Dear Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Members and Foundation Supporters,
It was with heavy hearts that we, like so many other nonprofits this year, cancelled our 2021 Gala. After making that difficult decision last year, no one imagined we’d be considering that again this fall. However, with the resurgence of COVID-19 through the Delta variant within the month of September, we felt it was our obligation to err on the side of caution, protecting the health and wellbeing of our community members.
Beyond our disappointment in not being able to celebrate in-person, our biggest fear was that without the fundraising at the Gala, the mission and impact of the Foundation would suffer. That mission is to provide support for local organizations that work to end homelessness in our local community, and to date, we’ve distributed over $1.3 million helping dozens of organizations serving thousands of our neighbors.
But it turns out our fears were unfounded. First, upon cancellation, the Minneapolis Area REALTORS® association committed to redirect unspent Gala event funds to make a special donation to the Foundation. Next, since reaching out to our Gala sponsors and donors, we received an outpouring of understanding and support. We are tremendously grateful for their sustained commitment to our mission this year and are pleased to recognize them below. This is a group of caring community members and businesses who show up without the fanfare and party – their focus is the critical impact their gift will have for local organizations working relentlessly to help individuals and communities thrive.
These funds are crucial, as the need for housing support didn’t pause just because our event did – in fact, the long-term impact of the pandemic means even greater risk for those experiencing housing instability. So, in addition to expressing our heartfelt thanks for the level of commitment our industry has to the cause, we invite you to consider joining them in making your gift today online.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen our communities, and we look forward to a better year ahead!
Matt Wandzel, 2021 Chair, MAR Foundation Board of Trustees
Sarah Huffman, 2021 Vice Chair and Gala Chair, MAR Foundation Board of Trustees
Carrie Chang, CEO, Minneapolis Area REALTORS®
