Nov. 20—On a perfect fall Saturday morning, 132 Realtors, industry-affiliated business professionals and community leaders were among those who gathered at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area in Spring Township for the third annual Run for Shelter 5K, hosted by the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors (R-BAR).
Proceeds from the Run for Shelter 5K benefit Habitat for Humanity of Berks County and Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks Inc. The two local organizations aim to educate prospective homebuyers, expand access to financing and assistance programs, build quality homes throughout Berks communities, restore properties and provide individuals with a foundation for building generational wealth.
“The turnout this year was the best we’ve ever had and showed that Realtors are committed to supporting the NHS and Habitat for Humanity,” said Darren Kostival, chair of the Run for Shelter 5K task force and a Realtor RE/MAX of Reading.
“Buying a home can be the biggest purchase individuals and families in our community will ever make,” said Daniel Sansary, executive director of the NHS. “Not only will it give them a safe place to live, but it will allow them to start building equity and wealth. With the support we receive from R-BAR via the Run for Shelter 5K, we can continue to provide financial empowerment to our families .”
Realtor members are proud to support Habitat and the NHS throughout the year but promote volunteerism and charitable efforts especially during the month of October for the statewide initiative referred to as Realtors Reach Out month.
Realtors Reach Out month showcases the various ways in which Realtors and affiliated business partners throughout Pennsylvania are making a difference and giving back to their local communities through collective volunteerism, donations and fundraising.
“The association has built an excellent culture of giving back and volunteerism efforts,” said Brittney Baker Shurr, association executive for R-BAR. “NHS and Habitat are great partners in housing, and our support for the two organizations and their mission is unwavering.”
Last year’s 5K raised $4,126.74, which was split evenly between NHS and Habitat. This year’s 5K proceeds have far outpaced 2021. The fundraising results will be officially disclosed on Dec. 1 at the R-BAR annual meeting, where checks will be presented to both NHS and Habitat.
The top three overall male and female winners for 2022: Jack Curran (17:11), Mihai Sanchez (17:21), Alex Rich (22:35), Kate Kurtz (26:53), Venessa Taylor (27:17) , Meghan Rehling (28:49).
R-BAR would like to thank everyone who supported the 5K Run for Shelter this year, including these sponsors:
Platinum: Bright MLS
Gold: East Manufacturing Co.; Todd Umbenhauer, Realtor, Keller Williams Real Estate Montgomeryville, Rivera-Leinbach for Commissioner
Silver: Northpointe Bank, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks Inc, Sun Federal Credit Union, Stewart Abstract, Fulton Mortgage Co., Fleetwood Bank, HomeTeam Inspection Service of Reading-Berks
Bronze: Riverfront Federal Credit Union, Darren Kostival, Realtor, RE/MAX of Reading, Knies Insurance Group, Burg Restoration Services LLC
Brass: The High Center — Berks County, Mark Mohn, Realtor, RE/MAX of Reading, Alyssa Damiani, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty, MGS Insurance Agency LLC.