Press Release - April, 2010

EMTAR - Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS® breaking ground for Habitat’s Club 50

(Lebanon, TN – April, 2010) – Club 50 – an affordable, predictable way to ensure the continuing mission of Habitat for Humanity of Wilson County – is kicking off this week thanks to the members of the Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors.

Some generous EMTAR members will serve as Club 50 Groundbreakers by signing up to donate $50 for each house built by Habitat for Humanity of Wilson County and by challenging one another in a fun competition to sign up additional members. The ongoing commitment as a Club 50 member is for up to four houses per year, or a maximum of $200 per person.

“EMTAR has agreed to encourage its members to support Habitat as Club 50 Groundbreakers,” says EMTAR President Margaret Dixon. “As REALTORS®, we understand the value of home ownership, and what it means to someone who has never had the opportunity to be given a ‘hand up’ to achieve homeownership. It’s wonderful the way that Habitat partners with families to help them achieve that dream.”

“Habitat does an exceptional job serving those in need by working with partner families to provide them an opportunity to help build and purchase their home,” Dixon says. “EMTAR is proud to get involved and help strengthen Wilson County Habitat’s ability to perform such a worthy mission.”

“We congratulate EMTAR for stepping into the role of Club 50 Groundbreakers and for fostering a healthy competition among its members to help bring more people into Club 50,” says Habitat Executive Director Tory Tredway. “If a lot of caring people get involved and agree to give a little at a time, it goes a long way.”

“Club 50 is a blessing for Habitat for Humanity of Wilson County,” Tredway continues. “It ensures ongoing funding in a way that is affordable and predictable for the giver.

EMTAR will have a big impact as Club 50 Groundbreakers. This will have a collective and lasting impact on Habitat’s mission to eliminate substandard housing in Wilson County.”

The 2010 Club 50 Groundbreaker competition continues through May 22. EMTAR members are already learning about the program by e-mail and will hear more about it at their monthly luncheon this month. There is even a website dedicated to the EMTAR/Club 50 partnership, www.EMTARforClub50.com.

“The beauty of Club 50 is that the donor need only make their pledge one time. Upon signing up, you provide information for Habitat to charge your credit card or debit card for only $50 at a time and ONLY when a house build is about to begin,” says Bob Black, HFHWC Board Member. “It’s so much easier than writing out a larger check, and the donor will receive notification when their account is being charged for the $50.”

Over 700 REALTORS®, are members of the Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS®,. Additionally, the professional organization’s membership includes brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.