Mark Laboe, Monroe County Association of REALTORS®, started a REALTOR® shelter fund almost 15 years ago and continues today to raise thousands of dollars for local shelters. “I was on a public relations team and we were looking at ways to enhance the image of REALTORS®,” Laboe said. “The idea of providing money to shelters came up because that is what we provide as REALTORS®.”Laboe made presentations to encourage different real estate companies to participate in the program. Laboe asked that, after every closing, $10 be donated to the fund—$5 coming from the listing side and $5 from the selling side.

Once Battle Creek’s Hispanic community learned Jennifer Frohm, Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS®, sold homes and could speak Spanish, residents came to her in the hopes of achieving their dreams of becoming homeowners. “I had to win their trust, but once I did, it was amazing what happened,” Frohm said. “They finally discovered that they can buy a home. And, the greatest reward for me is just seeing them in their house.” Frohm provides all information to them in Spanish and works with them usually three to four months before they become homeowners.“It’s been a learning experience but I have my routine down pat now,” Frohm said. Most of Frohm’s business comes about through word of mouth. “I sell a house to one family and it’s like a referral thing,” Frohm said. “Soon cousins, nephews and others start coming in.” Frohm, who grew up in the retail business, married into the real estate business 15 years ago.

“Blame it on dad,” Dale Zahn said about how his love for horses and harness racing began. “When I was six years old he brought me to the race track. I have been a harness racing junkie ever since.” Zahn, RCE, e-PRO, CEO of West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®, recently received a matinee license to drive harness horses from the United State Trotting Association. “I was looking to do it for personal enjoyment since I love the sport and I love horses,” Zahn said. After his childhood trips to the race track ended, Zahn, who once was in the radio business, used to announce races at several tracks in the Chicago area. “I love the excitement of the race track,” Zahn said. “Harness racing is something the entire family can enjoy.” Although getting a license was something Zahn always thought about pursuing, it wasn’t until May of 2003 when his wife and his staff finally encouraged him to attend a driver’s school in Ohio.

The first time Harry Jones donated blood he was a 17-year-old Boy Scout. Now, Jones is working to give his 30th gallon.“I went to Mexico, though, so I have to wait a year before I can give again,” Jones said. Jones, CRS, GRI, RAM, Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®, is a speaker for the American Red Cross and the Michigan Blood Bank. “Giving blood is not only beneficial to the recipient but to the giver as well,” Jones said.

Marge Paron, GRI, Saginaw Board of REALTORS®, is a board member for the Rebuilding Together Saginaw program. The program, once known as Christmas in July, began in 1991. Paron joined the board just six months after it began.“I was invited to join and when I saw the need in the community, I continued with the program,” Paron said. Rebuilding Together Saginaw is part of a national organization and relies on volunteers to renovate homes of low income seniors and disabled people. “We are like Habitat for Humanity except that we renovate instead of build homes,” Paron said. The program recruits about 700 volunteers a year. Although they met and worked all year, the majority of the work is planned for July 31, 2004. “Currently we have 23 homes to work on,” Paron said. “We are still interviewing though, so it may end up being as many as 30.”