RASM Quarterly Humanitarian Award

Quarter 3 Winner: Andrea Capek, Realtor®, Exit King Realty

RASM has established a Humanitarian Award to be bestowed quarterly, designed to recognize the Realtors® who are doing great things in our community. We want to show our members and the two-county area that Realtors® make up a large part of our community’s success.

The RASM Community Outreach Committee has proudly recognized Andrea Capek, Realtor® with Exit King Realty, as the “Humanitarian of the Quarter” recipient for the third Quarter of 2020.

Andrea Capek is passionate about helping others in every way she can. Whether she is doing small, daily acts of kindness for one person, or organizing large events that help many, Andrea has a humble heart for others and loves to serve the community.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

Among Andrea’s many other philanthropic endeavors, she dedicates her time to organizing a Holiday Toy Drive which benefits four organizations: SPARCC, Mothers Helping Mothers, Child Protection Center, and for the first time, Children First. These toys are donated to families with children who are struggling financially during Christmas time and in great need of extra cheer. The holiday season can be extra difficult for struggling families and programs like this can make all the difference to a child in need. Toys for all age groups, from infants to teenagers, boys and girls, are greatly appreciated to provide every child with a meaningful gift.

The program works by placing toy donation drop boxes at several area businesses. Toys must be new and unwrapped. Last year, Andrea secured 20 area businesses throughout Bradenton and Sarasota who were willing to support her effort by offering to be a toy box donation center starting around November 1st. Hundreds of toys were donated in years past and Andrea is hoping for an even larger turn out this year as the need has never been greater. The toys can either be dropped off at the donation locations, or brought to the Grand Finale on December 2, at Evie’s Tavern & Grill located in downtown Sarasota on Main Street. This December will mark the 8th year that Andrea has organized this worthy event. All donations will be evenly split between the four organizations to provide families with a brighter holiday season. RASM is proud to participate as a donation location this year.

DESIGNING DAUGHTERS

Andrea is also a member and supporter of Designing Daughters, a group comprised of women from all walks of life that volunteer their time to help raise funds and grant them to local community nonprofits within Sarasota and Manatee counties. The group raises money during the year, and then they give out grants to organizations that are nominated throughout the membership. The total funds raised are approximately $90,000-$100,000 every year, and the individual grants average $5,000 each, depending on the number of organizations nominated.

HELPING OTHERS

Andrea continues to be involved in various other acts of kindness in our community. Andrea, along with her close friend Christine, befriended an elderly, 81-year-old homeless woman named Wilma. Obviously in great need, the women worked together to find Wilma permanent housing and establish a GoFundMe account to provide for her basic needs. They were also able to connect her with a social worker for ongoing care and they remain connected to her, even throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This is just one example of the many things Andrea does, often without recognition and behind the scenes, to help those in need.

RASM sincerely thanks Andrea Capek, and all our members who volunteer and give to our community and make a difference in the lives of others. To nominate someone for the RASM Humanitarian Award, email outreach@myrasm.com.•