Category: Community Connections
376 articles included in Community Connections
Crye-Leike Bellevue to Hold Meet the Candidates Reception
Nashville, Tenn. - Unsure who to vote for in the upcoming primary election? Here is your opportunity to personally meet the candidates running in Bellevue Districts 21 and 23 for the Tennessee Senate.
The Bellevue branch office of Crye-Leike, Realtors is inviting the public to attend its "Meet the Candidates" reception on Thurs., September 26, 2002, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Crye-Leike has had acceptances from: Democratic Sen. Douglas Henry who currently represents the 21st District and the Bellevue area for over 30 years and Republican opponent Tom Alexander; and Jim Bryson who is an unopposed Republican candidate for the 23rd District seat.
Kay Crawford, Crye-Leike managing broker, assures that this is not a fund-raiser. "Crye-Leike, Realtors is not endorsing any particular candidate," says Crawford. "We are simply offering this reception as a public service for our community. We encourage you to invite your neighbors, clients, customers and employees to attend this free event," she said.
Crye-Leike's Bellevue branch office is located at 224 Old Hickory Blvd., just north of intersection Highway 70 South and Old Hickory Blvd.
Crye-Leike intends to offer other opportunities for the Bellevue community to meet the candidates in other races. For future events or information, call Crye-Leike, Realtors at 615/662-0707.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. Crye-Leike's Bellevue branch office is one of 22 branch and franchise offices located in Middle Tennessee within 10 counties throughout a two-state Mid-South region in Tennessee and Kentucky. Its branch and franchise offices are conveniently located in: Bellevue, Brentwood (2), Clarksville (3), Columbia, Franklin, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Green Hills, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Lebanon, Monteagle, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Priest Lake, Smyrna, Springfield and Bowling Green, KY.
Crye-Leike Expands Commitment to United Way
Nashville, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, Realtors has expanded its commitment to participate in United Way's 2002 Workplace Campaign by organizing fund-raising campaigns within all of its 50 branch offices located in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Georgia, announced Harold Crye, chief executive officer of Crye-Leike.
"At Crye-Leike, we believe it important to give back to the communities in which we do business. United Way provides us that opportunity because it is the best way to help the most people," said Crye. "Our company wide United Way campaign provides the opportunity for our 2,200 sales associates and 550 employees to donate to United Way so they may shape a better future for the communities they serve."
Crye-Leike sales associates and employees have contributed over $136,000 in donations since Crye-Leike held its first United Way Workplace Campaign in 1995 in Memphis, Tenn.
Crye-Leike has received several awards from United Way, including the 2001 Most Improved Campaign for a large company and the 2000 Most Outstanding New Company Campaign in Williamson County.
"Last year, donations for our company's United Way campaign was definitely impacted following on the coattails of the devastating events of 9/11," said Joyce Friedman, Crye-Leike's United Way campaign coordinator and public relations director. "We all felt that sense of urgency to give; there was a newfound awareness to support our communities. Everyone's generosity was clearly reflected in their donations."
Donations to Crye-Leike's 2001 United Way Workplace Campaign increased 61 percent from the year prior, raising $52,863 company wide, noted Friedman. "With Crye-Leike as well as most businesses and companies kicking off their 2002 United Way campaigns in September, you can't help but be mindful and empathetic to supporting United Way when the first anniversary of 9/11 is upon us."
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South.
Children of Youth Villages Benefit from Crye-Leike's Back to School Project
Nashville, Tenn. - Sales associates and employees of Crye-Leike, Realtors in Middle Tennessee collected over 300 new backpacks filled with school supplies for Youth Villages of Middle Tennessee, a donation that has allowed the children and adolescents served by Youth Villages to start the new school year with brand new school supplies.
"Most of the children and adolescents in our care have had to move from place to place and have very little to call their own," said Patti Bryan, development director of Youth Villages in Middle Tennessee. "Backpacks for students now have become essential items which most children take for granted. In many ways, having new backpacks of their own on that all-important first day of school is a big boost for our Youth Villages' children."
Youth Villages (www.youthvillages.org) offers help and hope to more than 2,000 troubled children and their families each year (over 1,000 in Nashville and Middle Tennessee) through a continuum of care that ensures treatment in the most effective, least restrictive environment. Services include: home-based counseling, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, community-based programs and transitional living services.
Today, more than 750 counselors, teachers and skilled support staff provide Youth Villages' services from offices in 15 cities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas. Youth Villages has five locations in Middle Tennessee: Nashville, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville and Linden (Deer Valley).
Supporting Youth Villages is not new to Crye-Leike. For the past 20 years, Crye-Leike, Realtors has held a holiday fund-raiser called Campaign for Children, a program in which Crye-Leike sales associates and employees purchase in bulk holiday greeting cards, designed by Youth Villages children, to send to their clients and friends. All proceeds raised are designated for the Chris Crye Fund and are used to purchase holiday gifts for the children at Youth Villages and to support their mentoring programs. To date, Crye-Leike has raised in excess of $230,000 for Youth Villages.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. has 22 branch and franchise offices in 10 counties throughout a two-state Mid-South region in Tennessee and Kentucky. Sales associates in the Greater Nashville area currently total over 800.
Crye-Leike in Lebanon to Hold United Way Benefit
Lebanon, Tenn. - Break away from eating at your traditional place for lunch on Friday, September 6, 2002 by eating at a lunchtime fundraising benefit for United Way. No reservations required.
Sales associates at Crye-Leike, Realtors' Lebanon branch office will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs to order from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 1432 West Main Street. The event is in conjunction with Crye-Leike of Nashville's United Way kick off campaign.
All food items are donated by Crye-Leike sales associates. Patrons can purchase a grilled plate for $5 each, which includes potato salad, chips and a brownie or cookie. "Additional contributions are appreciated beyond the $5 for lunch," said Stephanie Barnes, event coordinator.
"Crye-Leike supports United Way because it is the best way to help the most people," said Barnes. "United Way supports a network of services that help people day-in and day-out, all year long. These services address some very real problems our nation and community are facing - problems such as illiteracy, AIDS, teen pregnancy, child care, substance abuse and programs for disabled, abused and elderly individuals."
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. has 22 branch and franchise offices in 10 counties throughout a two-state Mid-South region in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Crye-Leike Raises Over $52,000 for United Way
Nashville, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, concluded its 2001 United Way Workplace Campaign by raising company wide a total of $52,863 to support United Way agencies located in 32 counties in Tenn., Ark., Ala., Ga. and Miss., a 61 percent increase from last year's campaign. Since becoming a partner with United Way in 1999, Crye-Leike, its sales associates and corporate staff company wide have contributed in excess of $96,000 to support United Way agencies in their communities.
Within Crye-Leike's Middle Tennessee region, Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. was awarded the 2001 Most Improved Campaign for a large company by United Way of Williamson County, presented at United Way of Williamson County's recent campaign awards ceremony. The award recognized Crye-Leike's improvement and excellence in support of United Way campaigns where the company's Middle Tennessee contributions increased 47 percent from last year's United Way campaign.
Crye-Leike has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 55 branch and franchise offices located in 25 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.95 billion and 20,768 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2001.
Crye-Leike Raises Over $33,000 for Youth Villages
Crye-Leike, Realtors raised over $33,000 for Youth Villages during the company's 20th annual holiday fund-raising drives in Memphis and Nashville among its sales associates and corporate staff. Monies collected were used to purchase gifts during the holidays for the children of Youth Villages as well as support its mentoring program throughout the year.
Since 1981, Crye-Leike, Realtors has raised in excess of $263,000 for Youth Villages. All proceeds raised are designated toward the Chris Crye Fund, in memory of real estate broker Chris Crye, son of Crye-Leike co-founder and CEO Harold E. Crye, who died in 1998. Chris was an active volunteer and supporter of Youth Villages.
Youth Villages is a United Way agency that offers help and hope to more than 2,000 troubled children and their families each year through home-based counseling, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, community-based programs and prevention services. Today, more than 750 counselors, teachers and skilled support staff provide Youth Villages' services from offices in 15 cities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 55 branch and franchise offices located in 25 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.95 billion and 20,768 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2001.
Golf Tournament Raises $11,000 for Wings Cancer Foundation
Memphis, Tenn. - The Sixth Annual Sherry Park Memorial Golf Scramble, sponsored by Crye-Leike, Realtors and the Hank Park Trust, recently presented a check to the Wings Cancer Foundation at West Clinic in Memphis, Tenn. for $11,000. To date, the Sherry Park Memorial Golf Scramble has raised over $ 51,000 for the Wings Cancer Foundation. Neil Wilson and Joy Shelley of Crye-Leike, Realtors in Germantown served as co-chairmen.
Founded in 1996, the Wings Cancer Foundation at West Clinic is committed to the clinical cancer research and providing enhanced supportive care. The foundation offers support services such as a lending library, a labyrinth, nutritional counseling, exercise and strength building, yoga and relaxation classes as well as crisis and bereavement support group programs. Crye-Leike, Realtors and the Hank Park Trust designated 75 percent of the funds toward cancer research and the remaining 25 percent to the clinic's support services.
"Due to generous donations like this, the Wings Cancer Foundation is able to provide this community-based support free to anyone in the community touched by cancer," said Brenda Wiseman of the Wings Cancer Foundation.
The late Sherry Park was managing broker of Crye-Leike's Germantown branch office for nine years which was established in 1986. When Sherry was diagnosed with cancer, she was instrumental in organizing Crye-Leike's first golf tournament in 1994 to benefit cancer research. Upon her death in 1995, Crye-Leike's Germantown branch office continued the golf tournament by naming it in her memory with proceeds benefiting the Wings Cancer Foundation.
Major sponsors of the event were Crye-Leike, Realtors and the Hank Park Trust. Platinum Sponsors were First Trust Bank - Mortgage Division and Murphy Dezonia & Webb, Attorneys. Gold Sponsors were: Community Mortgage, First Tennessee Bank, Murdoch Nissan and ReMax on Track. Silver Sponsors were: American Home Shield; Armstrong Allen, PLLC; Claude Banister/State Farm Insurance; Crye-Leike Insurance; Latham Oates, Attorney; Mary Ann and Jack Tapp; Teletouch; West Clinic and Womack Exterminators.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia.
Holiday Cheer in Nashville for Youth Villages
Nashville, Tenn. - If you are on the mailing list to receive a holiday greeting card from one of Crye-Leike, Realtors' sales associates or employees in the Greater Nashville area, chances are it won't be your ordinary holiday greeting card.
Crye-Leike, Realtors, the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, is holding its 20th annual holiday card drive for Youth Villages, called Campaign for Children, in which sales associates and employees purchase holiday greeting cards in bulk from Youth Villages to send to their clients and friends. The inside inscription of the greeting card reads: "At this holiday season, a donation has been made in your honor to benefit Youth Villages, a private non-profit organization committed to helping children and families live successfully."
"Monies collected will be used to purchase gifts for over 500 young people in Youth Villages' care in Nashville and Middle Tennessee during the holidays as well as support Youth Villages' mentoring program throughout the year," notes Karen Baker, Crye-Leike's campaign coordinator.
Youth Villages (www.youthvillages.org) offers help and hope to more than 2,000 troubled children and their families each year through home-based counseling, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, community-based programs and prevention services. Today, more than 750 counselors, teachers and skilled support staff provide Youth Villages' services from offices in 15 cities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas.
Supporting Youth Villages is not new to Crye-Leike. For the past 20 years, Crye-Leike, Realtors in Memphis has held this annual holiday greeting card campaign, raising in excess of $255,000, reports Patti Bryan, development director of Youth Villages in Middle Tennessee.
All proceeds raised during Crye-Leike's Campaign for Children are designated to go toward the Chris Crye Fund in memory of real estate broker Chris Crye, son of Crye-Leike co-founder Harold E. Crye, who experienced an untimely death as a result of a horseback riding accident in 1998.
Over 800 sales associates and 200 support staff at Crye-Leike's 20 branch offices in the Greater Nashville area will be participating in this fund-raising effort. Crye-Leike's Nashville Region includes offices in Davidson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties in Tennessee.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 25 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
For information on purchasing holiday greeting cards in bulk to benefit Youth Villages, contact Karen Baker at 615/373-2044 or kbaker@crye-leike.com.
Holiday Cheer in Memphis for Residents of Youth Villages
Memphis, Tenn. - If you are on the mailing list to receive a holiday greeting card from one of Crye-Leike, Realtors' sales associates or employees in the Greater Memphis area, chances are it won't be your ordinary holiday greeting card.
Crye-Leike, Realtors, the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, is holding its 20th annual holiday card drive for Youth Villages, called Campaign for Children, in which sales associates and employees purchase holiday greeting cards in bulk from Youth Villages to send to their clients and friends. The inside inscription of the greeting card reads: "At this holiday season, a donation has been made in your honor to benefit Youth Villages, a private non-profit organization committed to helping children and families live successfully."
"Monies collected will be used to purchase gifts for over 350 residents at Youth Villages in Memphis during the holidays as well as support Youth Villages' mentoring program throughout the year," said Sally Brown, Crye-Leike's campaign coordinator. "We anticipate to raise around $25,000 this year as we have done in year's past."
Youth Villages (www.youthvillages.org) offers help and hope to more than 2,000 troubled children and their families each year through home-based counseling, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, community-based programs and prevention services. Today, more than 750 counselors, teachers and skilled support staff provide Youth Villages' services from offices in 15 cities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas.
Supporting Youth Villages is not new to Crye-Leike. For the past 20 years, Crye-Leike, Realtors in Memphis has held this annual holiday greeting card campaign, raising in excess of $255,000, reports Marler Stone, director of community relations for Youth Villages in Memphis.
All proceeds raised during Crye-Leike's Campaign for Children are designated to go toward the Chris Crye Fund in memory of real estate broker Chris Crye, son of Crye-Leike co-founder Harold E. Crye, who experienced an untimely death as a result of a horseback riding accident in 1998.
Over 1,100 sales associates and 200 support staff at Crye-Leike's 19 branch offices in the Greater Memphis area will be participating in this fund-raising effort. Crye-Leike's Memphis Region includes offices in: Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties in Tennessee; Lee and DeSoto counties in Mississippi and Craighead and Crittendon counties in Arkansas. With Youth Villages now having a presence in Middle Tennessee, Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc., additionally, will be raising monies for over 500 Youth Villages residents in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 25 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
For information on purchasing holiday greeting cards in bulk to benefit Youth Villages, contact Sally Brown at 901/756-8900 or sallybrown@crye-leike.com.
Bellevue Office Sponsors Toy Drive
Bellevue, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, Realtors of Bellevue is sponsoring a toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots. The public is encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys for all ages to Crye-Leike's Bellevue branch office, located at 224 Old Hickory Boulevard.
Toys received from the Christmas drive will be distributed to needy children through the Salvation Army, Bethlehem Center, Martha O'Brian Center and others.
Crye-Leike, Realtors in Bellevue is accepting toys seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 18, 2001. To make money donations, make checks payable to the Toys for Tots Foundation.
"The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has designated Crye-Leike, Realtors as the only drop-off for Bellevue, so we hope to collect a lot of toys," said Kay Crawford, branch manager of Crye-Leike in Bellevue.
"Last year, we received over 60,000 toy donations," said Major Randall of the U.S. Marines. "Due to the recession this year, we're hoping to raise close to 100,000."
Since 1957, Toys for Tots has provided over 272 million toys throughout the nation. Established as the only charitable effort within the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots was designed to return to the communities from which the nation draws its armed services.
For more information on the Crye-Leike's Toys for Tots toy drive, contact event director Kay Crawford at (615) 662-0707.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 25 counties throughout a five-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Smyrna Office Sponsors Food Drive
Smyrna, Tenn. - The Smyrna branch office of Crye-Leike, Realtors is sponsoring a Food Drive Festival on December 1, 2001, to benefit the Smyrna-LaVergne Food Bank. The public is invited to help those in need by bringing non-perishable food items to the Crye-Leike Smyrna branch office, located at 599 Sam Ridley Parkway West, where food drive festivities are planned from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Crye-Leike is providing various activities for children attending the event. Santa will be available for photos, and children will enjoy face painting and Christmas cookies.
"The number of families in need has increased so much this year," said Martha Mankin, director of the Food Bank in Smyrna.
The Food Bank accepts more than food items, noted Mankin. It also accepts hygiene items, clothing, furniture, money and many other miscellaneous items. "We can use about anything you have at your house," Mankin said. "We'll take it if it's in good condition."
The Smyrna-LaVergne Food Bank is a non-profit agency funded by United Way, private individuals and organizations, along with several area churches. Organized in 1983 to feed the needy at the military base in Smyrna, the Food Bank has since grown to serve all qualified applicants and their families of North Rutherford County. It served 2,700 food boxes last year.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company for 25 years, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South.
For more information on Crye-Leike, Realtors' Smyrna-LaVergne Food Drive, contact event director Kendra Cooke of Crye-Leike, Realtors in Smyrna at (615) 220-1300 or Martha Mankin of Smyrna-LaVergne Food Bank at (615) 355-0697.
Crye-Leike Organizes Biggest Distaster Relief Fund-Raiser in Clarksville
Clarksville, Tenn. - Just 10 days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, sales associates of Crye-Leike, Realtors' Fort Campbell branch office organized a disaster relief car wash that community officials claim to be the biggest relief fund-raiser in Clarksville. The community rallied together washing over 700 cars and raising over $12,800 in donations for the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund in support of the relief and recovery mission.
Sales associates with Crye-Leike, Realtors were joined by numerous community and civic leaders and groups washing over 100 cars an hour for donations at three areas set up along Fort Campbell Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fund-raiser was held in the parking lot of Crye-Leike as well as in the neighboring parking lots of Am-South Bank and Grandpa's Sporting Goods. Nearly 100 local businesses donated food, goods and services.
After the terrorist attacks, Crye-Leike sales associates in Ft. Campbell felt compelled to organize a fund-raiser to support the disaster relief since their office is located just four miles from the Fort Campbell Army base.
"Every Tuesday, Crye-Leike holds its weekly sales meeting. Our September 11th sales meeting was one we will never forget and one in which our sales associates immediately wanted to do something to support the relief efforts," said Wendy Daly, a Crye-Leike sales associate in Ft. Campbell who spearheaded this fund-raiser, along with Mike McKeethen who also is a Crye-Leike sales associate in the same office. "The event snowballed into a major happening in Clarksville."
The grounds were donned with donated American flags, balloons, fire trucks, city and county police cars and even a life flight helicopter which sold $5 chances to win a helicopter ride around the city.
"The community was so responsive and supportive of our event," said Daly. "The cars were backed up on Fort Campbell Boulevard, but when motorists realized what the traffic jam was all about, they were putting $20 bills in the hands of police directing traffic."
"It was more than just a car wash. It was an American event that brought this community together as one."
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 54 branch and franchise offices located in 26 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Crye-Leike Auctioneer Martin Cummings Raises Over $1 Million for Charities During His Career
Nashville, Tenn. - Ezell-Harding Christian School will be the last charitable group to benefit from veteran auctioneer Martin Cummings' volunteer services. A principal auctioneer with Crye-Leike, Realtors, Mr. Cummings will retire from charity auctions after raising over $1 million during his 28-year- auction career for as many as 100 charities in Middle Tennessee. But, he is quick to add that he will continue with Crye-Leike, Realtors as principal broker, managing and selling real estate in Middle Tennessee as he has done for the past 26 years.
The crowning moment for Mr. Cummings will be the honor of auctioning a quilt handmade by 101-year-old Annie Johnston of Nashville at the school's auction, Sat., October 13, 2001. The auction is part of the school's annual fund-raiser, Fall Festival, which begins at 12:30 p.m.
Mrs. Johnston's most recent handy work, made of the school's colors in crimson and white, is the 20th quilt she has crafted for Ezell-Harding's fund-raiser. Her connection with the school has been her grandchild and great grandchild, both of whom attended the school, as well as a relative on the board of directors. Mrs. Johnston will be 102 years old in January 2002.
"And this is her last!" exclaimed Anita Keith, auction chairman and president of the school's Eagle Support Association. "An interested board member suggested that a price tag of $25,000 be placed on the quilt in hopes of that amount being raised. Plans are to display it at the school in Mrs. Johnston's honor."
Mr. Cummings started doing charity auctions when his daughter attended Ezell-Harding in 5th and 6th grade. Then, she transferred to Mt. Juliet Junior and Senior High Schools where she was a field commander in the school band for her last two years of school.
"Her school band was always in need of financial support for their band trips, so I was glad to help out by holding auctions for the school's fund-raisers," said Mr. Cummings. "I have been doing charity auctions for not-for-profits ever since and never charge them for my services." He said that his latest charity auction was for Ducks Unlimited, a dinner and auction, which raised over $32,000 in one night.
Crye-Leike, Realtors entered the Nashville real estate market in September 1992. "I remember that day, Labor Day," recalls Mr. Cummings. "Harold Crye, the co-founder of Crye-Leike in Memphis, shook my hand and recruited me as his first agent in Nashville to run the company's first Nashville branch office at 1285 North Mt. Juliet Road in Mt. Juliet, the first firm licensed under Crye-Leike."
Today, Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. has 20 branch and franchise offices in nine counties in Middle Tennessee with sales associates in the Greater Nashville area who currently total over 800. Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. recorded 7,491 units sold in 2000, representing a sales volume of $1.08 billion.
To become a practicing auctioneer, the Tennessee Auction Commission requires auction agents to apprentice for two years under a master auctioneer. Mr. Cummings has had over twenty auction agents apprentice under him during his career.
According to school estimates, Mr. Cummings has raised over $250,000 for Ezell-Harding Christian School during the past 20 years he has conducted auctions for their school's annual fund-raiser, reports Mrs. Keith. Parents have expressed concern of Mr. Cummings' announcement that this would be his last auction for Ezell-Harding Christian School as well as other charity auctions.
"This may be the last charity auction I am responsible for, but I am not letting them down," said Mr. Cummings. "I am turning it over to the younger group." His son-in-law, Brandon Gunnels, a master auctioneer who is also affiliated with Crye-Leike, Realtors, "will follow in my footsteps," he says, while Mr. Cummings' daughter, Rachel, who is married to Brandon, is currently enrolled in real estate school to become Brandon's real estate assistant.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, has an auction division, Crye-Leike Auctions, which sells all types of real estate, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural, in Tennessee with the opportunity to auction in most other states upon request.
Crye-Leike is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 54 branch and franchise offices located in 26 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia.
Ezell-Harding Christian School, a private, Christian school located in Antioch, Davidson County, will hold its Fall Festival & Auction on Sat., October 13, 2001, 12:30 p.m. until approximately 6 p.m. in the middle school gymnasium at 574 Bell Road. Open to the public and free of charge, the fund-raiser, organized by Eagle Support Association, offers for sale crafts and bake goods, activities for the children as well as an array of donated goods and services that will be auctioned for the benefit of the school. School proceeds will be used to improve the school's facilities, computer technology as well as support the activities of the school band and athletic department.
Crye-Leike of Nashville Continues Partnership with United Way
Nashville, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, Realtors in Nashville is continuing its commitment to participate in United Way's 2001 workplace campaign, announced Tom Kimbrough, vice president and general manager of Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc.
"With the devastating events of September 11, 2001, Crye-Leike understands the important role United Way plays for those communities directly affected by the terrorists activities," said Kimbrough. "The donations collected from United Way workplace campaigns are vital in maintaining the community-wide infrastructure that helps sustain the quality of life in our communities. Long after the rescue teams have dispersed, United Way will be there for the recovery and rebuilding process to heal lives, families and shattered communities."
Crye-Leike of Nashville's workplace campaign for United Way is being held in its 20 branch and franchise offices located in nine counties in Middle Tennessee: Davidson, Grundy, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties.
"Crye-Leike also is committed to supporting United Way corporate wide because of the depth of health and human services needs it reaches within the communities in which Crye-Leike serves," said Kimbrough. "We have regional fund-raising workplace campaigns also being conducted in the Greater Memphis and the Greater Chattanooga areas."
Crye-Leike has a network of over 2,200 sales associates, 600 support staff and 54 branch and franchise offices in a four-state Mid-South region. Since Crye-Leike's 2000 United Way workplace campaign, sales associates and employees have contributed in excess of $79,000.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South, with offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Sales associates in the Greater Nashville area currently total over 800. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Crye-Leike of Memphis Continues Partnership with United Way
Memphis, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, Realtors in Memphis is continuing its commitment to participate in United Way's 2001 workplace campaign, announced Steve Brown, vice president and general manager of Crye-Leike, Inc. in Memphis, Tenn.
"With the devastating events of September 11, 2001, Crye-Leike understands the important role United Way plays for those communities directly affected by the terrorists activities," said Brown. "The donations collected from United Way workplace campaigns are vital in maintaining the community-wide infrastructure that helps sustain the quality of life in our communities. Long after the rescue teams have dispersed, United Way will be there for the recovery and rebuilding process to heal lives, families and shattered communities."
Crye-Leike's United Way workplace campaign for its Memphis Region is being held in its 22 branch and franchise offices located in nine counties throughout a three-state Mid-South region:
ARKANSAS - Crittendon, Craighead and Mississippi counties; MISSISSIPPI - DeSoto, Lafayette, Lee and Union counties; and TENNESSEE: Hardin and Shelby counties.
"Crye-Leike also is committed to supporting United Way corporate wide because of the depth of health and human services needs it reaches within the communities in which Crye-Leike serves," said Brown. "We have regional fund-raising workplace campaigns also being conducted in the Greater Nashville and the Greater Chattanooga areas."
Crye-Leike has a network of over 2,200 sales associates, 600 support staff and 54 branch and franchise offices in a four-state Mid-South region. Since Crye-Leike's 2000 United Way workplace campaign, sales associates and employees have contributed in excess of $79,000.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South, with offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike, Inc. in Memphis has a sales force of over 1,100 sales associates. Company wide, Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Community Supports Crye-Leike's Crayons for Kids School Supplies Drive
Lebanon, Tenn. - The community donated generously to Crye-Leike, Realtors' Crayons for Kids school supplies drive. The drive, sponsored by Crye-Leike's Lebanon branch office, benefited those Wilson County school children who receive free or reduced price meals within the Wilson County School System and the Lebanon Special School District.
Pictured left to right with the donated school supplies are Crye-Leike sales associates and staff: Inez Wiley; Stephanie Porterfield; Angie Hayes; Larry Hubbard; Margaret Stevens; Nancy J. Oberti; Rick Stewart; Tommy Harvey; Ken Winfree; Miranda Harvey and Sandy Saint.
According to the Tennessee Department of Education's School System Report Card for 2000, the Wilson County School System and the Lebanon Special School District combined had a total of 2,540 school children who participated in the system's free/reduced price meals program. That total represents 17.8 percent of the total 14,226 students in those two school districts.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 55 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Crye-Leike to Serve as Major Sponsor of St. Jude Benefit
Memphis, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, has committed to a major sponsorship toward the construction of what will be the world's largest gingerbread house. The gingerbread house, which will stand five and one-half stories high or 57 feet, 3 inches tall, will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
The gigantic gingerbread house is being built by Roger Pelcher who holds the current record for a 52 footer he built in Des Moines, Iowa in 1990. That one took 2,200 sheets of gingerbread and 1,650 pounds of icing.
Crye-Leike representatives were on hand at the official "ground baking" ceremonies on Tues., Sept. 4, 2001 in Memphis, Tenn. when construction began for this year's planned record breaker. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-November, in time to serve as Santa Claus' official headquarters. The gingerbread house, which is located in the Center Court area of Wolfchase Galleria, a 1.1 million square foot shopping center, is projected by officials to be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The house will display around 2,500 sheets of gingerbread, 4,000 pounds of royal icing, along with about 3,600 pounds of chocolate on the chimney - not to mention hundreds of pounds of peanut brittle, assorted Christmas candy and colored popcorn.
Donation packages of gingerbread sheet pans are for sale to benefit St. Jude. The packages range in price from $25 to $100. Those making donations will receive special commemorative items as well as tickets to special events. For more information on the sheet pans, call 901/372-9409.
Pelcher, who learned to make gingerbread houses from his father, owns Unique Ideas, Inc., based in Lakeland, Tenn, and is general manager of Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis. His Memphis project will be his third record-setting gingerbread house. He built his first house in 1983 for the Stouffer Hotel in Mobile, Alabama. It was 13 feet tall and was the original Guinness record. Construction photos can be seen on his Web site at www.worldrecordgingerbreadhouse.com.
After someone else built a 31-footer, Pelcher eclipsed that mark with the 52-footer. He says this will be his last project. "The fact that this project could help benefit St. Jude got me going again," he said.
"The sponsorship of a gingerbread house was a perfect match for Crye-Leike, being a full service real estate company with over 50 percent in residential sales," said Dick Leike, co-founder and co-owner of Crye-Leike. "Our company always looks for ways to support the communities in which we serve. Crye-Leike is proud to be a part of this spectacular fund-raising effort for the children at St. Jude."
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the world's premier center for research and treatment of leukemia and other catastrophic childhood diseases. Their world-renowned physicians and scientists have revolutionized leukemia treatments in children since 1962. St. Jude is the only cancer center funded by the National Cancer Institute that is devoted solely to children and the only private cancer center in the United States committed to caring for and supporting children with cancer regardless of the family's financial or health care resources.
Wolfchase Galleria, which opened in 1997, has 1.1 million square feet of shopping and offers more than 120 specialty stores, four restaurants, a movie theater and a fantasy carousel.
Along with Crye-Leike, Realtors, other major sponsors of the gingerbread house include: Linkous Construction Co. Inc.; NAFTA Food and packaging; Formus Architects; Body Smart; Bank of America; ADT Security; Champion Awards; Skipworth Photography; Otolaryngology Consultants of Memphis and the Wolfchase Galleria.
Crye-Leike of Chattanooga Partners with United Way
Chattanooga, Tenn. - Crye-Leike of Chattanooga, Inc. has made a commitment to participate in United Way of Greater Chattanooga's 2001 workplace campaign, an effort that brings Crye-Leike full circle in its corporate statewide support of United Way with regional fund-raising campaigns also being conducted in the Greater Memphis and the Greater Nashville areas. Crye-Leike has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices Since Crye-Leike's 2000 United Way workplace campaign, sales associates and employees have contributed in excess of $79,000.
"Crye-Leike of Chattanooga is proud to have joined the growing list of corporate citizens who are committed to supporting United Way in their community," said Jack Webb, vice president and general manager of Crye-Leike of Chattanooga, Inc.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South, with offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Crye-Leike of Chattanooga, Inc. has nine branch and franchise offices in five counties within the Greater Chattanooga area: Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn and Meigs counties, including Catoosa County in North Georgia. Branch and franchise offices are conveniently located in Athens, downtown Chattanooga, Cleveland, Decatur, East Brainerd, Hixson, Signal Mountain and Soddy-Daisy, including Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. Sales associates within the Chattanooga area currently total over 260. Crye-Leike of Chattanooga sold 2,210 units in 2000 with a sales volume of $255 million.
Children of Youth Villages Benefit from Crye-Leike Back to School Project
Nashville, Tenn. - Sales associates and employees of Crye-Leike, Realtors in Middle Tennessee donated over 200 new backpacks to help the children and adolescents at Youth Villages get off to a fresh start for the new school year.
Youth Villages (www.youthvillages.org) offers help and hope to more than 2,000 troubled children and their families each year (over 500 in Nashville and Middle Tennessee) through home-based counseling, therapeutic foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, community-based programs and prevention services. Today, more than 750 counselors, teachers and skilled support staff provide Youth Villages' services from offices in 15 cities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas.
"Most of the children and adolescents in our care have had to move from place to place and have very little to call their own," said Patti Bryan, development director of Youth Villages in Middle Tennessee. "Backpacks for students now have become essential items which most children take for granted. As the school year begins, having new backpacks of their own will be a big boost for our Youth Villages' children in many ways."
Supporting Youth Villages is not new to Crye-Leike. For the past 20 years, Crye-Leike, Realtors in Memphis, Tenn. has held a holiday fund-raiser called Campaign for Children, a program in which Crye-Leike sales associates and employees purchase in bulk holiday greeting cards, designed by Youth Villages children, to send to their clients and friends. All proceeds raised are designated for the Chris Crye Fund and are used to purchase holiday gifts for the children at Youth Villages and to support their mentoring programs. To date, Crye-Leike has raised in excess of $230,000 for Youth Villages.
With Youth Villages now having a presence in Middle Tennessee, Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. will be continuing the company's Campaign for Children holiday program in the Greater Nashville area, noted company officials.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Sixth Annual Crye-Leike Golf Tournament to Benefit Wings Cancer Foundation
Memphis, Tenn. - Golfers, it's not to late to sign up for the Sixth Annual Sherry Park Memorial Golf Scramble on Thurs., September 13, 2001, at Stonebridge Golf Course. The event, sponsored by Crye-Leike, Realtors and the Hank Park Trust, will benefit the Wings Cancer Foundation at West Clinic in Memphis, Tenn.
Sherry Park was managing broker of Crye-Leike's Germantown branch office for nine years which was established in 1986. When Sherry was diagnosed with cancer, she was instrumental in organizing Crye-Leike's first golf tournament in 1994 to benefit cancer research. Upon her death in 1995, Crye-Leike's Germantown branch office continued the golf tournament by naming it in her memory with proceeds benefiting the Wings Cancer Foundation. To date, the Sherry Park Memorial Golf Scramble has raised over $ 40,000.
Major sponsors are Crye-Leike, Realtors and the Hank Park Trust. Platinum Sponsors are First Trust Bank - Mortgage Division and Murphy Dezonia & Webb, Attorneys. Gold Sponsors are Community Mortgage, First Tennessee Bank, Murdoch Nissan and ReMax on Track. And Silver Sponsors are American Home Shield, Armstrong Allen, PLLC, Crye-Leike Insurance, Latham Oates, Attorney, Mary Ann and Jack Tapp, Teletouch and West Clinic.
The cost is $75 per person or $300 per team which includes green fees, golf cart, goodie bag, driving range, lunch and refreshments. The field will be limited to the first 144 players per shotgun times of 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Trophies and hole prizes will be awarded to the winners of the one-day event. To register or to become a sponsor, contact Co-Chairmen Neil Wilson or Joy Shelley of Crye-Leike, Realtors in Germantown at 901/754-0800.
Founded in 1996, the Wings Cancer Foundation at West Clinic is committed to the clinical research of cancer and providing enhanced supportive care. The foundation offers support services such as a lending library, a labyrinth, nutritional counseling, exercise and strength building, yoga and relaxation classes as well as crisis and bereavement support group programs. "Due to generous donations, the Wings Cancer Foundation is able to provide this community-based support free to anyone in the community touched by cancer," said Brenda Wiseman of the Wings Cancer Foundation.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 56 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Lebanon Office Holds United Way Benefit
Nashville, Tenn. - Donations of gently used books, magazines and movies are being accepted by Crye-Leike, Realtors in Lebanon to support its Book & Bake Sale for the benefit of United Way. The fund-raising event will be held on Fri., September 7, 2001, at Crye-Leike's Lebanon branch office, located at 1432 West Main Street, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The day includes a free car wash with donations also being accepted.
The event is in conjunction with Crye-Leike of Nashville's United Way campaign kick off.
"United Way supports a network of services that help people day-in and day-out, all year long," said Stephanie Porterfield, United Way team captain for Crye-Leike's Lebanon branch office. "These services address some very real problems our nation and community are facing - problems such as illiteracy, AIDS, teen pregnancy, homelessness, child care, substance abuse and programs for disabled, abused and elderly individuals."
Crye-Leike, the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, supports United Way within its three regional areas: Memphis, Chattanooga and Nashville. Its network of over 2,200 sales associates and 596 employees have contributed over $79,000 to support the United Way agencies in their communities. Crye-Leike has 56 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia.
Bellevue Office Holds its United Way Campaign Kick Off
Nashville, Tenn. - A "Karaoke Challenge" for the benefit of United Way is planned by the Bellevue branch office of Crye-Leike, Realtors on Wed., September 5, 2001 at Cancun Mexican Restaurant, 7077 Highway 70 South in Bellevue, 6 p.m. The public is invited.
The event is in conjunction with Crye-Leike of Nashville's United Way campaign kick off.
"United Way supports a network of services that help people day-in and day-out, all year long," said Kay Crawford, managing broker of Crye-Leike's Bellevue branch office. "These services address some very real problems our nation and community are facing - problems such as illiteracy, AIDS, teen pregnancy, homelessness, child care, substance abuse and programs for disabled, abused and elderly individuals."
Crye-Leike, the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, supports United Way within its three regional areas: Memphis, Chattanooga and Nashville. Its network of over 2,200 sales associates and 596 employees have contributed over $79,000 to support the United Way agencies in their communities. Crye-Leike has 56 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia.
Crayons for Kids: Crye-Leike Holds School Supplies Drive
Lebanon, Tenn. - Crye-Leike, Realtors' Lebanon branch office is holding a Crayons for Kids school supplies drive to benefit those Wilson County school children who receive free or reduced price meals within the Wilson County School System and the Lebanon Special School District.
"With less than three weeks away before school starts, we are asking parents to purchase extra school supplies when purchasing items for their own children," said Nancy Oberti, managing broker of Crye-Leike's Lebanon branch office.
According to the Tennessee Department of Education's School System Report Card for 2000, the Wilson County School System and the Lebanon Special School District combined had a total of 2,540 school children who participated in the system's free/reduced price meals program. That total represents 17.8 percent of the total 14,226 students in those two school districts.
Such items requested are a box of crayons, markers or pencils, notebook paper, scissors and glue. Donations are being accepted on Thursday, August 2, 2001 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Crye-Leike Lebanon branch office located at 1432 West Main Street in Lebanon, Tenn. Donors will receive free ice cream for their contributions.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), a full service real estate company, is the nation's 13th largest real estate company and the largest serving Tennessee and the Mid-South. It has a network of over 2,200 sales associates and 55 branch and franchise offices located in 27 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and North Georgia. Crye-Leike attained sales of $2.9 billion and 20,406 closed transaction sides corporate wide in 2000.
Crye-Leike brings holiday cheer to residents at Youth Villages
Memphis, Tenn. - If you are on the mailing list to receive a holiday greeting card from one of Crye-Leike's 1,100 sales associates or 200 employees in the Greater Memphis area, chances are it won't be your ordinary holiday greeting card.
Crye-Leike, Realtors is holding its annual fund-raising drive for Youth Villages, called Campaign for Children, in which sales associates and employees purchase holiday greeting cards in bulk from Youth Villages to send to their clients and friends. The inside inscription reads: "At this holiday season, a donation has been made in your honor to benefit Youth Villages, a private non-profit organization committed to helping children and families live successfully."
Crye-Leike, Realtors in Memphis has held this annual campaign for the past 19 years, raising in excess of $230,000 reports Marler Stone, director of community relations for Youth Villages. "Monies are used to purchase holiday gifts for the 350 plus children at Youth Villages during the holidays as well as support its mentoring program throughout the year." Sales associates and employees in all of Crye-Leike's 17 branch offices in the Greater Memphis area, including Mississippi and Arkansas, join in this fund-raising effort.
"We anticipate to raise around $27,000 this year as we have done in years past," projects Sally Brown, Crye-Leike's campaign coordinator. All donations made during Crye-Leike's Campaign for Children are designated to go toward the Chris Crye Fund in memory of real estate broker Chris Crye, son of Crye-Leike founder Harold E. Crye, who experienced an untimely death as a result of a horseback riding accident in 1998.
More than 2,000 children and families throughout Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi receive help from Youth Villages each year. Youth Villages provides programs such as home-based counseling, residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, community-based services, adoption and a shelter for homeless and runaway teens.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), the largest real estate firm in Tennessee and the Mid-South, has over 2,100 sales associates. Its 45 branch offices are located in 17 counties throughout a four-state Mid-South region: Tennessee (Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville), Arkansas (Jonesboro, West Memphis), Mississippi (Hernando, Olive Branch, Southaven) and Georgia (Fort Oglethorpe). Independently owned and operated, Crye-Leike's sales volume of $3 billion in 1999 ranked it No. 10 among the nation's top 500 residential real estate brokerage firms, as reported in May 2000 by REAL Trends Magazine.
Children's playhouse to be built and auctioned for charity by Crye-Leike
Nashville, Tenn. - With the holiday season upon us and parade fever in the air, ever wondered what happens with most parade floats after the parade? Most are torn down, left as only fading memories in the eyes of its spectators. A few others are stored away, refreshed and reused for next year's parade. The Crye-Leike, Realtors' float in the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce's December 10, 2000 parade will be turning an old tradition into a novel idea.
The sales associates at Crye-Leike, Realtors in Hendersonville, Tenn. felt in order for them to participate in Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce's parade that they should use their time and materials wisely. They have planned to auction their specially-designed and custom crafted float after the parade on December 16 at Crye-Leike's Hendersonville branch office, located at 383 Johnny Cash Parkway.
To compliment the parade's theme, Home for the Holidays, Crye-Leike sales associates chose to build a children's Victorian playhouse, valued at over $ 1,000 in building materials.
The 8 ft. by 8 ft. playhouse will be constructed on Friday, December 8, 2000 from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by sales associates of Crye-Leike, Realtors at New Hope Construction's warehouse, located at 40-E Industrial Park Drive in Hendersonville. On Saturday, December 9, Crye-Leike sales associates will decorate the float for the parade after the playhouse has been positioned on a flat bed truck, donated by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.
"Proceeds from the auctioned playhouse will be donated to Crye-Leike of Hendersonville's favorite charity, New Hope Construction," said Jan Page, managing broker of Crye-Leike's Hendersonville office. "Russell Meade, founder and president of New Hope Construction, is a sales associate of our office. We have came to know and respect his relentless mission of providing low income families with affordable housing."
"New Hope Construction is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that provides low-cost preframed house packages to churches and other 501c(3) organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Partner's Inc.," said Meade. " We design our own plans and, with the help of volunteers, the preframed walls are constructed at our Hendersonville facility and then shipped to the building site. Thanks to Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, who is a major supplier and donor of building materials and equipment, New Hope Construction's services now extend into Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee."
For every 10 house packages New Hope Construction sells, they donate the 11th house package. "We have very strict requirements and guidelines for the organization receiving the donated house package. The recipient family's income must be at or below the poverty level and not able to qualify for housing through an existing program within their current state of residency," Meade said.
The Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce Parade will be held on Sunday, December 10 at 2 p.m. The parade will begin at Drakes Creek Park, proceed to East Main and conclude at Executive Park Drive. Over 100 entries are expected and Crye-Leike, Realtors was their first entry, reports chamber officials.
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com), the largest real estate company in Tennessee and the Mid-South, has 19 branch offices in the Greater Nashville area within Davidson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties, along with two Tennessee franchises in Monteagle (Grundy County) and Pickwick Dam (Hardin County). Independently owned and operated, Crye-Leike's sales volume of $3.3 billion in 1999 ranked it No. 10 among the nation's top 500 residential real estate brokerage firms, as reported in May 2000 by REAL Trends Magazine.
For details on the Crye-Leike Victorian playhouse auction, contact Jan Page at Crye-Leike, Realtors in Hendersonville at 615/824-8008 or Russel Meade at New Hope Construction at 615/822-0111.
Crye-Leike Partners with United Way
Brentwood - Crye-Leike of Nashville, Inc. has committed to participate in Middle Tennessee's United Way campaign, a first for a real estate brokerage firm, according to local United Way Officials.
While the relationship between United Way and Crye-Leike is not new, it is the first time that sales associates within Crye-Leike's Middle Tennessee branch offices will have the opportunity to support the agencies in their communities. Crye-Leike in Memphis has held an agent/employee United Way campaign over the past four years, raising a total of $52,000 in contributions.
"Crye-Leike of Nashville has grown significantly since we opened our first office in 1992, " said Harold Crye, chief executive officer of Crye-Leike. "With a sales force of over 900 sales associates and a staff of over 200 in the Greater Nashville area, Crye-Leike of Nashville is now in a position to join our counterparts in Memphis by partnering with United Way."
Since the corporate offices for Crye-Leike of Nashville are located in Brentwood, United Way of Williamson County will lead the effort.
"This United Way partnership with a real estate firm is unique to the Middle Tennessee market," said Cindy Scearce, campaign coordinator for United Way of Williamson County. United Way of Williamson County will be coordinating the United Way campaigns for Crye-Leike's branch offices in Davidson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner and Wilson counties.
"Each partnering United Way office will work directly with the Crye-Leike branch manager in their area to provide specific information on local agencies during Crye-Leike's September sales meetings," said Scearce.
"We're thrilled that Crye-Leike has joined a growing list of corporate citizens who are committed to supporting United Way in their community," said Karen Mitchell, United Way of Sumner County's executive director. "This is a first for the real estate community and we are encouraged that others may follow Crye-Leike's example."
Crye-Leike (www.crye-leike.com) , the largest real estate firm in Tennessee and the Midsouth, has over 2,200 sales associates who operate in 46 branch offices, located in 19 counties and six regional areas, Arkansas, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Memphis, Mississippi and Nashville. Crye-Leike also has five franchise offices in New Albany, Oxford and Tupelo, Miss., Blytheville, Ark. and Monteagle, Tenn. As a privately held company with over 480 employees, it attained record sales of $3.3 billion corporatewide in 1999, the best year reported in company history. Nationally, Crye-Leike is ranked No. 10 among the nation's top 500 residential real estate brokerage firms and No. 3 among the nation's largest 161 privately owned independent real estate companies, as reported in May 2000 by REAL Trends Magazine.