MetroTex Association of Realtors Helping December 26 Tornado Victims

North Texas hit by EF-4 and EF-3 tornadoes on Saturday, Dec. 26. (Photo: GJ McCarthy)

American Airlines gave $100,000 to the American Red Cross for the victims of last Saturday’s tornados, and now watch out: Texas Realtors are kicking in.

As the needs of those impacted by the tornados on December 26 are evolving, MetroTex is responding in a variety of ways to help. Here’s what we’ve done so far and how you can help further:

Online, MetroTex has created a resource page with information about where to donate, volunteer, find relief and precautions to take. We are updating the site as more information becomes available.

A formal request has been sent to TAR to help activate the Realtors Relief Fund for any Realtors or members affected by the killer storm — we know of at least two.

• President Russell Berry has appointed a Tornado Relief Task Force. This task force will be meeting to organize efforts and a plan of action to assist members who may have been affected by the devastating storms.
• MetroTex has sent a formal request to the Texas Association of REALTORS, requesting that they activate the Texas REALTORS Relief Fund. Information on how to obtain assistance will be forthcoming and posted at the MetroTex Cares Page.

But MetroTex needs your help. Please provide them with the name, address and contact information for any MetroTex REALTOR and Affiliate members you know who have been impacted by the tornados in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall or Ellis counties.

If you can help, please consider donating cash or gift cards rather than material goods. Find out where to donate. The exception is the bottled water drive organized by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) North Texas Chapter, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Dallas Fort Worth Chapter, Dallas Association of Realtists (DAR). You can contact them at 214-876-4567 or go to the NAHREP Facebook page for more information.

MetroTex Charitable and Educational Trust is a 501(c)(3) foundation that can be utilized to help support relief efforts for MetroTex members. Should you wish to make a cash donation for the benefit of MetroTex members please follow the directions below:

Checks should be made payable to “MetroTex Charitable and Educational Trust” and kindly write “Tornado Damage Assistance” on the check stub or on the memo line of the check. Checks can be mailed to: 8201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247, Attn: Cecilia Beerer.

If you prefer to make a credit card payment, please contact Cecilia Beerer at 214-540-2707 and she can assist with processing the payment over the phone.

Donations to the MetroTex Charitable and Educational Trust are fully tax deductible, and we will mail receipts to all donors during the next few weeks.