Realtors donate to nonprofits

Eighteen Sanders County organizations received a check from Clearwater Properties during a recent gathering in Trout Creek. Businesses and club representatives attended the event at the Lakeside Motel and Resort. Realtors donate a percentage of their commissions to predesignated nonprofits.

"When we sell a house, we ask the buyer if they have an organization that they want to donate to," Broker Jeanette Carr-Smith said. The money is taken off the top and put into a bank account for the end of year donations. "If a client does not choose a nonprofit to donate to, we choose one and still put a percentage in the bank," Carr- Smith said.

Dave Anderson from the Cabinet Ridge Riders attended the donation ceremony to represent the organization. "I am the chief and president of the club," Anderson said. He is also part of the Trout Creek Fire Department and was given a check for that entity as well.

Debb McNary accepted the awards for the Trout Creek Senior Center and the Community Improvement Association. Others to receive funds were the Thompson Falls Rex Theater, TRACS and Thompson Falls Rural Fire District. Several Noxon and Trout Creek organizations received a check. They include Sanders County Fellowship Group, Heron Volunteer Fire, Noxon VFW, Noxon Senior Center, Noxon PTO, Noxon Food Bank, Trout Creek Foundation for Wildlife Management, Noxon Bi-Centennial Park, Noxon Rural Fire, Sanders County Rocky Ridge Saddle Club and Sanders County Community Development in Thompson Falls.

Shannon Sorg from the Noxon Fire Department said he has been in the department for a year. "I was on the ambulance team, but they needed me on fire so I switched and I like it better."

"We love our community and are happy to help them out," Clearwater agent Jennifer Thrash said of the event.

"We appreciate what all the nonprofits do for Sanders County," Allison Aumiller said. Those realtors who were present and have donated are Aumiller, Mandy Krueger, Mark Smith, Carr-Smith, Thrash and Lisa Wood.