As we start looking forward to 2024 with business planning, budgets, and setting goals I find myself reflecting on 2023.  Wow what a year we have had so far! Rising interest rates, increasing home prices, war…  It has been interesting.

The Community Involvement Committee has been busy this year serving the community and our Association.  After delivering backpacks to the McKinney Vento program in early August, we immediately jumped into planning a build-a-bed day to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SIHP) https://shpbeds.org/chapter/ks-sedgwick-co/.  The committee worked with the Wichita Area Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building to raise funds and volunteers with a goal of building 100 beds.  On September 23, 2023, over 100 volunteers showed up to the Builders Association parking lot to build beds.  We ended up raising $12,300 in donations and sponsorships.  The event raised awareness for the cause with all 3 major news stations covering the build day.  Due to this exposure SIHP received multiple requests for beds.  SIHP provides beds to any child under the age of 18.  A special thanks to everyone who donated, sponsored, and volunteered for this event.  

As soon as we were able to catch our breath from the bed building event, the CIC hosted our annual fund raiser for the Realtor Relief Fund https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/grants-and-funding/realtors-relief-foundation.  On October 12, 2023, association members gathered at Public at Brickyard to network and raise funds.  We were able to raise $19,650.00 through the hard work of the RRF planning committee which consisted of members from multiple committees at RSCK.  RSCK’s very own Alvena Hansen was auctioned off for a night at Mosley Street Melodrama, creating a lot of excitement in the crowd.  The event included live music, silent auction, live auction, raffle prizes, food, and drinks.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support this great cause!  

CIC is looking to wrap up the year with one more event; be on the lookout for more details next month!  Thank you all so much for the support you have provided throughout the year.  We have truly made a change in the community.  I am looking forward to finishing 2023 with a bang and going into 2024 with positive momentum.