RRF HISTORY

A Formation From Necessity

Within hours of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, efforts were launched by the NAR Executive Leadership team to secure contributions to aid those impacted. The National Association of REALTORS® utilized its leadership, infrastructure and standing as the world’s largest trade association to rally members and supporters. Donors stood in solidarity with fellow countrymen and countrywomen to help impacted families rise from the rubble and ash. More than $8.4 million poured in to provide urgent housing-related assistance for those struggling in the aftermath. Funds were raised and distributed within 100 days to ensure families remained in their homes.

So many people take advantage of people in dark situations, and this was the opposite of that—this was light and life.

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Sandi Blankenship
West Virginia Flood Grant Recipient

I’ll definitely be investing in RRF the rest of my life. I know that—as much as I can. RRF shows everybody that REALTORS^® genuinely do care, that we’re some of the first people on the ground.

—

James Russ II
REALTOR^® and Ruidoso, New Mexico Wildfire Grant Recipient

When catastrophic flooding struck Washington, I saw firsthand how quickly a disaster can upend lives—and how powerfully the REALTORS® Relief Foundation steps in to help families begin again. As a REALTOR®, a Washingtonian, and an RRF leader, I am proud to be part of an organization that turns compassion into action when our communities need it most.

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Kitty Wallace
Vice President, REALTORS^® Relief Foundation

This is an incredible gift, you have no idea. As devasting as this experience has been for my family, every act of kindness has left us forever changed in the best way. Please know how grateful we are.

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Shannon Emrich
Relief Recipient, Florida Hurricane Debby 2024

FOUNDING FOUR

RRF began not as a dream, but as a necessity. The following four individuals and their team of NAR leaders acted without hesitation in 2001 to begin RRF and help 9/11 victims’ families.

Richard Mendenhall
(MO) 2001 NAR President

Martin Edwards, Jr.
(TN) 2001 President-elect

Cathy Whatley
(FL) 2001 NAR First Vice-President

Pat Kaplan
(OR) 2001 Treasurer

Thank you for your selfless actions that led to the creation of something so much bigger than ever imagined.