By Jennifer Tanner
VALDOSTA — It was Danise Watson of Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate who brought a special community service idea to the Valdosta Board of Realtors (VBoR) from Tennessee. Her plan was to focus on women’s interests in a special event to raise money for local non-profits.
In the past, members of the VBoR used common fund-raising tactics like special dinners and silent auctions to acquire funding for local organizations, but this new idea was new, unique and quickly put into action.
Barbara Barker, Missy Sherwood, Sandra Danowski and Terri Taylor got involved, and the first women’s show was held in 2002. Since then it has been an annual event that brings in thousands of women of all ages to enjoy a multitude of vendor booths, fashions shows and presentations on fitness, traveling, martial arts and much more. Guests have had opportunities to enter raffles for jewelry and other intriguing prizes.
Each year has a different theme. In 2005, “Freedom for Everyone” was exemplified with red, white and blue decor. The theme for 2004 was “Support the children. Build the community.” With each successful year’s event, building the community is exactly what the Valdosta Board of Realtors Inc. is doing.
The efforts of the prior four years have resulted in approximately $75,000 in funds going to reputable organizations like the Georgia Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of South Georgia, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, New Freedom, Jacob’s Ladder, Children’s Advocacy Center, Raintree Village Children’s Home, Second Harvest Kids Cafe and Valdosta Theatre Guild.
