Good Deeds from Around the Network

Carol Conologue can pinpoint the very moment 20 years ago when her life changed forever. It was when her husband Christopher was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease, a form of blood cancer. Although the prognosis seemed good at first, Chris died four years later, after countless medical procedures and a nationwide search for a cure failed to stop his illness.

Today, Conologue, a Sales Associate with RE/MAX Elite Realty in Palm Harbor, Fla., is doing all she can to make sure another family doesn’t have to go through what she, Chris and their three children endured. She’s a candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Woman of the Year, a fundraiser for LLS.

Proceeds go toward the nonprofit’s efforts to find a cure for blood cancers and its work to improve the quality of life of affected patients and their families.

Find out more about LLS, and how Carol’s Woman of the Year candidacy is both a tribute to her late husband and an effective source of support for this respected organization.

More “Good Deeds” from around the network:

Charlotte, N.C. 
Golfing for Levine Children’s Hospital

It’s a tradition at RE/MAX Executive Realty to encourage golfers from around the city to take part in a golf tournament benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital. Last September, more than 100 golfers competed at the 7th annual “Link Up For Kids” event, raising an impressive $30,000. Co-Broker/Owner Cindy Sikorski spearheaded the tournament, once again confirming the brokerage’s commitment and generosity.  RE/MAX Executive Realty is one of the largest contributors to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the Carolinas, having donated more than $400,000 over the years.

Dallas, Texas
Committing to orphaned boys

Jennifer Blackwood lives in Dallas and works with RE/MAX DFW Associates VIII, but much of her attention is permanently focused on Chiang Mai, Thailand. That’s where the Sales Associate spent three years teaching English, volunteering at a nonprofit organization that provided job training for the poor, and helping to build a boys’ orphanage. She continued to support the orphanage after returning to the U.S. and embarking on a successful real estate career. Today she keeps in touch with its staff and young charges, and donates a percentage of every commission she earns. “I really enjoy combining my love for real estate with my love for helping people,” Blackwood says.

Chicago, Ill.
Supporting a center for the disabled

The Misericordia Society of Chicago has a huge mission, which is why T.R. Viswanathan is such a huge supporter. The organization provides residences, job training and medical facilities for more than 600 developmentally and physically disabled children and adults. Its work has inspired Viswanathan, a Sales Associate with RE/MAX Destiny in Elk Grove Village, and his family. They not only volunteer at the Society and help in various fundraising efforts; they also give generously. The RE/MAX Hall of Famer estimates that he raises $20,000 per year for Misericordia.

Juneau, Alaska
Big checks for elementary schools

Julie Moe, her children and grandchildren all attended local public schools, so it’s no wonder this Sales Associate with RE/MAX of Juneau feels deeply connected to Juneau’s education community. Last year, after hearing yet again that budget cuts threatened teacher jobs and beloved arts and literacy programs, Moe decided to act. Today, part of every commission she earns is slated for schools. In one year, she’s made generous contributions to five elementary schools, with a goal of eventually donating to every one of them. Moe says her clients love the fact that their transaction helps support local kids and teachers. She hopes her idea catches on with more agents in Juneau and beyond.

Neptune, N.J.
A PTA president raises the bar

Dawn Williams volunteered for years in her local public schools before becoming  President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Green Grove Elementary School during the last academic year. In her new administrative position, she quickly put to good use the organizational skills she honed as a Sales Associate at RE/MAX Gateway in nearby Ocean. Those skills came in handy when she organized a Red Carpet Gift Auction with a “Real Housewives of New Jersey” theme, which raised $20,000 for the school. “I will always be involved in the community,” says Williams, who’s already looking for new ways to help others.

Orlando, Fla.
Help for the homeland, and at home

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Ann Varkey spent a month late last year traveling in India – and making generous donations of cash and supplies. Varkey is a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Properties SW who regularly sends much-needed aid to India, where she and her husband grew up. She focuses much of her philanthropic work on clinics for leprosy patients in the southern state of Kerala. Her gifts include donations of wheelchairs, food, clothing and hundreds of blankets. In addition to her involvement in India, Varkey also supports the Orlando Union Rescue Mission and her local YMCA.