LeRoy Bendickson is named SPAAR Hero

Giving back helps build better communities for everyone, and it’s one of the reasons LeRoy Bendickson got involved.

As a lifelong Minnesotan, a Veteran and a Scout master, LeRoy has been instrumental in two big volunteer endeavors: the MS 150 and Wreaths Across America.

The MS 150 is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world, and LeRoy helped coordinate a team from Edina Realty in 1995 that included 12 riders and raised $8,000. Last year, this grew to 292 riders who collectively raised $250,000 to help people living with multiple sclerosis.

LeRoy is also passionate about the Wreaths Across America project to see wreaths placed on each of the 260,000 monuments at Fort Snelling to honor the Veterans, show gratitude and never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s important to volunteer and give back to your community,” said LeRoy, who shared how his eight-year-old grandson tossed a jellyfish back into the ocean in Florida after it had washed up on shore and, despite being stung by it, made a difference. “No matter your passion, you can use it for someone else’s benefit. From the littlest to the biggest actions, each person can make a difference.”

Prior to starting in real estate, which includes 31 years with Edina Realty, LeRoy owned an office product company. He sold that business to another company as Office Depot and similar stores were moving into the area and pursued real estate on the suggestion that he’d be good at it. LeRoy has been honored for his volunteerism many times over the years including in 2011 when he received the NAR Good Neighbor Award.

Congratulations, LeRoy, on being named SPAAR Hero!