For more than 50 years REALTORS® in eastern Contra Costa County have joined with their affiliates in the real estate industry to make important contributions to community service programs. Acting as a committee of the association, members and affiliates have provided support to several programs. "CanTree" provides money and foodstuffs for local programs like Soroptomist International; Loaves and Fishes; United Methodist Church Pantry; Brentwood Community Chest and others.
The DAR Scholarship Program provides support for area high school seniors seeking to continue their education but with financial assistance to do so. Every east county high school is offered an opportunity to participate. In 2005 the Scholarship Committee awarded ten $10,000 scholarships.
Members have provided "Teddy Bears" for area hospitals, funds for the Antioch Police Department K-9 unit, remodeled residences for handicapped access and provided cash support for special needs.
To maximize the community service effort of our association, the DAR Board of Directors authorized the establishment of a new, 'tax-exempt, charitable foundation' named the Delta REALTORS® Community Service Foundation.
Fundraising efforts include such social and networking events as softball, golf, bowling and "Jail & Bail'. Under the incorporated status the foundation is able to solicit donations from individuals and corporations who limit their contributions to IRS qualified charities. Additionally, with the association providing adminstrative support, including bookkeeping and secretarial services, little, if any, funds raised are used for administration.
"It is our goal that 100% of funds raised or donated go to the important programs for which it is intended" said association executive Jerry Fish. "Our members make hugh contributions in time, energy and monetary support to worthy community causes. This organization has the ability to expand it's fundraising efforts and to broaden the list of beneficiaries. All of which make REALTORS® and Affiliates of DAR truly 'good neighbors'"
Bylaws of the new organization call for the periodic election of a Board of Directors and address a myriad of organizational details. Each year the DAR President and Board of Directors appoint the foundation's governing Board of Directors. "The satisfaction of providing support to causes in our immediate neighborhoods coupled with the positive image that REALTORS® and Affiliates get as a result of their community involvement, continues to stimulate a high level of participation," said Angela Johns, a long time member of the DAR Scholarship Committee. "Evidence that working together we can accomplish so much more than we could if we were not."
The Delta Association of REALTORS® has more than 966 members and nearly 100 Affiliates who primarily serve customers and clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.