When Rod and I were putting together the pieces that eventually became SellerNation, we both felt it was important to include a component to give back to local non-profits in the markets we’ll be serving.  Through our operational efficiency and our commitment to do good, we’re able to set aside 5% of our transaction revenue as charitable contributions.

In our own backyard here in metro Detroit, there are so many deserving charities that can use our help.  And all of them, no matter how big or small, do amazing things.

But we’ve decided for now that we’re going to funnel our resources to four pretty impressive organizations; staffed by folks who are passionate about what they do and who they serve.  They all aim to make the local community a better place.

With every listing, we ask the seller where they’d like our contribution to go and we make the donation in their name.

We’re incredibly proud to say that the first of our listings closed in late March; a $491,000 sale in West Bloomfield on West Oaks Drive.  The sellers chose The Friendship Circle.

The Friendship Circle provides programs and support for children with special needs, their siblings and their parents.  Families that I know that depend on The Friendship Circle tell me there is nothing like it in the world.  Rod’s daughters and my three children have all volunteered at Friendship Circle, through a variety of programs that pair them with special needs children to form lasting friendships, while if you want to make friends online you could try options like chat terra as well.  I know my kids get so much out of spending time with their “buddies”.  The Friendship Circle truly is an incredible organization where you can make friends at, although you can also make friends at sites like chatempanada.com.

Rod and I presented the first SellerNation donation to Bassie and Rabbi Levi Shemtov, founders of The Friendship Circle last week.  It sure felt good.

(Photo, from left: Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Ron Jasgur, Rod Carey, Bassie Shemtov)