Just 3: Featuring Regina Jones

Today’s “Just 3” features thoughts from former REALTOR® Foundation President and current Carpenter, REALTORS® agent, Regina Jones:

Question: Tell us three jobs you had before being a full-time REALTOR®. What are a few lessons you learned from those positions you bring to real estate?

Answer: I had three jobs I had before real estate. I worked in the restaurant industry as a server, bartender, as a hostess and in management. I worked as a salesperson in the retail industry and I also danced professionally with dance companies and for NBA and NFL teams. When I danced professionally, I usually had a part-time job somewhere else. So that part of my life really taught me time management. The retail and restaurant industries really gave me insight into the importance of providing the best client/customer service possible.  

Question: You are in REAL this year, what has been the coolest part of being part of the Real Estate Academy of Leadership (REAL) so far?

Answer: The coolest part of being part of REAL has to be the opportunities we have been given to meet the people who are shaping central Indiana. I am really learning so much...much more than I ever expected. And of course it is wonderful to learn leadership skills when I’m with other real estate professionals.

Question: Lastly, what was the best part of serving as REALTOR® Foundation President?

Answer: The best part of serving as REALTOR® Foundation President was working with amazing people. To be able to work with people who give their time and talent to help communities and families in need is really wonderful. There is the Board of Directors, MIBOR staff, volunteers, committees and the service providers (grant recipients). They all come together with a common goal of helping those in need. I know I may sound sappy, but it was truly humbling and I am proud to have served as the 2010 REALTOR® Foundation President. 

Looking Back at the Evolution of Giving Back

In 1984, the REALTOR® Foundation was established as the philanthropic arm of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS® (MIBOR) to provide real estate professionals in central Indiana opportunities to give back to the community that has continuously supported our industry.

Last week’s REALTOR® Foundation Awareness Week gave us an opportunity to look back at the impact so many dedicated volunteers have made. It’s inspiring to think about the individuals and families who have been helped — and in turn helped themselves — to achieve a better life through assistance from organizations like the REALTOR® Foundation. A culture of giving back defines central Indiana, and the real estate community is honored to be a small part.

The foundation’s early efforts focused on neighborhood revitalization and beautification, including an annual event remembered fondly among area REALTORS® called Brighten Up Indy. We also worked with Indy Parks for several years rebuilding and revitalizing neighborhood parks throughout the city. But it was a conscious choice made a decade ago that has created lasting impact.

By 2001, the foundation had reached a plateau, both in fundraising and member engagement. We knew then we had to find a new mission that would re-energize and engage real estate professionals to make an even greater impact in the community.

A United Way presentation on homelessness came at just the right time. We were all touched after learning about the many different segments of the homeless population, especially children aging out of the foster care system. Around that same time, then-Mayor Bart Peterson released the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention’s “Blueprint to End Homelessness,” and a concentrated effort to end homelessness in Marion County solidified.

Our new mission was clear.

A decade ago in the fall of 2002, we dedicated our fundraising efforts solely to the issue of homelessness and began educating ourselves on the complexities of the issue and the needs of the homeless population.

That same year, we gave our first two $25,000 grants to organizations that were — and still are —impacting the homeless population in Marion County, Sheltering Wings and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Organizations like these have been our greatest resource in learning about homelessness. It’s easy to believe that we see the face of homelessness every day in the men and women on the street. The truth is we don’t see the full picture.

One of the largest segments of the homeless population over the last few years has been families. Just a few months ago, the Foundation celebrated its most successful fundraising effort, one with truly lasting effects. The Building a Living Legacy project, in collaboration with the Super Bowl Host Committee, provided homes in St. Clair Place to 32 homeless families.

While an amazing achievement, it only launches us into the next question: What more can be done to transform neighborhoods and help families on their journey to escape homelessness? As we look to the next decade, we’re excited to continue to be a partner in diminishing homelessness in central Indiana.

Bill Hacker
REALTOR® Foundation Board of Director
Chair, Building a Living Legacy Campaign

Transformation in Action...

On June 7^th, we will be installing permanent medallions on the 32 homes in the Building a Living Legacy Project in St. Clair Place. A few days ago, I was out in the neighborhood marking the spot on each house where the medallions will be installed. As usual it was a beautiful day. I don’t know why it is, but most of the time I’m in St. Clair Place, the weather is incredible. Blue skies, puffy white clouds, bright green grass, a gentle breeze, you get the picture. Most of our volunteer days last year were blessed with equally fantastic weather. No need to discuss the snowy, icy bus tours in early 2011 or 95 plus degree groundbreaking ceremony last summer – let’s stay positive people. Anyway, the place puts me in a good mood.

I have to say though, the most delightful thing happened when I passed a certain house. On the corner of Eastern and St. Clair is the cutest arts and crafts style home. We’re talking adorable, magazine cover quality material. And what was else on the corner in the yard? One of the last remaining yard signs from the project – one of YOUR signs with the MIBOR centennial logo plastered front and center. I was so proud! 

Then it hit me. That was the exact corner where I went with Cabinet Chair Bill Hacker last year as he taped an interview for WFYI’s series More than a Game. That day with Bill, we had to keep stopping the taping because the construction noise on the house. You’ll have to take my word for it, but that house looked nothing like the beautiful piece of architecture I saw this time. Wow! It’s an amazing home that will bring new beginnings for a family. I could not have been proud or more convinced that this project was just the right fit for REALTORS®.

I hope I’ll see you on the 7^th. The party will be celebration; a toast to all the real estate community has accomplished through Building a Living Legacy. You just have to see it. 

Claire Belby

MIBOR Communications Director

19 Years and Counting...

Who is getting excited for the 19th Annual REALTOR® Foundation Golf Outing on July 19?  Everyone’s hands, or clubs, should be in the air! We’ve got our sights set on blue skies, green grass, friends, golf, prizes, raffles, a silent auction, food, drinks and FUN!  


So, how did we get to 19? For me, it is the second year I have been the staff liaison for the Foundation Golf Committee. While looking through notes, budgets, player lists and more, I started thinking about how this outing has evolved over nearly two decades. Clearly, I thought it could make an interesting blog post, so I reached out to MIBOR’s CEO, Steve Sullivan, to get some insight on the evolution.


Did you know the Foundation golf outing grew out of an annual golfing event that MIBOR held for years? 


“It was actually a series of outings held once a month and culminating in a September event, called ‘The Calcutta’,” said Sullivan. “The MIBOR event drew interest from REALTORS® and affiliates alike and usually about 30 foursomes filled the field. It was primarily a male-dominated event at the time.”


According to Steve, in the early to mid-nineties as the REALTOR® Foundation was getting resurrected, the idea of combing the “Calcutta” with a fundraiser was floated and eventually led to what is now the annual Foundation outing.  


“Initially, the event attracted a similar number of players.  However, as the Foundation became more visible, the outing became more successful and visible itself,” said Sullivan. “Benefitting charities through the Foundation became the goal.  More female members became involved, the committee became more engaged and it has flourished since.”


In the early days, courses were selected around the MIBOR market area, playing at some of the best public and private courses.  For several years, the Foundation held the event at Highland Country Club, Broadmoor Country Club and Country Club of Indianapolis. As the leaders of the event pushed to make more money for the Foundation, and as it grew in popularity, the outing was moved to Eagle Creek.  With that we saw a huge increase in the number of players.  The move to Eagle Creek made it possible to expand the field to two full courses. Both are still used today.  


“There have always been fun contests and efforts to raise additional monies for the Foundation and its homeless mission,” said Sullivan. “Several ‘celebrities’ have been dunked in the name of homelessness.  One of the most memorable was Fred Tucker ‘going down’ in his tuxedo on a sultry afternoon in July.”  


As we approach the 19th year of this event, there are both similarities and differences. Our mission is the same - to transition central Indiana individuals from homelessness or inadequate or unsafe housing to permanent solutions that will positively change their lives. 


Support continues to grow each year, and we continue to work on engaging more members so they can learn more about the Foundation, and help us raise money for our grant recipients. 


The format of the game has changed to a Florida scramble with ‘second chances’ available on one course, and straight play on the other so we appeal to both crowds. We’ve also built up friendly competition with ‘Beat the Pro’ and ‘Beat the CEO’ contests and hole-in-one prizes. If you get a hole-in-one this year you could actually win a car!


If you haven’t registered to play yet, now is the time! If you aren’t a golfer, there is still an opportunity to be involved. Volunteer for the event or purchase a dinner ticket and come join us for the closing ceremonies, silent auction and dinner! 


We are proud to continue our commitment to the fight against homelessness -  won’t you join us?  




Lacey Everett
MIBOR Communications Specialist
laceyeverett@mibor.com