By Peggy Andrews
Special to The SUN
While working hard to help individuals buy or sell property in southwest Colorado, Pagosa Springs Realtors have been quietly supporting their local community.
For 15 years, the Pagosa Springs Area Association of Realtors (PSAAR) has raised funds for Bucks for Bikes, a program started by local real estate brokers. Bucks for Bikes takes donated funds and purchases brand new bikes to give to disadvantaged local children for Christmas. In 2012, Bucks for Bikes provided 17 new bikes locally as gifts.
Another program partially funded by PSAAR members’ donations is Archuleta Scholarships in Escrow. Participating brokers donate automatically to this fund out of each closing check. Funds are accumulated and credited to Pagosa Springs High School graduates based on an academic point system. Funds earned in high school are available to the student to pay for college expenses for up to five years after graduation. Archuleta Scholarships in Escrow began in 1990. During the last three years, PSAAR members have contributed $17,500 directly to A.S.E.
A new initiative of PSAAR is the Pagosa Springs Realtors Community Outreach (PSRCOR). This program was created to raise funds for local organizations that rely on donations to operate. PSRCOR has selected the Pagosa Youth Center, Pagosa Outreach Connection and Bucks for Bikes as the initial recipients.
The Pagosa Youth Center is a place for local youth and teens ages 12-19 to gather after school in a drug-free environment until their parents can pick them up after work. The center has a basketball court, game room, computer room, and provides meals and healthy snacks. The Youth Center also has a summer day camp program for children ages 5-12.
Pagosa Outreach Connection is a community-based organization that helps locals with assistance for many needs including rent, utilities, medical expenses and other necessities.
PSRCOR is holding a fund-raising event tonight, Aug. 8, at the Diamond Hitch Stables, 2404 Piedra Road from 5 to 10 p.m. The Cowboy Campfire Fund-raiser will be a great night of fun and entertainment including a barbecue dinner, live country music, hayrides, horse rides, a scavenger hunt for kids, a silent auction, door prizes and more.
Tickets are available at the PSAAR office (731-4015), Wyndham and at the door. All net proceeds from the event will be donated to the above-mentioned organizations.
