Heartline Does it Right!

Last night I attended a fundraising event for OKC Heartline. I was very impressed with their organization and the sheer volume and level of gifts they received for their live and silent auctions. Most of the bidding seemed to start around $300 dollars. I saw many items that had bids at about 5-10 times their value. I understood that Heartline had done a fabulous job in educating its constituency about why they need to give and to give generously.

I thought about our own fundraising efforts for RPAC. I cannot understand why this year we haven't significantly increased our giving- in fact it has declined. When times are tight it is exactly not the time to stop advocating for our industry. Do members realize that is their RPAC donations that led to the first time home buyers tax credit?

We have seen the third straight month of increased home sales as a direct result of the credit. The public needs our legislative might now more than ever! NAR Chief Lobbyist, Jerry G, indicated that the home mortgage interest deduction is currently being reviewed again (for cuts or elimination) and that congress is looking at potentially extending the home buyers tax credit. We need to assist those legislators who can see the future and understand that the housing market is the cornerstone of the US economy.

Folks, the associations and brokers can't do it on their own. WE NEED YOUR HELP! I checked the RPAC stats yesterday and approximately 384 of our 2800 members have given to RPAC. A mere 10% of our members are supporting the industry and supporting the incomes of the other 2400. In which camp are you?

There are two easy ways to give. One is a lot of fun! Join us September 9th at the Skirvin Hotel for our annual RPAC aution- get caught up and the bidding and maybe land a steal of a deal. To register for the luncheon go to the board website- www.okcrealtors.com and choose the pay/register online tab or email Blair Bradley to reserve your spot bbradley@okcmar.org.

The second way is to contribute online. To donate click here.

Please invest in the industry that gives back to you in so many ways.