Local Organizations Benefit from Foundation Giving
Recipient Spotlight - Christian Help, Inc.
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 Christmas arrived a week early this year for the staff and clients of Christian Help, Inc, located in Greenwood. On Monday, Dec. 18, Steve Burkhardt, Connie Dixon and Joyce Scotten of the REALTOR® Foundation Board presented a grant check for $15,000 to Pam Leffler of Christian Help to be used for program support.
Christian Help, Inc. helps previously homeless clients renovate mobile homes in need of repair. The work on each mobile home is performed by Johnson County volunteers and by the family residing in the home. Under the guidelines of Christian Help’s Life Skills project, the family also benefits from case management, life skills and job training and a plan to own the mobile home within 18 months.
While receiving a tour of a few mobile homes, the REALTOR® Foundation Board members were impressed with the care that each resident puts into decorating the newly renovated space. Residents spoke of previously living on back porches or cars before coming to know the caring ways of the Christian Help staff.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for neighbors who are not as privileged as others. It’s nice to have a place they can call home and know they will be protected. It’s a good start in providing a home for all Johnson County residents,” commented Connie Dixon, a Mortgage Loan Officer for National City Mortgage Company.
Grants totaling $75,000 were distributed in December to all six local charities selected as grant recipients. Additional recipients included: Holy Family Shelter, Partners in Housing, Sheltering Wings Center for Women, Gennesaret Free Clinic and Coburn Place Safe Haven.
Picture: Steve Burkhardt of F.C. Tucker in Greenwood presents the grant check for $15,000 to Pam Leffler of Christian Help, Inc. |
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 National Homeless Person Memorial Service Highlights City's Forgotten Residents
Not only was December 21 the day of the shortest amount of daylight all year, it was also one of the gloomiest rainy days of the year. It seemed somewhat appropriate, then, that hundreds of people gathered at Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle in that day to honor those who died in 2006 in a state of homelessness.
Orchestrated by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP), the service included words from Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson.
Most moving, though, were testimonials from two formerly homeless neighbors who have found hope through the help of agencies in town. Both of them spoke of making choices to better their lives and both reminded the crowd how quickly a downfall can occur. Following their testimonials, the name of each homeless person who passed away in 2006 was read and accompanied by a candle walked down the aisle while the church’s bells tolled. Members of the audience were asked to stand and keep those individuals in their thoughts.
CHIP’s next large scale event is Indy Homeless Connect (
www.indyhomelessconnect.com), scheduled for February 12, 2007 at the Convention Center. This event provides a unique offering of services to homeless neighbors under one roof. Volunteers are needed for the event to usher attendees to the most appropriate service booths. Even if you can only be there for a short time, try to make an investment of time in this worthwhile cause. To volunteer, call Molly Hahn at the REALTOR® Foundation at 317/956-5255.
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Donor Wall Reception—January 18, 2007
The Foundation wishes to thank all financial supporters in 2006. Our ‘Heroes of Hope’—those who have contributed $250 or more in 2006—will be honored on January 18 at the annual Donor Wall Reception. These names will be listed on the Wall throughout 2007.
Without the help of these contributors, the REALTOR® Foundation would not have been able to provide grants to six deserving organizations this year.
Click here to view a list of 2006 'Heroes of Hope'.
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New Foundation Video
October 19 marked the unveiling of the new REALTOR® Foundation video. With a link from our website and DVDs in production, the video will give us all a true picture of how gifts to the REALTOR® Foundation are making an immediate impact. Click here to visit our website and see the new video!
Special Recognition of In-kind Donation
Special thanks to Patty Thornberry and Mike Haemmerle for their contribution of the original song ‘Scared Cold and Alone’ written and produced expressly for the 2006 Foundation Video.
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New Officers and Board Members Elected
Thank you to all hard-working members of the 2006 Board of Directors. The Board was saddened to see the following Directors’ terms end:
Dorothy Dodd
Kristi Tiefel
Kathy Hall
Beckie Agan
These vacated spots were filled by the following who will fulfill three-year terms:
Kathy Andry
David Brenton
Tracy Hutton
Marsha Patrick
Nick Tillema
In December, the Board elected its officers for 2007 who will fulfill one-year terms:
President—Mark Dudley
President Elect—Roger Lundy
Secretary—Regina Jones
Treasurer—Phyllis Gillingham
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Save the Date—July 19, 2007 
The 14th Annual REALTOR Foundation Golf Outing
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Shotgun start at 12:00 noon
Eagle Creek Golf Club, Indianapolis
Tier 1: Sycamore Course (for the serious player)
Tier 2: Pines Course (fun & games included)
For reservations or sponsorship opportunities, call Crystal Cooper at 317/956-5242 or log on to www.mibor.com/golf. 2006 was a sell-out event, so be sure to make your reservation early!
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Ways To Give
Do you race through your day, showing homes, closing transactions and running errands? Supporting the REALTOR® Foundation and the fight against homelessness in central Indiana is easy, even with a hectic schedule. Click here
to make your donation online. A minute of your time can make a difference to thousands of homeless Hoosiers.
In 2006, hundreds of gifts were made ‘In honor of’ or ‘In memory of’ someone. If you would like to honor a co-worker, new homeowner, or someone who has passed away, contact Molly Hahn with the information at 317/956-5255. |
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Fast Facts About Homelessness
*Over 3,500 people in Indianapolis are homeless on any given day
*About 45,000 people in central Indiana are on the verge of homelessness
*The fastest growing group among the homeless is families
*Children represent 30 percent of the homeless population
*Homeless children suffer from more educational delays, and mental and physical problems
*Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness and poverty among women
*The average hourly wage of working families assisted through Welfare in Marion County is $7.62
*The hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the Indianapolis area is $11.12
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2006 Heroes of Hope
Without the help of these contributors, the REALTOR® Foundation would not have been able to provide grants to six deserving organizations this year. Click here to view a complete list of 2006 donors.
CHAMPION $5,000+
VICTOR $2,500-$4,999
CRUSADER $1,000-$2,499
GUARDIAN $500-$999
ADVOCATE $250-$499
Become a Hero of Hope today!
For more information about the Foundation, contact REALTOR® Foundation Development Coordinator Molly Hahn at 317/956-5255.
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