Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 16, 1993 TAG: 9305180162
SECTION: AMERICAN HOME WEEK PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By ANNE PIEDMONT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
They are just three of the projects sponsored by the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS Community Service Committee. And they all "try to help the Roanoke Valley community," says chairman Marcia Bryant, a local REALTOR. In fact, that's the one common thread in the diverse activities of the group.
Bryant has been on the committee for five years and is serving as chairman for the first time this year.
All the projects "are worthwhile," she said. "Everything you do, you feel like you're helping someone."
She's also tried to plan enough diverse activities so that all of the nearly 1,000 local members can find something to do. "I like to think there's something for everyone."
The projects go on all year, but spring seems to be a particularly busy time for Bryant's committee. The entire month of April was devoted to the prevention of child abuse. Vice Chairman Dec Hobbie distributed some 1,300 blue ribbons to RVAR members and affiliates. The ribbons are tied to car antennas as a way to raise awareness of the problem.
On April 25, REALTORs donned walking shoes and comfortable clothes for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica - the fifth time the association has participated.
May will be another busy month of community service. On the 15th, the group will clean up the RVAR's adopted stretch of highway, U.S. 220 between Wonju Avenue and Tanglewood Mall. The 18th-21st marks the second semi-annual Bloodmobile visit.
The committee initiated the Adopt-A-Highway program last year, both adopting its own stretch of highway and encouraging RVAR member firms to adopt theirs. Last year, 11 firms participated and Bryant hopes to double that this year. Signs along the highway bear the company's name and the association's. The adopting organizations go out four times a year and clean up their portion of the highway.
The Bloodmobile also was a new project last year. The first REALTOR bloodmobile was held in the fall, and Bryant plans to offer it twice this year.
Also in May, the Community Service Committee moves from highways to high in the sky. The association is sponsoring the kite booth at Roanoke's Festival In The Park, with a cash donation for supplies and members to man the booth.
"It's one more opportunity for us to be involved in the community," Bryant said.
Traditionally, one of the RVAR's biggest projects has been the Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament. The association is a major sponsor of the event, with donations of both financial and manpower support. "18 Holes For Habitat" is scheduled for September 20. Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes for low-income families in the Roanoke Valley.
The REALTORs finish the year with their Salvation Army Christmas Stockings project. Bryant said nearly every member donates gifts - or the money to buy gifts - and many stuff the stockings themselves.
Bryant says she believes that the REALTORS who participate in the Community Service Committee's activities throughout the year enjoy the opportunity to make a contribution to the community through worthwhile projects.
by CNB