NAR Names 2 Fla. Realtors ‘Good Neighbor’ Winners
Fla. had 2 (out of 10) finalists – now it has 2 (out of 5) winners: Fort Lauderdale’s Kasia Maslanka and Palm Coast’s Sandra Shank.
WASHINGTON – The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) selected five Realtors for its 2023 “Good Neighbor Awards” and two are Floridians: Kasia Maslanka, a Realtor from Fort Lauderdale, and Sandra Shank, a Realtor from Palm Coast. In August, NAR named them as 2 of the top 10 finalists.
This award honors NAR members who make an extraordinary difference in their communities through volunteer work. Now in its 24th year, the Good Neighbor Awards recognize Realtors who donate time, money and passion to enrich the lives of people in their communities. Since 2000, NAR has awarded nearly $1.5 million to organizations across the country with support from sponsors like realtor.com.
“Each year, the Good Neighbor Awards serve as a poignant reminder of the heart and soul of our real estate community,” says NAR President Tracy Kasper. “It’s not just about buying or selling properties – it’s about investing in the places we call home.”
As we honor these two women, “we are reminded of the broader purpose that unites us in the real estate profession,” says NAR President Tracy Kasper. “Beyond sales and contracts, it’s the people, their stories and the shared dreams that matter. (They are) making a difference in their communities and improving lives every single day, underlining the true spirit of community engagement.”
Sandra Shank, TAG Ventures Real Estate Services Co., Palm Coast
In 2003, Shank opened Abundant Life Ministries–Hope House Inc. to give troubled teenage boys in Florida’s foster care system a supportive foundation. For 20 years, she has housed and mentored 300 of the most vulnerable residents, with current plans to break ground on an affordable housing complex offering holistic care services to families in need.
“It is truly a blessing and honor for the impact of my volunteer work to be recognized by fellow real estate agents,” says Shank. “Oftentimes, when people think of agents, they think of closing a transaction, but this extends far beyond that. It underscores the immeasurable value of transforming lives through service to humanity, and I am so proud and grateful to have this opportunity.”
Kasia Maslanka, Douglas Elliman, Fort Lauderdale
Maslanka co-founded Morningday Community Solutions to redirect overstocked or returned excess merchandise from retail businesses to nonprofits and people in need. Over 13 years, they have saved nonprofits $10 million in spending and diverted more than 500 tons of unused products from landfills each year.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” says Maslanka. “This recognition highlights the power of community and the importance of giving back. It’s a testament to our ability to foster profound change and strengthen bonds, and I’m now even more inspired to continue with my philanthropic efforts to foster positive change in my community.”
Shank and Maslanka along with three other winners will receive a $10,000 grant for their charity and be featured in the fall 2023 issue of Realtor Magazine. NAR will formally present each with their award on Nov. 15 during NAR NXT, the association’s annual conference that takes place in Anaheim this year.
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