President’s Message
Kentucky needs your help for disaster relief
Ann McDonald 2012 KAR President
Over three months have come and gone of my term—and I successfully made it through the Legislative and Business meeting in February. What an eye opener for me. I had no idea what a job our Government Affairs Director Anetha Sanford (as well as all other staff members) does for us. She is wonderful and busy with all that is going on in Frankfort during the 2012 legislative session. So the next time you see her, thank her for looking out for our interest so well (or better yet, send her an email). I must take some time to brief you on the recent storms that tore through the state that have made hundreds, if not thousands, of Kentuckians homeless, and what KAR is doing to help. We partnered with the National Association of REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) to fund and administer a housing assistance program to people who were affected by the storms. The RRF jump-started the donation relief effort with a $50,000 commitment, with KAR contributing an additional $10,000. But we need everyone in the REALTOR® family to pitch in. With additional funds from REALTORS® like you, we can help even more families get through these tough times as the number of people affected by this disaster is staggering. As time passes and the media attention fades, people are still faced with the aftermaths of the disaster. Please consider making an online, tax-deductible contribution to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation today by visiting www.kar.com or by sending a check payable to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation, c/o NAR, 430 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The goal of the program is to help the many homeowners and renters who have lost everything due to the storms’ destruction. These people will be obligated to make mortgage payments on homes that no longer exist or will not be habitable again for many months, while at the same time paying for temporary housing. Under the program, assistance will be available to those affected in two forms: 1) Monthly mortgage expenses for the primary residence that was damaged by the storms or; 2) Rental cost of temporary shelter due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the storms. Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,000. All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds (that’s why we need your help), and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to submit an application for assistance is May 31, 2012. If you have questions about the program, please contact KAR at 800.264.2185. Materials and a complete explanation of the program can be found at www.kar.com. On another note, as I sit here writing, I am reminded of what our 2012 NAR president has to say about our nation’s real estate and his pledge to the members. I am not in any way trying to compare myself to Moe Veissi, but I, too, pledge to our KAR members that I will represent you to the best of my ability, always remembering that the REALTOR® is the heart of the deal. Like Moe, I think real estate in 2012 will be better for all of us both in Kentucky and across the country. I also want to take this time to thank you for allowing me to represent you and serve as your 2012 KAR president and, finally, to remind you in order to be at the table and not on the menu, you MUST do your fair share by giving to RPAC in 2012. Thanks again for allowing me to serve,
Ann D. McDonald 2012 KAR President
SPRING 2012 KENTUCKY REALTOR® 5