Grateful to REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Board and members who give back

Mission-driven, giving back, making an impact. These are the kinds of phrases that resonated loud and clear when the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation of the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® shared their reasons for getting involved.

“I believe in the mission of supporting nonprofits that are vital to the community,” said Foundation Board Member Diana Allen who attributes her dedication to service to her parents. “Grassroots volunteering can drive meaningful social and environmental progress and make a real impact on the communities where we live and work.”

This statement echoed with other Foundation board members, too, who in addition to Diana include Affiliate SPAAR members Mark Espersen and Darcy McDonald, and four Realtors®, all who have served a year as SPAAR President in addition to their service on REALTORS® Charitable Foundation; these individuals are Tracy Baglio, Patti Jo Fitzpatrick, Man Huynh and Amy Peterson.

Sharing the same commitment to service and knowing the collective efforts of those involved to create lasting change are among the favorite parts of being involved in the Foundation for Tracy Baglio.

“We don’t just help people buy and sell homes – we help build communities,” said Tracy, who says being part of the Foundation is being part of something bigger than yourself. “Together, we can create meaningful change, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the results.”

For Man Huynh, it’s all about connection. Man considers himself a leader and a connector who is passionate about bridging the gap in homeownership through his work with homeowners and future homeowners of all different backgrounds; Man was named the first-ever Asian American Minnesota Realtor® of the Year for this work. He is a seasoned volunteer servant in his community with nonprofit organizations and active at all levels of the Association.

Darcy McDonald joined the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Board of Directors in 2025 as an Affiliate member seeking an opportunity to meet like-minded agents and volunteers while gaining skills in problem-solving, communications, teamwork and leadership.

“When you give back even more, it allows you to boost your happiness and purpose,” said Darcy, whose parents instilled in her the importance of service. “Making new friends and connections, learning new skills and growing, each of these these make a difference in helping those in need.”

Mark Espersen is the other Affiliate member who serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors where he’s dedicated his time and talent over the years from event planning, soliciting sponsorships and lending a helping hand in any capacity as needed. Mark is also an active volunteer with Toys for Joy, another nonprofit organization affiliated with SPAAR.

Giving back to the community and increasing a positive view of the real estate industry were factors in Amy Peterson joining the Foundation’s Board of Directors 12 years ago. As a child, Amy’s volunteer activities included helping her mom, assisting with Sunday School classes and with a Brownie Girl Scout Troop, and they’ve continued ever since.

“Volunteering aligns with my values of compassion, community and making a positive impact whether big or small,” said Amy. “I find joy in seeing others thrive, and it’s a great way to get to know more SPAAR members, be a connector of services and resources, and give back in the areas where we live and work.”

Patti Jo Fitzpatrick has been instrumental in many of the Foundation’s events and successes over the years and says it’s an honor to be a part of the student scholarship process each year, providing a check to the students and learning about their future education endeavors. Similarly, grants and donations with resources and proceeds that go back into the local community are among the reasons she remains an active volunteer.

One quote Patti Jo shares that inspires and resonates with her is, “If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” (author unknown)

SPAAR members have supported the Foundation over the years by attending events, suggesting organizations for grants, sharing information about the scholarship program open to members' kids and grandkids and, most recently, attending the Foundation's first-ever Poured with Purpose event held in October.

Interested to be more involved? REALTORS® Charitable Foundation is currently welcoming new members to its Board of Directors from within the SPAAR membership. Email Joe McKinley at jmckinley@spaar.com if you’d like to learn more.