SPRINGFIELD (March 21, 2007) Due to the generosity of nearly 150 attendees the Capital Area Association of REALTORS ® (CAAR) was able to raise approximately $9,000 at a fundraiser held on March 14 th to benefit the homeless in Springfield. Attendees for the event, which was held at the Inn at 835, included REALTORS ® , CAAR Affiliate members and guests.

The bidding was fast and furious as attendees vied for the nearly 100 live and silent auction items that had been donated. Two Cub / Card bus trip tickets yielded the highest amount bid for any one item bringing in $800.00. One of the most unique items on the auction was lunch with Mayor Tim Davlin along with a “Key to the City of Springfield”. Peter Steward, CAAR's President, said that “It is my understanding that this is the first time that a key to the city has been donated for something of this nature. We are grateful for the Mayor's donation.”

Due in large part to the efforts of REALTOR ® /Auctioneer Jeff Canterbury and his brother Ron Canterbury the live auction receipts were nearly $5,300 while the silent auction brought in nearly $1,900. Total income for the event including the auction receipts, cash contributions and admission tickets was approximately $9,000.

“Homelessness undermines the strength and security of any community. We recognize that homelessness is a problem in our community and we wanted to do something about it”, said Steward. Specifically, the money will be donated to Helping Hands of Springfield which is a non-profit organization whose mission is "...to shelter the homeless, provide support, promote independence and work with others in the prevention of homelessness in the community."

Each year the Community Service Committee of the CAAR identifies one primary organization to be the primary benefactor of its fundraising efforts. This year's Committee, chaired by Kaye Brittin, chose Helping Hands of Springfield as the cause. Previous other benefactors have included the Iles House Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Springfield Green”, said Steward.

The Capital Area Association of REALTORS ® is the Voice for Real Estate in the Capital Area representing more than 900 members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry. The Capital Area's Resource for Real Estate Information can be found at www.SeeHouses.com.

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