Media Contact:
Leeanna Varga
The Second Step
lvarga@thesecondstep.org
(617) 965-2026

Lexington Realtors Hold Fundraiser for The Second Step



Lexington, Mass., July 15, 2002 -- Real estate agents are in the business of making homeowners’ dreams come true. A group of Lexington realtors are also in the business of helping fulfill the dreams of homeless families. Last December, more than 50 agents from Carlson Real Estate in Lexington turned their usual holiday party into a fun and exciting fundraiser to benefit The Second Step, an organization in Newton which serves families who are homeless because of domestic abuse. The event was organized by Carlson Vice President Diane McIver and realtor Camille Goodwin and included a dinner at Dalya’s in Bedford, as well as a raffle and auction for items ranging from television sets to cameras to a Cape Cod get-a-way. The event brought in more than $4,200 to support the families in residence at The Second Step as they transition from homelessness to independence.

McIver said that the realtors’ motivation for organizing the event was to benefit people in need. “We are thrilled that this groups of realtors decided to share the holiday spirit with women and children who have experienced the trauma of violence and abuse,” said Liz Kirsch, Executive Director of The Second Step. “Their event raised much-needed funds to help our families get back on their feet and helped spread the word about our work in the Lexington community.” The families served by The Second Step come from across the state of Massachusetts, the majority having lived in the Greater Boston area. Founded in 1992, The Second Step has served more than 250 women and children in its residence and 780 through outreach services.