Community Service

Our effort to improve local community living.
2024 FAAR Community Service Calendar projects list
Volunteers needed for the Annual Candlelight Tours

Volunteers needed for the Annual Candlelight Tours

 

Volunteer for the Candlelight Tours & receive discounted tickets!

Dec. 14th and 15th in downtown Fredericksburg 

Break out your favorite holiday sweater & be a part of something big this holiday season!

The Candlelight Tours is a long-standing tradition (over 50 years!) of professionally decorated holiday home tours organized by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation. Inc. (HFFI). HFFI has teamed up with FAAR to find volunteers for 1204 Princess Anne Street and the 1203 Prince Edward Street stops.

As a volunteer, you will guide attendees through these magnificent homes, sharing their rich history and the talented decorators and florists behind the holiday designs (scripts provided). This is a wonderful chance to showcase your support for the community, engage with the public, and get into the festive spirit! 

Tour Hours & Volunteer Shifts

Tour hours are Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th, from 10 am to 5 PM. Volunteer shifts are 3.5 or 4 hours long and 60 shifts are available between the two houses throughout the weekend. 

Additional Information

Learn more at http://hffi.org/holiday-candlelight-tour/.

FAAR REALTORS® and Affiliates Collect Thousands of Cereal Boxes for Community Support

FAAR REALTORS® and Affiliates Collect Thousands of Cereal Boxes for Community Support

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) is pleased to announce the great success of this year’s cereal drive, showcasing the dedicated efforts of its REALTOR® and Affiliate members. Together, members and supporters rallied to collect 6,603 boxes of cereal, ensuring essential food resources reach families in need throughout the community.

 FAAR extends sincere thanks to the following offices and individuals for their contributions to the drive:

 

Burrell & Associates Realty Long and Foster Fredericksburg
Coldwell Banker Elite Long and Foster Lake Anna
Cropper Home Sales MBH Settlement Group
CTI Real Estate Nationwide Mortgage Bankers
eXp Realty, Gillies Team Penfed Realty
eXp Realty RE/MAX Supercenter King George
JJG Real Estate The Title Professionals
Keller Williams Capital Properties Topside Federal Credit Union

“This year’s drive truly embodies the spirit of our members and their dedication to the communities we serve,” comments 2024 President Randy Walther. “With over 6,500 boxes of cereal collected, our REALTORS® and Affiliates have once again shown that giving back is at the heart of what we do.”

The collected cereal will go to numerous facilities to be distributed including the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank which serves pantries in Locust Grove, Stafford County, Caroline County, Spotsylvania, King George County, and the City of Fredericksburg through a network of 159 community partners operating more than 250 food assistance programs, King George County food pantries including Love Thy Neighbor,  St. Anthony of Padua Mission Catholic Church , the King George Church of God, Montague, Little Ark, Round Hill and Oakland Baptist Churches, and the Caroline County Department of Social Services.

FAAR Technology & Communications Committee Presents an Electronics Recycling Drive: Make a Difference with Tech for Troops!

FAAR Technology & Communications Committee Presents an Electronics Recycling Drive: Make a Difference with Tech for Troops!

Mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity to give back and help the environment and Veterans! On Wednesday, November 13, from 11 AM to 2 PM, the FAAR Technology & Communications Committee is hosting an Electronics Recycling Drive at the FAAR office in partnership with Tech For Troops.

This initiative allows you to responsibly recycle old electronics, giving them a second life by refurbishing them for America’s Active Duty Transitioning Military, Homeless, and under-resourced Veterans and their families. Instead of letting your used tech collect dust or add to landfills, donate it to a cause that will help Veterans build a better future.

Why Participate?

  • Extend the Life of Your Electronics: Don’t let your tech go to waste! Tech for Troops gives new purpose to your gadgets by refurbishing and gifting them to Veterans in need.
  • Help Veterans: Your donation directly supports transitioning military personnel and veterans seeking to improve their quality of life through technology.
  • Protect the Environment: Recycling electronics reduces the environmental impact of e-waste. This drive ensures that electronics are responsibly handled rather than contributing to landfill waste.

What Can You Donate?

Tech for Troops accepts a wide variety of electronics, both working and non-working:

  • ✅ Laptops (with power adapters)
  • ✅ Desktop computers
  • ✅ Working flat panel monitors
  • ✅ iPads and tablets
  • ✅ Cell phones
  • ✅ Keyboards, mice, and other computer parts
  • ✅ Video game consoles
  • ✅ File servers and networking equipment
  • ✅ Wiring (Cat5 and Cat6)
  • ✅ Any other electronics you’re looking to dispose of

Not sure if your items are acceptable? Feel free to visit Tech For Troops for more details on the items they can process.

Who Can Participate?

This drive is open to REALTORS® and the public! Bring your old electronics and spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors—everyone’s contributions make a difference.

How Your Donation Helps

Tech For Troops provides refurbished technology to veterans and their families, helping them improve their lives through better access to educational and employment opportunities. Your simple act of recycling could help a Veteran develop crucial skills, connect with job opportunities, or simply stay in touch with loved ones.

Location and Time

📍 FAAR Office
🗓️ Wednesday, November 13
11 AM – 2 PM

Let’s come together as a community to support veterans and protect the environment. Bring your old tech, recycle responsibly, and help make a difference!

For more information about Tech for Troops and how they support Veterans, visit techfortroops.org.

11 13 2024 TFT Electronics Recycling Drive
Crunch Time: REALTORS’ Annual Cereal Drive Returns This October

Crunch Time: REALTORS’ Annual Cereal Drive Returns This October

The REALTOR® Cereal Drive is back!

As a REALTOR®, your success depends on building strong relationships and maintaining a positive presence in your community. The annual REALTOR® cereal drive offers a unique opportunity to achieve both while making a meaningful impact. Here’s how participating can benefit your business:

  1. Strengthen Client Relationships: Use the cereal drive as a reason to reconnect with past and current clients. This personal touch keeps you top-of-mind for future real estate needs.
  2. Expand Your Network: Engage with family, friends, and neighbors in your collection efforts. Each interaction is a chance to discuss your real estate services casually.
  3. Enhance Your Brand: Utilize REALTOR®-branded marketing materials (postcards and flyers) to promote your participation, reinforcing your professional image.  Postcards are available at FAAR now! Get yours M-F 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
  4. Demonstrate Community Leadership: Your involvement showcases your commitment to local causes, positioning you as a caring, engaged community member.
  5. Generate Positive PR: Share your participation on social media and local news outlets to increase visibility and attract potential clients who value community-minded professionals.
  6. Team Building: If you’re part of a real estate office, use this as a team-building exercise to boost morale and collaboration among colleagues.

Join us in reaching the 2024 goal of 20,000 cereal boxes for local food banks. To participate, email Lauren Cooley with your office and contact information by October 4th.

Cereal Drop-offs and Pick-ups

You’ve been collecting cereal all month—now it’s time for the big moment! 

 When: Drop by FAAR on Wed., Oct. 30th from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
 Where: FAAR, 2050 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd. F’burg, 22401

We’ll be loading all donations into the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank’s truck and sending it off to help those in need in our community! 

Can’t make it? No problem!
You can drop your cereal directly at the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank or your pantry of choice during their open hours. Check out the Food Bank’s hours here: fredfood.org

Have more than 250 boxes? Schedule a food bank pick up with Holly King at 540-371-7666 ext. 145 to schedule a truck to your location.

Send your final box count to lcooley@faarmembers.com to be included in the overall cereal drive counts by noon on October 31st!

By participating in the REALTOR® cereal drive, you’re not just helping those in need – you’re investing in your business’s growth and reputation. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while advancing your real estate career.

Let’s make every box count! 

Cereal testimonial header

Download this square image to help with your marketing

Download this square image to help with your marketing

Donate cash with the virtual food drive link

$25 can help provide 50 meals with the Food Bank’s purchasing power. Stretch your dollar further by giving funds today! 

"Thanks for making me a hero!" Your donations are making a real difference for our region. Hear how here!

Cereal Drive Office Contest Sign Up 2024

Yes.. I want my office to participate in the annual FAAR Cereal Drive.

Celebrating Success: FAAR’s 2024 Awards Dinner and Celebration Shines a Spotlight on Real Estate Excellence

Celebrating Success: FAAR’s 2024 Awards Dinner and Celebration Shines a Spotlight on Real Estate Excellence

(April 25, 2024) The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) hosted its annual Awards event on April 17th, 2024 at the Woolen Mill, bringing together industry leaders to honor the personal and professional achievements of its members. The event highlighted the dedication, hard work, and community impact of FAAR’s real estate professionals over the past year.

The Awards committee sends thanks to everyone who provided a nomination recognizing a deserving FAAR member.

The highlight of the night was the awards presentation, emceed by Immediate Past President Carol Sondrini, where numerous professionals were recognized across various categories. The celebration also included a silent auction benefitting RPAC that concluded just before the awards presentation. The night rounded off with dancing and networking, providing a joyful end to the festivities. 2024 FAAR President Randy Walther, closed the event with a note of thanks, appreciating the generous RPAC contributions and congratulating all the award winners.

FAAR would like to extend a sincere thank you to all sponsors and vendors who contributed to making the event a memorable occasion. Their continued support plays a crucial role in the association’s ongoing success and community involvement.

If you would like to catch a glimpse of the moments from the event, please visit FAAR’s facebook page at facebook.com/faarmembers where pictures will be posted soon.

Honors/Award Recipients

YPN Travel Scholarship
Kristi Murphy
Long and Foster

Faces of FAAR Travel Scholarship
Denise Benedetto
Samson Properties

Icon Award
Don Seay
1st Choice Better Homes and Land

REALTOR® of the YEAR
Dawn Josemans
Coldwell Banker Elite

Hall of Fame Award
Matthew Rathbun
Coldwell Banker Elite

Good Neighbor Award
Beth Pannell
1st Choice Better Homes and Land

Rookie of the Year
Sheronica Thompson
Coldwell Banker Elite

Manager of the Year
David Cropper
Cropper Homes Sales, LLC

Affiliate of the Year
Selina Bryant
Summit Funding, Inc.

Spirit Award
C. Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes and Land

REALTORS® Choice Award
Amy Adams
Ink Homes and Lifestyle

Melanie Thompson Award
Nathaniel Ferguson
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Penfed Realty

Silver Circle Award
Christopher Calamos
Coldwell Banker Elite

Bettina Grein
Help U Sell Grein Group

Carol Holley
Lorac Property Management, Inc.

Peggy Lowe
Century 21 Coastal Lifestyles

Geraldine Ludwig
Secured Property Management

Gary Nance
Nance & Associates Realtors

Professional Honor Roll
Jennifer Burton
City Chic Real Estate

Jennifer Caison
Coldwell Banker Elite

Valerie Dellandre
Century 21 New Millennium

Deb Ellis
Coldwell Banker Elite

Abby Fitzsimmons
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty

Drew Fristoe
Coldwell Banker Elite

Gary Gardiner, Jr.
Coldwell Banker Elite

Allison Graves
Coldwell Banker Elite

Amal Hall
Samson Companies

DeAnna Hamn
1st Choice Better Homes and Land

Janet Holt
Holt for Homes

Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes & Land

Robin Marine
Coldwell Banker Elite

Clay Murray
Pathway Realty

Tamar Myers-Moffatt
Samson Companies

Melissa Stewart
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty

Anna Torres
Long and Foster

Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes and Land

Sha Williams- Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Denise Benedetto

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Denise Benedetto

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Member Spotlight feature allows members of the community to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people.  It is FAAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations or in-person meetings at events and classes.

Name
Denise Benedetto

Hometown
Washington, D.C.

Current Location
Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Title
REALTOR®, PSA, LHC, Notary, Co-Broker Saba Group, CRE

Why do you love working in real estate?
Working in real estate is a fulfilling journey filled with daily surprises. It provides a unique chance to engage with people deeply and help them achieve their residential and commercial aspirations. Building trust within the communities I serve is immensely rewarding and speaks volumes regardless of market conditions.

Favorite Work Story 
A client intended to purchase a residential property located at 1902 ½ Street, featuring two bedrooms and two baths. However, during the home inspection and appraisal, both parties mistakenly visited the property at 1902 Street, which was also on the market. Fortunately, we recognized the absence of the “1/2” in the address and prevented the buyer from inadvertently purchasing the property at 1902 Street, which already had a pending buyer!

What are you most proud of in your career?
I take great pride in the growth I’ve achieved as an agent, thanks to the invaluable guidance of my mentors at SAMSON Properties and the leadership at FAAR. My affiliation with these esteemed organizations underscores the high standards of professionalism, depth of industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to service they uphold. Engaging in committee and community service through these platforms ensures that I stay current and continue to be a valuable resource for individuals seeking expert assistance in buying, leasing, or selling real estate.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
While I may not champion a specific cause, I am actively involved in volunteering. I hold the position of Secretary within my community’s HOA and serve as the Chair of the Landscape Committee. Additionally, I am a Committee Member of the Orange County Tourism Advisory Committee. Within FAAR, I contribute to three committees. Furthermore, I engage in public speaking and performances related to American history, serve as a mobile notary, and fulfill duties as an Officer of Election.

Fun Fact
I absolutely love the phrase “Go Fly A Kite” because I take it quite literally! I have a collection of kites in different sizes, made of various materials, and featuring diverse shapes. I even have some extras to share with others. Whenever the sun is shining and the wind is just right, you’ll often find me out there, soaring high! It’s not just about play; it’s a magical escape that allows me to daydream and take a little getaway, even if it’s just for a short time.

benedetto, denise REALTOR®
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Melissa Longton

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Melissa Longton

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Member Spotlight feature allows members of the community to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people.  It is FAAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations or in-person meetings at events and classes.

Name
Melissa Longton

Hometown
Clifton Park, New York

Current Location
Stafford, Virginia

Title
Realtor® & Dog Lover

Why do you love working in real estate?
I love working in real estate because it’s all about connecting with people, understanding their dreams, and helping them achieve homeownership goals. The joy of turning those aspirations into reality is what makes every day in this field truly fulfilling.

Favorite Work Story
I have a few, The really good ones are Top Secret… I like to refer to them as Mis-Ådventures

What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud of seamlessly assisting numerous families in relocating, ensuring a smooth transition during a crucial time in their lives. Helping them settle into new homes and communities brings me immense satisfaction, and it’s a privilege to play a role in such significant life changes.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
I’m a passionate advocate for small business owners and locally owned establishments. Devoting time to volunteering at our local food bank is something I hold dear. Additionally, for the past five years, I’ve been contributing to my clients’ chosen charities on their behalf, fostering a sense of community and giving back.

Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is my deep affection for animals, particularly dogs. My 5-pound teacup Yorkie holds a special place in my heart and is my cherished best friend #justfrankiebeingfrank

Melissa Longton headshot
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Bethany Neher

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Bethany Neher

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Member Spotlight feature allows members of the community to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people.  It is FAAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations or in-person meetings at events and classes.

Name
Bethany Neher

Hometown
Hampton

Current Location
Fredericksburg

Title
REALTOR®

Why do you love working in real estate?
I love meeting and helping new people. I love the diversity in the day to day hustle of this career.

What are you most proud of in your career?
My career is only just beginning but so far, I am proud of how quickly I am learning and feeling good about my start. I have a great team behind me, I have my first client which happens to be a million-dollar client and I am looking forward to everything I am going to accomplish in this career.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
I don’t like to stick to one cause necessarily. I like to pick a couple every year that I dedicate my time to. So far this year I have connected with a woman that runs an animal rescue and I plan to devote a lot of time to her and her cause in the coming months.

Tina Keene Exit Elite Realty

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Kendric Walpole

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Kendric Walpole

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Member Spotlight feature allows members of the community to get to know each other before working with each other in a transaction. Each member answers a series of questions to reveal more about themselves as people.  It is FAAR’s hope that learning about an individual may spark connections that blossom via email, phone conversations or in-person meetings at events and classes.

Name
Kendric Walpole

Hometown
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Current Location
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Title
Realtor®

Why do you love working in real estate?
I love working in real estate, because it gives me the opportunity to help people I just met. This industry has us constantly getting to know numerous people throughout a transaction. However, I most like the ability to help first time home buyers navigate through the process. It is always a privilege to share in their excitement!

What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of the personal development that this career has provided. Being a Realtor forces an individual to be proactive rather than just reactive. You also get to learn so much throughout your experiences, whether interpersonal communication skills or landscaping techniques to divert water from a house. There is just so much growth to be had.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
Currently I am volunteering as the Community Services Manager with FAAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). I spent many years of my life growing up doing community service activities such as cleaning the river, refurbishing picnic areas at local battlefields, food drives, and more. I am glad that I have the opportunity, and help, to dive into that again with YPN!

Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is that I used to be a professional performer in live theater. I sang, danced, and acted for over 10 years of my life. Though I haven’t done anything like that in a few years, the real estate profession does give the schedule flexibility to perform. There may be something like that again for me in the future.

Tina Keene Exit Elite Realty
2023 Cereal Drive Results

2023 Cereal Drive Results

REALTORS® and Affiliates members did a tremendous job of seeking out cereal this year! Members and friends ended up collecting 18,639 boxes of shelf-stable food for our community.

Who won?

Affiliate collecting the most boxes

Nationwide Mortgage Bankers – 400 boxes

Most Cereal Per Agent

1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 4,443 boxes 

Most Improved

Next Home Stellar Realty – 440 boxes 

Runner-ups Most Cereal

Century 21 New Millennium Fredericksburg – 5,137 boxes

Grand Prize

Long and Foster Fredericksburg – 5,260 boxes

 

Thank you also to these cereal collectors!

Century 21 Redwood – Locust Grove/ Fredericksburg

Coldwell Banker Elite Downtown

Cropper Home Sales

Ulta Realty

Mark Geslock

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Pen Fed Realty Stafford

Long and Foster Lake Anna

Coldwell Banker Elite Stafford

Keller Williams Capital Properties Fredericksburg

Holt for Homes

Century 21 Redwood

Next Home Stellar Realty

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