Real Estate On Tap

Noteworthy Causes

The advent of the web, most recently, social-network marketing has given me an opportunity to not only speak about real estate related material but also topics which I think deserve the spotlight.

Those who know me personally, know that I feel very strongly about certain causes and charities that are both local and global in reach.  The charities have been researched extensively to insure that the monies donated , in fact, go where its intended.  This section is simply a foreground to mention these noteworthy causes, explain how you can get involved, and to foster awareness so that those of you who are like-minded, have an informational starting point.

These causes are near and dear to my heart for many reasons.  If you would like to add commentary reagrding these causes or would like to bring attention to other causes that you feel are imporant enough to mention on this site, please do so.  We are a cyber-community of professionals who I believe must foster the notion that there are things more important than just “ourselves” which deserve massive support to continue the good work they aim.

---

Smiles Are Contagious

Getting The Word Out

Growing up in South Florida my whole life, I have had an opportunity to forge life long friendships with a lot of great people.  I have known Jeff Aronsky since kindergarten and although we all have our own lives to live, there are certain instances when the connection remains vibrant.  He, along with Niki Curry Martin started Smiles Are Contagious, an organization (dedicated to a high school friend, Michael Curry (pictured left).

The Message From Jeff Aronsky

Dear friends and family,

As many of you know, I received a life changing email from my close high school friend, Michael Curry, in the summer of 2007.  Michael, who rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army, stated his reason for not being able to attend the upcoming 20 year reunion.  He was “trying to get 100 soldiers home safe from Afghanistan.”

Less than one month later, I learned that Michael had made the ultimate sacrifice leaving behind a loving family and an army of friends.

Shortly after learning of Michael’s death, I made a personal commitment that I would never again need to be reminded of life’s fragilities.  Inspired by Michael, his sister Niki Curry Martin and I founded SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS in 2008 to create unforgettable opportunities to enrich the lives of underprivileged children.

This has become my most rewarding endeavor and I am proud that SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS has benefited so many.  Steadfast in our mission to bring Michael’s contagious smile to the faces of at least 100 underprivileged children annually, SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS sent 117 children to sleep away camp in 2008 and 108 children to sleep away camp in 2009.  While the camp experience may seem commonplace to many of us, these are children that would otherwise NEVER have had this opportunity.

Please join Niki and I as we strive to MAKE IT HAPPEN again in 2010. Each and every penny raised will benefit a deserving child.  Our commitment is unwavering and with your help, we will MAKE IT HAPPEN. To learn more about our organization and make a donation to help level the playing field, I invite you to visit:

www.smilesarecontagious.org

Words can’t express my gratitude!

Jeffrey Aronsky

BE PROACTIVE With Your Health!

So Many Great Causes – Let’s Get In Front Of The Problem

Mindy Kapit (my wife) has been a health and fitness buff forever!

She is a gym rat who usually can be seen at Billy Beck III Fitness on a daily basis.  She has trained with legendary Michelle Diaz forever and ultimately has surrounded herself with positive, healthy people who genuinely care about others and the quality AND health of their lives.

Fast Forward To 2010

As a South Florida real estate agent, it’s not a secret that the housing economy has been tough.  Over the past few years, earning power (within the industry and externally) and the ability to manage and maintain the lifestyle we’ve grown accustom to is proving more difficult.

Lifestyle, Passion and Going Back To Work UNITE!

For a while now, Mindy and I had talked about the idea of her going back to work.  We have a lot of plans for our future and Read the rest of this entry »

Haiti In Need – What YOU Can Do To Help

They say desperate times call for desperate measures.  If ever there was a time, this is it.  Although the ongoing reports continue to weigh in, the unprecedented destruction and death can not be sensationalized.  It is by all accounts, real and unbelievably heartbreaking.  Much of the country was just starting to recover from their bout with a tumultuous hurricane season when rocked by a 7.0 earthquake.  This is a peaceful nation who  in one fell swoop, by early accounts, has lost almost 2% of its citizens.

Red Cross Says Up to 3 Million Need Aid After Haitian Quake

You hear the numbers, 200,000 estimated deaths but if it’s not registering, think about this. Read the rest of this entry »

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund was established in 2000 to provide financial support for the dependents of United States military personnel lost in performance of their duty.  This continued an effort begun in 1982 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, founders of the Intrepid Museum Foundation and the Fisher House Foundation .  Following the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1982, the Fishers sent contributions of $10,000 to every child who lost a parent in the attack.  Until Zachary’s passing in 1999, the Fishers made hundreds of similar contributions following military losses.  These gifts, usually of $25,000, were intended to assist military families through any financial hardships they might face following the loss of their loved ones. This tradition was carried on by Zachary’s nephews, Arnold, Richard and Tony Fisher, who quietly supported these efforts through the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Read the rest of this entry »