DAAR Members Give Back – Over $35,000 Donated to Shelter-based Charities in Loudoun County

The Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® donated proceeds from its annual silent auction to local charities in November 2013. For the 21st year, DAAR has presented auction proceeds to local charities in Loudoun County. Since the program’s inception in 1992, nearly $500,000 has been raised and donated.

Linda Kimble, Volunteers of America, receives donation from Margaret Halseth, Chair, DAAR CSC and Sue Smith, 2014 DAAR Chair

Linda Kimble, Volunteers of America, receives donation from Margaret Halseth, Chair, DAAR CSC and Sue Smith, 2014 DAAR Chair

During a special ceremony at DAAR’s Board of Directors meeting in Ashburn, over $35,000 raised during the October 2013 Charity Auction and Dinner was presented to nine local shelter-based organizations. Rebuilding Together/Christmas in April, Good Shepherd Alliance, Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, Hope Villiage, Loudoun After-Care, Habitat for Humanity, Loudoun Families for Children, Volunteers of American Emergency Shelter, and Volunteers of America-Transitional Housing Shelter received 100% of the proceeds from that event.

Here’s what some of the leaders of these organizations had to say about the donations:

“It’s really significant when businesses put their words into action.  It just shows that the character of the businesses in our community are not just providing lip service but they really show that they are just as intent on helping as the non profits are.”

Vickie Koth, Executive Director, The Good Sheppard Alliance, Ashburn, VA

“We are deeply appreciative of the grant we received from the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS®.  We plan to use this money to rehab up to four homes in 2014.”

James W. Bailey, Acting Executive Director, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity

“Part of our mission is to provide families and homes for children in foster care.  This is such a blessing to us.  Thank you so much.”

Lori Thomas, President, Hope Village

The annual charitable event is organized by the DAAR Community Services Committee which encourages participation in community events, facilitates volunteer opportunities and provides financial support to local charities with a specific emphasis on organizations that provide shelter to area residents and/or benefit children.