Local realtors give back to community

Each year since 2009, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates from Keller Williams Realty across the country participate in the RED Day (Renew, Energize, Donate) initiative. They donate that day to a wide range of projects, devoting their time to community service through activities ranging from food and blood drives to rebuilding homes and schools for community members in need.

On Thursday, May 9, Keller Williams Central Oregon Realty associates shut down their offices for the annual RED Day effort.

"We had over 150 of our Keller Williams Central Oregon brokers participate from our local office in some way or another," said Sisters resident Jodi Satko, broker for Keller Williams. "It was an awesome privilege to be the organizing chairperson for such an amazing community event. The committee worked tirelessly to vet the charities and make sure we fulfilled their needs."

The associates split into groups serving four charities in Central Oregon and had an in-office collection for Bethlehem Inn Bend shelter and rehabilitation center for the homeless.

One group volunteered with property cleanup at the new Wellness Ranch in Tumalo, a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted psychotherapy, acupuncture, yoga, and other holistic and integrative mental health and wellness services for veterans, trauma survivors and local community. Another team picked up over two truckloads of debris for a Forest Service trail cleanup. Another helped with renovation for Band of Brothers Redmond Chapter. The other team helped with cleanup at Harmony Farm Sanctuary in Sisters.

Courtney Satko and Shaini Bourland, both agents from Keller Williams Bend, headed up the team of 25 volunteers at Harmony Farm Sanctuary in Sisters.

Lurch, a friendly male turkey, is Harmony Farm Sanctuary's ambassador and was the official greeter upon the arrival of the volunteers. Charlotte, a newly rescued goat, was let out of her safe area to meet the crew while showing off her likeable personality.

"You can pick a charity of choice across your community, and anybody that has an interest in animal care, this would be the place to volunteer," Satko said. "And since we were here last year and had so much fun, we're back. Their family of rescued animals has grown, so our group will be splitting up into courtyard/barn beautification teams."

The teams scooped poop, cleaned bunny cages and water troughs. They watered trees, cleaned the cow, goat, horse, and sheep pastures, removed old hay and cleaned all sheds. The crew also helped with sagebrush removal and fence repair.

"It was an awesome day," said HFS founder Robine Botts. "I'm so grateful for the outpouring of support from the Keller Williams RED Day team. I am thrilled they choose us again."

At the end of the day all the volunteers got together for a picnic at The Good Life Brewery with food provided by Pioneer Ranch.