“My husband was a very kind and generous man. Even when he had very little money he would always donate to DAV. Even though he never served, he wanted to help our veterans,” remembers Melissa Gootee, sales representative with EXIT Realty Nexus in Coon Rapids, MN. Melissa honored the memory of husband Philip, affectionally known as Goot, by hosting a foosball tournament and auction fundraiser she called the “Gootron Bomb Memorial DYP” benefiting Disabled American Veterans (DAV) following his celebration of life.
DAV is a non-profit that provides support in a multitude of ways: through ride services, employment resources, and outreach programs for both veterans and their families. “Thank you for your donation for the Memorial of Philip Gootee to the Disabled American Veterans. Your generosity and consideration on behalf of the DAV is very sincerely appreciated,” said Charles Burns, National Service Office Assistant Supervisor, DAV.
A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through the Spirit of EXIT Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Program, EXIT offices and associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to EXIT’s head office to have those funds matched from the company’s pool of funds. Melissa hoped to raise $3,000 which EXIT’s head office was proud to match, however she exceeded her goal and instead raised $3,800 for a total donation of $6,800 to DAV.