As Realtors®, we do much more than facilitate transactions—we shape the communities we serve. This belief is at the heart of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Good Neighbor Awards, which recently celebrated its 25th year of honoring agents who go above and beyond through exceptional volunteerism. The 2024 Good Neighbor Awards spotlight five standout Realtors® whose charitable efforts are making a lasting impact.
This year’s winners, each awarded a $10,000 grant for their charitable organizations, will be honored at NAR's annual conference, NAR NXT, in November. These Realtors® not only excel in their profession but also demonstrate the power of giving back, underscoring the incredible role Realtors® play in building stronger, more vibrant communities.
Here’s a look at the 2024 honorees:
Ed Gardner – Portland, Maine
Founder of the Equality Community Center, Gardner’s leadership has brought together 18 LGBTQ-focused nonprofits under one roof with below-market rent, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing. He’s now leading an ambitious project to develop affordable housing for seniors, further expanding his impact on the community.
Stacy Horst – Fernandina Beach, Florida
In memory of her daughter Erin, Horst co-founded Erin’s Hope for Friends to support teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. The initiative has positively impacted over 1,500 individuals by providing a space where they can build friendships and find a sense of belonging.
Christopher Johnson – Ellenwood, Georgia
With a deep commitment to mentoring African American youth, Johnson uses his background in education to teach financial literacy and leadership through his involvement with 100 Black Men of DeKalb. His work helps broaden the horizons of young people and supports economic empowerment.
Danette Johnson – Moab, Utah
As a founding member of the Moab Free Health Clinic, Johnson has been instrumental in providing vital healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents of rural Utah. Her expertise in real estate helped the clinic secure larger facilities to meet growing demands for care.
Charlie Wills – Madison, Wisconsin
Wills co-founded 100 Men of Dane County, an organization that has donated over $2.3 million to local nonprofits through its innovative funding model. By encouraging community members to contribute and vote on grants, Wills has created a powerful network for grassroots philanthropy.
In addition to the five winners, five other Realtors® received honorable mentions and $2,500 grants for their charitable efforts, while Web Choice Favorites were awarded additional donations for their causes.
The Good Neighbor Awards remind us that Realtors® are more than just professionals in the real estate industry—we are catalysts for positive change. At NCJAR, we celebrate and support the commitment to giving back, knowing that this spirit enriches both the Realtor® profession and the communities we serve.
To learn more about these inspiring individuals, visit NAR's Good Neighbor Awards page, and consider how you can make a difference in your own community. After all, it all begins with being a good neighbor!
