Members of the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) showed their love for the communities they live in by organizing the first Deck the Halls Open House and Silent Auction and raising $7,000 to help future residents in need.

“Despite the many challenges that PAAR Cares Foundation faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and raising funds to assist those in need for 2021, we are proud that PAAR and the public came together and helped the inaugural Deck the Halls fundraiser be a success,” said REALTOR® Keith McKeever 2020 PAAR Cares Chairman.

The money raised through the sales of Christmas trees and wreaths goes to PAAR’s non-profit arm, the PAAR Cares Foundation. PAAR Cares focuses on homeownership, affordable housing, rehabilitation and homelessness initiatives, including organizations that assist those in our community. The foundation’s programs strive to support basic and urgent human needs (food, shelter, family support and education).

The foundation began as a response to the 2014 Washington, Pekin and East Peoria tornado which dismantled many people’s homes and businesses. The foundation has grown exponentially since then and it continues to strive to make impactful community efforts through projects like its annual turkey drive and more.

PAAR, with more than 900 members, is led by CEO Reginia Tuttle, President Jason Catton, President-elect Jennifer Hamm, Treasurer Ryan Cannon and Immediate Past President Kendra Sipes. Mary Ann Ladendorf is the 2021 PAAR Cares Chair.