The REALTOR® Good Neighbor Awards recognize REALTORS® who are making a difference in their communities. These REALTORS® are dedicated volunteers who reach out to their communities and to people in need. Activities that qualify for nominations include involvement in affordable housing issues, improving the quality of education in an area, supporting initiatives aimed at a community's youth, and work on any other community-based programs.

The 2004 Good Neighbor Awards found eight REALTORS® nominated by their local boards, charitiable organizations, and fellow REALTORS®. Paula Danker of Council Bluffs was 2004's winner!

Paula Danker spends her spare time volunteering at the MICAH House Emergency Family Shelter. The MICAH House is a small homeless shelter serving families and single women facing the crisis of homelessness. Paula has been a true blessing to the shelter, as she not only understands and supports the shelter, but also employs her persuasive skills to encourage others to “step up to the plate” and offer their support to the shelter. In taking the shelter under her wing, she has ensured a great portion of its financial security, putting it in the best position it has ever been in.

Paula has also used her persuasion and skills as a REALTOR® to implement the Wells Fargo programs that donate money from mortgage applications to benefit the Micah House. Paula also spends many hours organizing volunteers to help with Micah House events. Paula Danker is an exemplary volunteer for the Micah House and other agencies in her community, not to mention one of the best advocates for women and children in the 11 county area of southwest Iowa.

The other 2004 nominees were:

Brian Carlson from Mason City. Brian was nominated by his local board, the Mason City Board of REALTORS®, for his work with the North Iowa Fair and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Memory Mescher of Council Bluffs was nominated by her local board, the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Memory has been volunteering for 20 years at the Jennie Edmundson Hospital, most currently with the Jennie Edmundson Hospital Auxiliary.

Steve Gray, from Mount Pleasant, was nominated by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce.

Burtwin Day of Norway was nominated by his board, the Benton Iowa Counties Chapter Board of REALTORS®. Burt worked with the Benton Development group and chaired a committee that restored the Youngville Café, a historic landmark in the middle of Benton County.

Cathy McIntyre-Krohn, from Council Bluffs, was nominated by her local board, the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Cathy has been very active in her local Habitat for Humanity organization.

Dick Woodard of West Union was nominated for his many hours of involvement in the development of West Union's Recreation Complex. Dick has been involved with the project since its beginning.

David Frommelt, from Dubuque, was nominated by his local board, the Dubuque Board of REALTORS® and his broker Patricia Friedman. David splits his volunteering hours into several organizations in the Dubuque area, including the Mount Pleasant Home.

The above REALTORS® are making big differences in their communities and are great examples for others to follow. These REALTOR® Good Neighbors truly embrace the spirit of giving.