The Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR), the largest local association of Realtors in Michigan, held its fourth annual GMAR Gives Thanks Party on November 9th at Punch Bowl Social Detroit. The party brings GMAR members together to celebrate the year and honor all servicemen and women. The party is also the culmination of the Association’s fund-raising efforts for the year. This year, through donations from its over 8,500 Realtor and Affiliate members, GMAR raised $30,000 for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc. The money goes towards the training of a medical service dog to be paired with a Michigan veteran. This is part of GMAR’s altruistic initiative to fully fund a dog 5 years in a row, called 5 years, 5 dogs, 5 lives saved.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc. trains medical service dogs to mitigate the challenges associated with several disabilities, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, glucose imbalance, mobility issues, hearing impairment, and more. 22 vets who have PTSD succeed in taking their lives each day and 90% of married vets suffer from PTSD divorce. When paired with a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, both of those rates drop to ZERO.
GMAR sends special thanks to the following for their substantial contributions: Carlina J. Boji of RE/MAX Classic, Christopher L. Ayers of Shain Park, REALTORS, David Klaft of Keller Williams Lakeside, Debbie L. Zalewski of Real Living Kee Realty Troy, Jason A. Heilig of Shain Park, REALTORS, Jeff Glover of KW Professionals, John G. McArdle of Remerica Hometown One, John P. Meesseman of Real Living Kee Realty, Julie L. Diaz of Keller Williams Realty West Bloomfield MC, Kathleen N. Coon of Real Living Great Lakes Real Estate, Kevin & James Cristbrook of Shain Park, REALTORS, Matt Baffo of First State Bank, Maureen Francis and Dmitry Koublitsky of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham, Rebecca E. Williamson of RE/MAX Classic, Richard D. Linnell of Linnell & Associates, LLC, and Teri Spiro of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham.
GMAR President James Iodice said, “The level of dedication and heart that GMAR Realtors® have is outstanding; what we do as Realtors® goes beyond selling homes. We volunteer and get involved in our communities. Our members stand out as leaders in all respects.”