REALTORS and Community Rally for Housing at 5th Annual 5K Run for Shelter

from Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS

Pictured above: Vivian Del Rio, Diego Lopez, Connor Hoffman, and Kate Kurtz, all of the United Strive 212 Team, show off their medals at the 2024 5K Run for Shelter.

On a beautiful Saturday in October, 145 REALTORS, industry-affiliated business professionals, community leaders, and local residents gathered at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area for the 5th Annual 5K Run for Shelter, hosted by the Reading-Berks Association of REALTORS (R-BAR).

“This year’s 5K was a tremendous success, with the highest number of participants we’ve ever had,” said Jen Barkman, Vice Chair of R-BAR’s Outreach Committee and REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Proceeds from the 5K Run for Shelter benefit Habitat for Humanity of Berks County (Habitat) and Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks, Inc. (NHS).

“We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose generous support allowed us to reach a record amount of sponsorship dollars,” said Barkman. “This funding will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, which, alongside Neighborhood Housing Services, works tirelessly to provide affordable housing for those in need. It’s a cause we’re proud to support.”

NHS and Habitat are instrumental in educating prospective homebuyers, expanding access to financing, building quality homes, restoring properties, and offering a path toward generational wealth within Berks County communities.

“Thanks to our partnership with the R-BAR, the funds raised on behalf of NHS directly support first-time homebuyers in the Reading/Berks community,” explained Daniel Sansary, Executive Director for NHS. “From the beginning, this fundraiser has focused on making homeownership a reality, and so far, we’ve helped four families achieve their dream—with another family on track to receive support in 2025.”

Money raised for Habitat assists in creating affordable homeownership opportunities for moderate-income families.

R-BAR REALTOR members are passionate about supporting Habitat and NHS year-round, but their commitment is especially evident in October, which marks REALTORS Reach Out Month, a statewide initiative that highlights volunteerism and community impact. Throughout the month, REALTORS and affiliated business partners across Pennsylvania give back through collective efforts in volunteerism, donations, and fundraising.

Last year’s 5K raised $7,682.37, which was split evenly between NHS and Habitat. This year’s event raised close to $9,500, with the official amount being revealed at R-BAR’s Year-End Brunch in December.

Congratulations to Ayden Kurtek, top overall male winner, and Jen Rothrock, top overall female winner!

R-BAR would like to thank everyone who came out to support the 5K Run for Shelter this year, including the generous sponsors for supporting this amazing event: Gold: Breidegam Family Foundation, Rivera-Leinbach for Commissioner, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks, Inc., and ReStore Berks; Silver: Forino Co. LP, Fulton Mortgage Company, Jason Burkholder Team with Hometown Property Sales, Sun Federal Credit Union, Stewart Abstract of Berks Co. Inc., and Truist; Bronze: Darren Kostival, REALTOR RE/MAX of Reading, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Reading Fightin Phils, Fidelis Mortgage Corporation, and RKL; Brass: Active Radiator Supply, Bright MLS, Alyssa Damiani, and REALTOR Coldwell Banker Realty; and Donations: Unique Pretzels, Berks Fire & Water, Lending Heights Mortgage – Todd Hummel Team, Darren Kostival, and REALTOR RE/MAX of Reading.

Save the date for next year’s event, the 6th Annual 5K Run for Shelter, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025!

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Source: bctv