Celebrating the “Heroes among Us”

I am ashamed to admit that when I first heard this year’s HAR Chairman, Michael Levitin’s theme for the association this year, I didn’t get it. That theme, “Heroes: Celebrating the hero in all of us” left me self reflecting what have I ever done that was truly “heroic?” I can’t remember ever running in to a burning building to save a child or jumping into turbulent waters to save someone who was drowning or having really had the opportunity to do anything remotely heroic.

Just how many of us have ever had the chance to prove our heroism?

It was not until I had the chance to sit down with my friend and Publisher’s Advisory Board member, Mike Levitin for interview for his cover story in this issue, that I truly understood the meaning of the message.

You see as Chairman, Mike started the campaign to increase public awareness to the roles many Realtors® serve as dedicated community leaders and volunteers. Mike’s campaign—Heroes: Celebrating the Hero in all of us—highlights a different agent every month for their achievement in community service.

“There are a lot of Realtors out there doing all kinds of things under the radar for their communities,” Mike shares, “The aim of our campaign is to show people that Realtors are very involved in the community and are much more than a commission.

I find it very sad that many people in the community to not realize just how much you all give back to the community and those in need.

For those of you who are looking for a great opportunity to do something very special for your community that will also give you the visibility in the communities that you serve, let me again recommend “Free to Be.”

“Free To Be” is a dynamic, unforgettable program that incorporates live speakers, emotional video, powerful music and eye-catching graphics into a presentation for middle and high school assemblies across the country. The assemblies are designed to give students special perspective and a true appreciation of the freedoms they so often take for granted. Since 2006, “Free to Be” founder Larry Tooker has taken the program to over 90 different schools and reached more than 34,000 people.

Stewart Title has joined in the crusade to make sure that every student in every school in America has the opportunity to witness this incredible program.

But, here is the “call to action”…they need your help.

Knowing the Houston real estate community (as well as I do) and knowing how much each of you appreciates the freedom you have to own your own real estate practice that you are already reaching for your checkbook…and that is great! But, there is an even better opportunity that you have as Realtors® to make a difference to (literally) millions of children this school year. That opportunity is for you to help present this video at schools in your community!

You can contact any one or your Stewart Title representatives to find out more on how you can get involved,

Don’t forget to visit the REE booth at the HAR Expo to say “hello”

Thank you for all you do.

As always, good reading and good sales!

Success to you!

Steve Levine
Publisher