Miami Dade Real Estate Scoop

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ines and Nick yesterday.  Finally!  More about that later.  Right now I want to help Nick, who has a great big heart, spread the word about his fundraiser.

When we hear of impoverished families we think far away  But right here in our own back yard are people who need help too.  There's a program in Palm Beach County that strives to make lives better for children who might otherwise fall into the vicious cycle of child abuse and neglect.  I'm talking basics here.  No one's bemoaning not having an iPod.  It's simple stuff that's needed.  Things like diapers, formula, food and a safe place to live. 

The Healthy Families program is part of Hugs For Kids.  They have a mission.  It states "Mission: To prevent child abuse and neglect by providing support and educational services to families."  That's noble.  It simply rocks.  They service over 4,000 families a year!

This is straight from the HUGS For Kids site:  Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families in which parents seem to be having economic, housing or personal problems; are isolated from their families or community; have difficulty controlling anger; abuse alcohol or drugs; have little to no education; and were abused or neglected as children (Prevent Child Abuse America, 2003). Prevention is the key to lowering both the maltreatment rate and reducing the need to place children in foster care (Children's Services Council of PBC).

Nick's goal is not a lofty one.  I KNOW we can help him achieve it, if not pass it!  He wants to raise $5,000 for Hugs For Kids.  He wants to do this in 30 days.  He has offered to give up his hair as an incentive to get people to donate.  If you ever wanted to see the Nickster crop his locks, now's your chance!  Go check out the site he has set up for this charity.  Here's a link.

In an effort to help out I decided to donate something of my own.  I'm trying to sweeten the pot for anyone considering donating.  Here's the deal, if you donate $50 or more to Hugs For Kids up until Sept. 13, 2007, your name will be put into a drawing for a 3 night stay at Blissful Skies.  Blissful Skies is a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern North Carolina region.  The cabin sleeps 8 so you can take the gang along or just use the prize for a quiet weekend away with your special honey.  I'd like to be fair to those who have already donated, so if you already sent Nick a check for $50 or more your name will be added to the drawing also.

All amounts are appreciated.  If you can only send $5, it is appreciated just as much!  Won't you please consider helping out these kids who need help in such a basic way?

Please mail your check today!
Make payable to: Hugs for Kids
in the MEMO section, put: Healthy Families - client's incentive (which is the program they are raising money for)

Mail to:
ATTN: Nick the Appraiser
Quantum One Realty
3307 Northlake Blvd, Suite #103
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33403

The children will thank you.  I thank you too.