C.O. Realtors assist at Project Connect

An army of volunteers converged on the Deschutes County Fair & Expo on Saturday, September 28, to serve hundreds of needy Central Oregon families and individuals. The one-day event provided free services to those struggling to make ends meet, or experiencing homelessness—all thanks to the selfless service of dedicated volunteers from the community and from various organizations.

Central Oregon Association of REALTORS® members comprised the largest single group of volunteers at the event, and with good reason—their task was to play a supporting role for all of the other volunteers.

Most of the dentists, doctors, the veterinarians stuck in the sheep barn taking care of the animals and others couldn’t leave the auditorium floor the entire day; they were swamped serving so many people, according to Jaynee Beck, a Duke Warner REALTOR® and Immediate Past COAR President who spent the day serving. COAR volunteers delivered breakfast and over 875 sandwiches, gallons of hot coffee and snacks, and took care of whatever needs they had.

Debbie Hershey, another volunteer, shared a story from the day: “I delivered sandwiches to volunteers most of the day. I went to the haircutting area and gave away the sandwiches I had. One little boy jumped up and had the biggest grin on his face. He hugged me, and the look on his face was just amazing. I was really touched by the appreciation of the boy who was hungry and needed a sack lunch.”

Barbara Barker, retired, one of the volunteers COAR served during the day, summed up COAR’s contribution: “The REALTOR® group has rocked today! They worked all day, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”