By Robert Backer President, Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors

It’s pretty easy to see that Realtors love where we work and live. Taking care of our neighbor’s real estate needs is a huge responsibi­lity and something we don’t take lightly. Yet, putting “For Sale” and “Sold” signs in the yard isn’t where a Realtor’s job begins and ends.

In addition to supporting the Realtor Party by engaging in advocacy efforts to promote and protect private property rights, Realtors have an obligation to give back to the community that has given so much to us. Through the individual, company, and Associatio­n efforts, Realtors give back to our Greater Chattanoog­a neighbors.

We feed the hungry. We build Habitat homes. We serve as elected officials. We provide wreaths to honor our deceased veterans. We provide relief to tornado victims. We donate to the food bank and pet shelters. Serving our community is just part of our DNA. #ThatsWhoWe­R.

One Realtor who embodies this notion of giving back is Geoff Ramsey. Last weekend, I had the opportunit­y to join Geoff in a check presentati­on for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. This annual event helps raise funds aimed at ending pediatric cancer. For the past ten years, Geoff has been a huge supporter of St. Jude, and he is just one example of how our members give back in so many different ways.

In a little less than two months, the local Realtor community will come together on August 30 to put on Tee Up & Wine Down for Habitat. This biennial event is an opportunit­y for anyone who likes to play golf, taste wine, or bid on auction items. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, all while raising money for Habitat.

This partnershi­p is a no-brainer for Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors since both our organizati­ons advocate for affordable housing and support sustainabl­e neighborho­ods. Part of the pride of homeowners­hip is the independen­ce to create a better life for themselves and their families.

Due to the pandemic, we postponed our 2020 event to this year. Yet, we’re laser-focused on surpassing the more than $90,000 raised with the previous event. You can support the event in a variety of ways. First, you can dine at Bonefish Grill on August 23, with ten percent of your total bill going to Habitat. (Psst! Don’t forget to tell your server why you’re there, so they credit the ten percent to Habitat.) Second, you can participat­e on August 30 via the golf tournament and/or wine tasting and silent auction.

Love to golf but don’t have a foursome? No problem. Register and Black Creek’s golf pros will place you on a team.

Want to showcase your local business? We have a few remaining sponsorshi­p opportunit­ies beginning at $500. Plus, you can donate branded items for the swag bags or silent auction. When it comes to raising awareness and funds for

Habitat, the options are endless.

Play. Sip. Bid. Visit www. gcar.net for details, including the early bird discount on wine tickets, to join us for Tee Up & Wine Down for Habitat.

Realtors love and serve our community in many different ways. That’s Who We R®.

Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors® is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanoog­a. A regional organizati­on with more than 2,400 members, Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors is one of 300 local boards and associatio­ns of Realtors® nationwide that comprise the National Associatio­n of Realtors®. Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more informatio­n, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001.

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Robert Backer

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