In Ocean Springs, Mississippi, the team at EXIT Realty Heart Properties, led by Franchisee Jacki Thornburg, once again proved that real estate is about more than just properties—it’s about people. Through their annual Zebra Fest fundraiser, the office raised an incredible $11,000 in support of the United MSD Foundation. With an additional $3,000 matched by EXIT Realty Corp. International through the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, a total of $14,000 is now helping to fuel the fight to cure Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD), a rare and fatal genetic disease.
Zebra Fest 2025, the fourth event of its kind hosted by the office, brought the community together in a spirited celebration the evening before the area’s annual Zebra Run. The EXIT team collected donations and silent auction items from generous local businesses and neighbors. Guests enjoyed a lively night filled with food, drinks, live music, raffles, and plenty of friendly bidding—all while learning more about a cause that touches hearts deeply. For those who wanted to go a step further, cash donations were also gratefully accepted, adding to the remarkable total raised.
The event supports the United MSD Foundation, founded in 2016 by Amber Olsen after her daughter Willow was diagnosed with MSD at just two years old. Willow’s diagnosis set Amber and her husband Tom on a mission to fight for a cure—not just for their child, but for families around the world. Since then, the foundation has worked tirelessly with researchers, doctors, and other families to unlock hope and healing.
Sarah Cortell Vandersypen, Executive Director of the United MSD Foundation, shared her gratitude with Jacki, saying: “Your outstanding leadership and commitment to this cause and our community is greatly appreciated by us and the families we serve.” Through the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program and the passionate efforts of EXIT associates like Jacki Thornburg, meaningful change is being made—one event, one donation, and one family at a time.
A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through this program, EXIT associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program to have those funds matched from the company’s pool of funds.
