Garrett County Raises $30,000 for Local Build
The Annual Crab Feast/Picnic held by the Garrett County Board of REALTORS® (GCBR) on July 27, 2006 at Deep Creek State Park is always a time for celebration for this tight knit association. This year's celebration also marked an important milestone for their commitment to their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. GCBR raised an impressive $20,000 for the Garrett County Habitat for Humanity. The Partnership for Housing Foundation board members Ron Deem and Bill Armstrong were on hand to present matching funds of $10,000 for a total donation of $30,000 toward the construction of a new home.
“A $20,000 donation is impressive for any local association, but it is even more inspiring when you realize how small the Garrett County association is-fewer than 200 members,” said Armstrong. Added Deem, “We are proud of the commitment GCBR REALTORS® have made to their local Habitat affiliate. They are truly making a difference in this community.”
According to Doug Riley, the Executive Director of the Garrett County Habitat for Humanity, the $30,000 GCBR has raised represents almost half the cost of building a house in Garrett County. The local affiliate plans to put the donation towards the cost of building a home for a family in need. Riley went on to say,” the Board of Directors and staff of the Garrett County habitat for Humanity are very grateful to our Garrett County Board of Realtors®, the Maryland Association of REALTORS® and the Partnership for Housing Foundation.”
Harford County Million Dollar Club Funds Rehab Habitat House
Just a year ago, one could say that the house at 31 Aberdeen Avenue had seen better days. On Saturday, August 27, 2005, a new day dawned for the house and its owner, Adelina Tumaneng. The house at 31 Aberdeen Avenue was completely gutted and renovated-the first rehab project for Harford Habitat for Humanity. New homeowner Adelina Tumaneng worked 50 hours on her house as well as laboring on three other HFH houses and participating in the Women's Build. She immigrated to the United States from the Philippines five years ago, and has recently become a U.S. citizen.
The Harford County Million Dollar Club raised a significant portion of the $60,000 needed for the renovation, with a 1:1 matching funds provided by the Maryland Association of REALTORS® through the Partnership for Housing Foundation. Both Derrick Williams and Anthony Fraschilla, members of the Million Dollar Club were on hand to witness the ribbon cutting and house blessing. They recounted the numerous fundraisers they held and the excitement of being involved with such a worthwhile.
The skies on the day of the ribbon cutting and house blessing were cloudy but we predict sunny days ahead for the house on 31 Aberdeen Avenue.
Council of Residential Specialists Makes Donation
The Maryland and District of Columbia Chapter of the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) presented a check for $1,000 to the Partnership for Housing Foundation. William J. Neary, a Director of the Foundation, accepted the donation from 2005 CRS President Ashton Gonella. 
“This donation is an important step towards building the endowment fund”, said Neary. “Our goal is a fund that will create a legacy with a lasting impact on affordable housing in the state,” he added. The contribution will be eligible for a matching grant from the Maryland Association of REALTORS®.
In presenting the check, Ms. Gonella said that CRS members feel strongly about the importance of the work being done by the Foundation. “We want to encourage other REALTOR® affiliates to become active donors,” said Gonella. “As Residential Specialists, we know all too well the importance of having a decent, safe and affordable place to call home,” she added.
CRS is the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. Members of CRS have earned the CRS Designation-a standard of excellence within the REALTOR® community. The Maryland and District of Columbia chapter is celebrating its 25th anniversary.