When looking at the commercial real estate business, there are a few things that come to mind about the people who make up our industry. Most are self-motivated, aggressive, competitive, and hard-working. We all chose the real estate business as a profession for our own individual reasons, be it the opportunity to be a part of a fascinating industry that has many different disciplines, the flexibility to have your own schedule, or the thrill of taking risks that may result in big rewards.
There is one aspect of our industry in Dallas-Fort Worth that should make all of us proud to be part of our community: Commercial real estate professionals have played a significant role in giving back to our community in many high-impact ways.
Many real estate professionals take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer and or give financially to various causes, primarily because they are as passionate about their cause as they are their own business. There are also a number of major events that have become annual events that have their genesis from the real estate industry and real estate professionals.
A few that come to mind include:
• The Rise and Shine 5K, a run that benefits the Rise School in Dallas. In 1995, a real estate family learned that their infant son was diagnosed with Down syndrome. While busy raising three active children, they began researching what could and should be done for children with developmental disabilities and found something special in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama. It was a program named “Rise,” which focuses on the needs of toddlers and preschoolers who have developmental disabilities. With enthusiasm and encouragement, this family proceeded to raise the necessary funds to establish The Rise School of Dallas and Houston. The Rise School of Dallas is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a prestigious recognition achieved by only 9 percent of early childhood programs nationwide.
This year’s Rise and Shine 5K will be held on Sunday, April 27 at Reverchon Park in Dallas. For more information, click here.
• The Chef’s Showcase is a black-tie gala that raises money for Camp John Marc, a camp dedicated to serving children who are living with chronic and terminal illnesses. Chefs Showcase brings together the most well-known area chefs to showcase their favorite dishes, raises money through a silent auction and casino, and provides music by the best cover band around—The Emerald City Band. Since the event’s inception, CBRE has raised nearly $1.6 million, which has been donated directly to Camp John Marc to send more than 4,500 children to camp.
CBRE will host its 16th Annual Chefs Showcase at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas on April 25. For more information, click here.
• The Elizabeth Toon Charities Concert and Shootout benefits Elizabeth Toon Charities, which was founded 2007 in honor of Elizabeth Toon, who was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2006 at age 22. Elizabeth’s dream of being the salt and light for children in need lives on through the charitable group. Supporters of Elizabeth Toon Charities are able to impact the Dallas community by helping organizations that provide education, assistance, comfort, and therapy to those who have been impacted by abuse, grief, poverty, disabilities, and terminal illnesses. Organizations that the Elizabeth Toon Charities supports include Behind Every Door Ministries, Catch Up & Read, ChildCareGroup, Children’s Medical Center, Foster Care Program, Foundation for the Education of Young Women–Irma Rangel School, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, ManeGait, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, Promise House, Camp John Marc, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Rise School of Dallas, and Scottish Rite Hospital.
The 8th Annual Elizabeth Toon Concert and Shootout will begin on May 1 at The Rustic, with the Shootout being held on May 2. For more information, please click here.
• Carry the Load was established a few years ago, when a former Navy SEAL and war veteran sat at a barbecue on Memorial Day. As he thought about his friends he lost in combat, he couldn’t help but notice that the people around him had a very different view of what Memorial Day meant. He came up with a way to honor his fallen brethren, and share in the pain that they went through to give us our freedom. He decided to do what he did most when he was protecting our country alongside the buddies he lost and strapped on his pack and began walking—all the while thinking about the guys that sacrificed for him, and for all of us. This was how Carry The Load was born. Since then, it has been his and another fellow Navy SEAL’s, a real estate professional, tireless mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day, and connect Americans to the sacrifices of our military, law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue personnel.
The Dallas Memorial March provides an opportunity to walk for 20 hours and 14 minutes to remember, honor, and celebrate our nation’s heroes. You can join in the Memorial March at any time during the 20 hours and walk even for just a few minutes. Everyone is invited to participate, no matter what your fitness level or ability. There is no fee to participate in Carry The Load.
This Year’s march will kick off on Sunday, May 25, at Reverchon Park, at 3:30pm and will conclude at 12:14 p.m. on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day). For more information, please click here.
As your career accelerates and grows, and our business gives to you, find a cause that’s important to you—one that makes a difference in people’s lives and that you can be passionate about. It will make your career that much more special and that much more rewarding.
Greg Biggs is managing director at Jones Lang LaSalle. Contact him at [email protected].
