Sedona Verde Valley’s Installation Goes to the Dogs (and Cats)

Adopt for Life President Kyla Allen receives a donation from Sedona Verde Valley Association of REALTORS President Gary Lund.

For most associations, the annual installation of new leadership involves a fancy dinner at a luxury hotel. But, for the Sedona Verde Valley Association of REALTORS® (SVVAR), its 2013 installation was a chance to give back.

Executive Vice President Kimberly King, RCE, worked with the incoming leadership to use their installation event to “unify our members, enhance community relations and provide value to our members by keeping events affordable.” On January 10, SVVAR 2013 President Gary Lund presented the Adopt for Life Center for Animals a check for $900.00.

But the giving didn’t stop there. According to an article in the Verde Independent, Lund also provided each SVVAR member with list of items that the shelter desperately needed. Those that brought something from the list were given a discount on drinks and those that did not were encouraged to provide a case donation. At the end of the night, the Adopt for LifeCenter walked away with an additional $600 in cash donations, 250 pounds of food for dogs and cats and food bowls blankets and other much needed items.

“What a great feeling to know our event made a difference in the local community!” said King. “I’d encourage other associations to look for those opportunities to let go of the ‘we have always done our installations this way’ thinking and make it a win-win for the members and the community.”

SVVAR has also conducted a toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots.

If you would like additional information on how SVVAR planned its event, send Kimberly an e-mail at evp@svvar.com call at 928-282-5409.