GAR Supports Georgia’s Foster Children
Georgia REALTORS® and Bloom Join Forces to Provide Critical Resources for Foster Children Statewide
ATLANTA, Feb. 28, 2025 – The Georgia REALTORS® (GAR) partnered with Bloom to make a lasting impact on Georgia’s foster children during its 2025 Inaugural & Legislative Conference in Atlanta, held February 17-21. Over 1,000 REALTORS® in Georgia participated throughout the week, assembling more than 1,000 hygiene kits and collecting more than 200 pairs of children’s jeans—critical resources for children in foster care.
This initiative, led by GAR’s Communications Committee and spearheaded by Committee Chair Simah Benyamin of Covington, reflects the association’s commitment to community service and advocacy. Through hands-on participation, REALTORS® from across Georgia came together to provide essential items that foster children often lack when entering new placements. Each hygiene kit included a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, a comb, and a note of encouragement written directly from REALTORS®. Denim was donated in various children’s sizes. Throughout the year, GAR is committed to continuing to grow these donations.
“Georgia REALTORS® are deeply invested in the communities we serve, and that extends beyond housing,” said 2025 GAR President Stephen P. Walker. “Partnering with Bloom allowed us to make a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of Georgia foster children, ensuring they have basic necessities and feel supported.”
Bloom, a nonprofit dedicated to providing vital resources for children in foster care, was grateful for the partnership and support from GAR.
“Every child deserves to feel valued and supported, especially during challenging transitions. These hygiene kits and clothing donations will provide much-needed comfort and stability to the thousands of foster children Bloom serves across Georgia,” said Becky Davenport, President and CEO of Bloom. “We are incredibly thankful to the Georgia REALTORS® for their generosity and dedication to making a difference.”
The success of this initiative highlights the power of collective action, reinforcing the role REALTORS® play in strengthening communities beyond the real estate transaction.
The Georgia REALTORS® (also referred to as “Georgia Association of REALTORS®”) is a voluntary professional association of approximately 47,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons engaged in all aspects of the real estate business throughout Georgia. GAR is the leading advocate for the real estate industry in Georgia, committed to protecting private property rights and free enterprise, maintaining ethical and professional standards, and enhancing the public’s awareness and confidence in REALTORS®.
Photos:
Top right: GAR Communications Committee member Jonnie Phillip (right), who is also the Association Executive for the Fayette County Board of REALTORS®, delivered completed hygiene kits and bags of denim to Bloom staff at their facility in Fayetteville.
Middle right: Bins collected more than 200 pairs of jeans for children during the GAR Inaugural & Legislative Conference.
Lower left: GAR members stopped by the hygiene kit packing table during the conference to pack supplies and write notes of love and encouragement to went into every kit.