RISMEDIA, June 18, 2010—Century 21 Town & Country of Utica, Mich. announced it is the number one Easter Seals fundraising office in 2009. Easter Seals has been the sole philanthropic partner of Century 21 since 1979.
According to the company, in 2009, Century 21 Town & Country raised $647,618 in total donations for Easter Seals, bringing the company’s lifetime total giving to $10.4 million since 1992.
A long-time supporter of Easter Seals, broker and owner John Kersten has integrated the charity into the company culture for the last 18 years, leading hundreds of agents in volunteer efforts to support the organization’s mission. In addition to direct contributions, Kersten and his colleagues also organize car raffles, poinsettia sales and other special events to raise funds.
Kersten was recognized by Easter Seals at a ceremony last month for being the number one fundraiser for more than a decade. In addition, Kersten received the Easter Seals National Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2002 and was named President of the Century 21 Easter Seals Blue Ribbon Committee Initiative in 2005.
Earlier this year, Century 21 Real Estate LLC surpassed $100 million in funds raised for and donated directly by the franchise system to Easter Seals, delivering on its system-wide goal of surpassing the $100 million fundraising mark during the 30th anniversary year of their philanthropic partnership. “We are extremely grateful to John Kersten and Century 21 Town & Country for their dedication to our mission and the families served by Easter Seals,” said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. “It is through the outstanding commitment and generosity of companies like Century 21 that we are able to provide our critical, high-quality services to those who need them.”
“John and his team have not only contributed to Century 21’s fundraising efforts for Easter Seals, but have instilled support of the organization into Town & Country’s overall culture,” said Rick Davidson, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “We admire their enthusiasm and dedication to this cause and applaud all he has done for the many families Easter Seals supports.”
For more information, visit www.century21.com.
