Over $4,000 raised by Tucson REALTORS® for school supplies

TARIconThe Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (TRCF) raised over $4,000 at its special event to launch the Annual School Supplies Drive in partnership with Tucson Values Teachers (TVT).  Since TVT can leverage cash donations at 2-to-1, “our approach this year was to focus on collecting money instead of actual school supplies,” said TRCF Executive Director Philip Tedesco, who also serves as CEO of the Tucson Association of REALTORS® (TAR).

The July 25 event, held at TAR, introduced a “Stuff the Piggy Bank Bus” theme.  Through TRCF, the REALTORS® association’s tax-exempt foundation, the total donation to Tucson Values Teachers was $4,105. 

“TAR’s event creativity was a great way to involve their members and community partners, and a great way to keep Tucson Supplies Teachers fresh from year-to-year. Being able to leverage TAR’s donation through Walgreens will mean a lot more supplies for a lot more teachers,” said Katie Rogerson, TVT Interim Executive Director. 

The project, organized by TAR Events Coordinator Liza Lopez-Corral, featured TAR Affiliate Sponsors and TVT partners in tents with exhibits and free food, drinks and prizes. 

Supporting the event were:  TRCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that makes funds available to organizations from donations by its REALTOR® and Affiliate members and friends. Its mission is to enhance the community’s quality of life through financial programs, education, and housing-related initiatives and civic activities. 

Since 2011, the Foundation has distributed some $57,000, Tedesco said. 

School supply donations are still welcomed at drop off boxes in Walgreens’ around town until August 17th, to learn more contact the TAR office at (520) 327-4218.