“This idea started as a question someone asked one of our agents, ‘How is your sister doing since she can’t do any of her usual fundraisers?’ Sue answered, ‘starving’,” said Jeanne McCorkle, Franchisee of EXIT Realty Group in Lapeer, Michigan. “Sue’s sister runs our local Family Literacy program that not only helps children and adults learn to read, but also counsels and tutors adults trying to obtain their GED.”
Jeanne came up with an interesting way to raise money for the Family Literacy Center that was suffering due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “I am very concerned that our poor county could lose such a valued non-profit, so coming up with something that could make money, not gather too many people and be fun at the same,” was key. The “Kiss a Pig for Family Literacy” event was born. The public was invited for a day of fun where individuals were held in a “pig pen” until they were able to raise $500 or they would have to kiss a pig.
“Jeanne and her crew took the lead and together we were able to design an event to raise funds that respected social distancing and safety protocols necessary in our current environment. Both of our major fundraisers had to be cancelled. The EXIT Realty fundraiser has been such a blessing to our organization,” said Mary Shelton-Wiese, Executive Director of Family Literacy Center.
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 pledged pool of funds. Jeanne hoped to raise $5,000 during the event which EXIT’s head office was proud to match, but exceeded that amount, raising $12,374.91 for a total donation to the Family Literary Center of $17,374.91.
“I cannot properly express to you how very important these funds are to us in this very challenging year,” said Ms Shelton-Wiese. “We are a relatively small non-profit with a big reach. Last year we helped 49 of 300+ students to earn their GED. This is a life-changing and difficult accomplishment. Please know how deeply we appreciate your match amount for this fundraiser.”
