For more than 21 years, local Realtors® in the Somerset-Lake Cumberland region have helped raise money for local organizations through a charity auction held annually, this year in July. Through generous donations, help and support from area businesses, the group has raised over $150,000 during that time.
This year, Realtors® selected two groups to receive proceeds from the auction – the Pulaski County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. The auction raised over $10,000 and the groups will split the funds to further their missions.
“Realtors® in our region are consistently engaged in giving back, but this charity auction stands out as our largest and most impactful event of the year,” said Holly Weddle, local Realtor®, chair of the Public Relations Committee, and co-organizer of the event. “The outpouring of support from organizations across the region is truly inspiring, and we’re especially thankful for our neighbors who show up year after year to help make this fundraiser such a success.”
The event, which coincided with the July membership meeting this year, consisted of an online auction that lasted several days and was made up of items from gift baskets to overnight stays at Lake Cumberland and daily boat rentals. Additionally, on the day of the event, a live auction was held, and the winner of a major raffle item was drawn and announced.
The funds raised will help Habitat continue to build, renovate and furnish homes in the region while the Hope Lodge uses their support to provide a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers through a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room.
“We’re proud to support the efforts of both of these organizations as they play a vital role in meeting the needs of our communities,” said Barry Turner, a board member with Bluegrass Realtors® who attended the auction. “Giving back is a core value for Realtors® because we recognize that strong, thriving communities don’t happen by accident - they’re built through dedication, partnership, and service.”
As the region’s leading advocate for homeownership, Bluegrass Realtors® understands the value and joy of owning a home. The Association represents more than 4,000 Realtors® located in 38 counties: Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Henry, Jackson, Jessamine, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Owsley, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Scott, Shelby, Wayne, Whitley and Woodford counties. Visit www.bluegrassrealtors.com for up-to-the-minute real estate listings and buying and selling resources.