Frederick County Association of Realtors Charitable Community Fund Awards $15,000 in Grants to Local Organizations

FREDERICK, MD – February 9, 2012: The Frederick County Association of Realtors Charitable Community Fund has recently provided grants totaling $15,000 to four charitable organizations. The fund is one of more than 615 component funds of The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

The fund was established by The Frederick County Association of Realtors (FCAR) in November 2011 to provide grants for nonprofit organizations, preferably those in the Frederick County, Maryland area. Each of the four organizations, The Community Action Agency, Hospice of Frederick County, Heartly House, Inc., and Hope Alive Ministries, Inc. received $3,750.

“The Frederick County Association of Realtors Community Service Committee has selected these charities based on their genuine need of funds and resources.  As a result, the charities are able to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need in Frederick County,” said Kelly Malagari, FCAR Community Service Committee Chairperson.

FCAR has a long-standing tradition when it comes to community service. The FCAR Community Service Committee is dedicated to raising funds to provide grants for local nonprofits. Previous fundraising has already benefitted various organizations. The Frederick County Association of Realtors has also helped local residents with home improvements by adding a handicap access ramp to homes, landscaping, new siding, porch repairs and other types of exterior work.  In the past, FCAR has also offered down payment and closing cost assistance to first time homebuyers.

The Frederick County Association of Realtors received the CARE award in 2004 from the Maryland Association of Realtors, which recognizes local realtor associations for extraordinary community service.

The Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to establish charitable funds that provide grants to area nonprofits serving the community and scholarships to students. Since 1986, more than $29 million has been awarded.  For additional information about the Community Foundation, please call 301.695.7660.

Photo caption: Back row: FCAR Service Committee Members (left to right) William VanHorn, Barbara Davis, Meg Gawler, Rachael Grove, Lisa Goodman, Gloria Castle, Janey Giles, Humberto “Beto” Benitez, Community Foundation Trustee; Rob Abdinoor, Kelly Malagari.

Front row: (left to right) Sarah McAleavy, Coordinator, Frederick Community Action Agency; Kate Charuhas, Community Relations Coordinator, Hospice of Frederick County;  Robin Rose, Development Manager, Heartly House; and Sue Oehmig, Founder, Hope Alive, Inc.