Making Dreams Come True

Courtesy of National Association of REALTORS

NAR AExperience: Spring 2024

Like many REALTOR® association executives, Janis Netherland relishes working in an industry that makes people’s dreams come true.

When she heard about Emily, a 19-year-old battling cancer whose greatest wish was to have a glamorous bedroom makeover, the director of philanthropy for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina knew just who to call: Cape Fear REALTORS®.

Suzie Lude, director of education at CFR and a longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer, built a “glam team,” including Government Affairs Director Kelsie Nagele and eight CFR members. In just one day, they worked for more than nine hours to make Emily’s dream bedroom happen, complete with new paint, furniture, lighting and more, thanks to the help of a matching $2,000 grant from the NC REALTORS® Housing Foundation.

“She is thrilled with her glitzy new bedroom,” Netherland says, adding that the room offers a respite for Emily, who dreams of becoming a nurse.

“Giving back to an organization like Make-A-Wish not only fosters a culture of camaraderie among our members but also positions agents who are REALTORS® to take ownership of caring for the community they live and work in,” says Janet Kane, RCE, CAE, CFR CEO.

With 400 children and young adults waiting for a wish in eastern North Carolina, CFR staff say they look forward to a continued partnership with Make-A-Wish Eastern NC and the opportunity for staff and members to help grant many more wishes.

Adds Kane: “I cannot tell you how much Emily’s story touches my heart personally. … I lost my older sister to leukemia at the age of 17, and she would have loved a room makeover! Truly a wonderful gift!”