Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors® Gala Raises Nearly 150k for Charity; Proceeds Will Benefit GBBR Charitable Foundation

Baltimore, MD, April 22, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® is announcing the success of its April 5th 150th anniversary gala, which raised more than $145,000 for the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® Charitable Foundation.

“We are truly overwhelmed with the results of the gala and the willingness of our members to give,” said Chairperson Jan Hayden. “Through individual donations, ticket purchases, raffles and pure sweat equity, REALTORS® have continued their commitment to support the communities they serve.”

“The GBBR Charitable Foundation is one of the hidden gems of Baltimore, working behind the scenes to support projects dear to the community,” said Stephen A. Geppi, publisher of Baltimore Magazine, founder of Geppi’s Entertainment Museum and a Visionary sponsor of the Gala. “These funds will go far to support the Foundation’s growth and long-term stability.”

Now in its 10th year, the GBBR Charitable Foundation provides funding and volunteer support for initiatives serving the Greater Baltimore area, focusing on homeownership opportunities, fair housing practices, community development and enrichment, and education.

Past recipients of the GBBR Charitable Foundation’s support include: Adopt-a-Classroom, Rebuilding Together Baltimore, Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, Maryland Mentoring Partnership, Metro Housing Inc., Chimes International, and Playground at Stadium Place.

The GBBR Charitable Foundation is currently accepting applications for grant money to assist community based organizations. To qualify, an organization must be sponsored by an active GBBR member; work principally in the Baltimore-metropolitan area; and fit within one of the Foundation’s program areas. The deadline for the current funding cycle is June 1. Interested parties should visit www.GBBR.org or call 410-337-7200.

The GBBR Charitable Foundation is supported by generous donations from the GBBR membership, as well as several fundraising initiatives throughout the year, including the recent 150th Anniversary Gala.

About the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® Foundation
The Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Inc. (The GBBR Charitable Foundation), a 501(c)3 organization, supports and engages in charitable, civic and humanitarian activities that improve the quality of life in neighborhoods within the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Since 1998, the GBBR Charitable Foundation has provided financial support, in-kind donations of services, expertise and time to organizations and projects that are working to improve Baltimore-area neighborhoods. In recognition of its efforts, the GBBR Charitable Foundation has been honored with the Mayor's Business Recognition Award and a Baltimore County Good Neighbor Week Volunteer Service Award for its civic leadership and outstanding community service.

About the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS®
Founded in 1858 as Baltimore Board of Real Estate Brokers and Property Agents, the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS (GBBR) is the nation's oldest real estate board. A founding member of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Maryland Association of REALTORS®, GBBR has strived to promote the highest ethical standards and professional practices in the real estate industry for 150 years.

GBBR serves 4,800 members in the Greater Baltimore area. GBBR provides training, public and professional education classes and workshops, arbitration and mediation services, and works in the legislative and regulatory arenas to assure that laws and policies benefit its members and preserve property owners' rights. For more information, visit www.GBBR.org.

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