Media Center - Florida Realtors®

Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Florida Association of Realtors® Donates to Disaster Relief Efforts for Hurricane Katrina Victims

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 6, 2005 -- To help those struggling in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) President Frank Kowalski and Disaster Relief Fund Chairman Russell Grooms announce that FAR and its Disaster Relief Fund are contributing $150,000 to the three hardest-hit state Realtor associations for recovery needs.

"Florida Realtors fully comprehend the impact a hurricane brings to cities, neighborhoods, businesses and homes, and our hearts go out to the people suffering from Hurricane Katrina's onslaught," says FAR President Frank Kowalski. "We have not forgotten the support we received from fellow Realtors following Florida's four-hurricane hit last year, and we've committed $150,000 from our Disaster Relief Fund -- $50,000 per state association -- to the members of our Realtor family in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama."

However, the $150,000 represents a starting point only for relief efforts funded through FAR. Many local Realtor associations and boards are pledging additional funding to the FAR Disaster Relief Fund, and donations from individual Florida Realtors continue to pour in.

"FAR's very existence springs from a recognition that we work best when we work together, especially during a time of crisis," says Disaster Relief Fund Chairman and past FAR President Russell Grooms. "Generous donations to our Disaster Relief Fund gives us the ability to help people devastated by Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters."

As an ongoing fund, donations to FAR's Disaster Relief Fund allow Realtors to help Realtors and others recover from hurricane destruction, with money rebuilding both businesses and homes.

It's now easier than ever to contribute. Realtors and others may go to a page on FAR's member-Web site, Planet Realtor, that is not password protected and immediately make a tax-deductible contribution online using a credit card through a secured connection. Realtors are encouraged to share this accessible donation URL with others interested in contributing to the relief efforts. To donate, click here.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. To verify registration and financial information of the Florida Association of Realtors' Disaster Relief Fund (state registration #CH2189), call the Florida Division of Consumer Services' toll-free hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352) or visit http://www.800helpfla.com. The FAR Disaster Relief Fund does not use professional solicitors; 100% of your contribution goes directly to the FAR Disaster Relief Fund. The FAR Disaster Relief Fund is located at 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822.

The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation for more than 130,000 members in 68 local boards/associations.