Annual Concert Helps RE/MAX Broker/Owner Connect With Community and Support a Charitable Cause

“My goal is to be like Mama Ford and always lend a hand to those who need it.”

These were Torrence Ford’s thoughts just a few weeks ago as he left the funeral of his 98-year-old grandmother, where her friend of 50 years enchanted the crowd with stories of Mama Ford’s kindness and generosity.

The tender moment reinforced why Ford, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Premier in Atlanta, Georgia, finds many ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. In addition to helping homebuyers and sellers, as well as leading an office of productive agents, Ford supports charitable efforts throughout metro Atlanta. RE/MAX Premier participates in toy drives and fundraising for Cobb County Department of Family and Child services, The Center for Children and Young Adults, and more.

Supporting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals is a main priority of Ford’s, too. With a bit of creativity, he’s found a special way to support children in need while bringing his community together at the same time.

CMN Hospitals is a cause close to the hearts of many RE/MAX affiliates. Since 1992, the RE/MAX network has donated nearly $200 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada.

Three years ago, Ford sought a new way for his office to get involved during the RE/MAX Month of Miracles, an annual celebration that takes place each August. While RE/MAX affiliates support CMN Hospitals year-round – particularly though the RE/MAX Miracle Home and Miracle Property Program – they find creative ways to highlight the partnership during the monthlong extravaganza. Witnessing the RE/MAX Premier Office Manager’s daughter, Mikari, face Hodgkins Lymphoma particularly struck a chord with Ford.

“Cancer in the lymph nodes of a 16-year-old high schooler seemed as if it would bring anyone to tears and depression, but Mikari’s spirit couldn’t be broken. After seeing her raise awareness and funds for the cure all with a bright smile on her face, I knew there was more I could do to support the community at large beyond real estate,” he recalls.

“In my journey through life – including real estate, business, and community – I have felt that music is always a mechanism that brings people together,” Ford says. “I have also noticed that many people are putting on concerts for a cause, and I thought that was a fun way to have an awesome evening, while also donating all proceeds to charity.”

That’s how the idea for the Concert Under the Stars was born.

“With our first annual Concert Under the Stars happening during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we chose Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre to host the event because it was an outdoor venue,” he says, noting how the outdoor space allowed attendees to safely gather at a precarious time.

Since its inaugural event, Concert Under the Stars has blossomed into a must-attend annual gathering for the greater community. And not only does the musical evening bring together loved ones and raise funds for the nearby CMN Hospitals affiliate, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, it also shines light on local musicians.

The third annual Concert Under the Stars will take place September 22, 2023, shortly after the RE/MAX Month of Miracles. Highlights of this year’s event Ford is looking forward to include the appearance of musical group Jazz Funk Soul, as well as the involvement of local radio stations. As the jazz-fueled night has grown in popularity, more businesses have joined in sponsoring the event.

“I’m also super excited because one of our Miracle Kids is a graduating high school senior named Samara. In the past, you will usually hear about the younger kids who need support. This year, I’m delighted to also highlight an older Miracle Kid to hear her story and reinforce the importance of supporting CMN Hospitals,” Ford says.

As a Broker/Owner, Ford recognizes how leading RE/MAX Premier is about more than real estate – it’s about playing an integral role in the well-being of his community and leveraging his position of influence to give back.

“As the leader of a local business, I take pride in bringing the community together – especially to support a good cause.”

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