lake zurich...and beyond

I finally took the plunge...I'm on Facebook!

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:43:42 -0600

I recently joined Facebook and I'm having so much fun connecting with far-flung family and friends...and even those friends who live just down the street (busy lives, you know how that goes). I'm not using Facebook for ANY business purposes...it's PURELY for fun & friendship.

I guess that is one reason I resisted joining for so long; when I left the day to day real estate business behind I also left the social media aspect of real estate behind as well. Some of you have noticed my absence here on AR and have emailed me (thank you so much for caring about me, you are all so sweet), but to be honest, I haven't felt like writing about anything real estate related, reading about anything real estate related or even talking about anything real estate related. I guess that proves how totally burned out I was with the real estate business!!

But I do miss the social aspect of Active Rain and so many of my Active Rain friends...so if you would like to touch base please feel free to contact me...via Facebook!! :)

I wish you all the very happiest of holidays and a year full of peace and joy.

"Joy is the feeling of grinning inside" ~ Melba Colgrove

Opinions are like belly buttons…

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:57:13 -0600

You know the saying,

"Opinions are like belly buttons...everybody has one."

When it comes to blog posts, have you noticed that more often than not, the comment stream supports the poster? Sometimes, however, an opposing viewpoint is posted in the comment stream...which then, interestingly enough, seems to give others with an opposing viewpoint the courage to post their own opinion. I find this "real" exchange of opinions to be the most interesting posts to read, and tend seek out posts that both support my personal opinion on a subject and those that do not.

Take, for instance, posts that are all about the power of positive thinking. I am a very positive person but also tend to be realistic. Call me an optimistic realist. I don't personally believe that positive thinking alone will pay the bills, but do believe that it is a very important ingredient for overall success. I love to read optimistic, motivating articles. But on the other hand I don't believe you should focus solely on positive thinking as a business plan. Stress, anxiety and doubt are part of life. How you deal with it makes all the difference. Some will ignore the negative aspects of life, which is equivalent to burying your head in the sand. Others will embrace both the negative and positive aspects of life and will learn and grow in the process.

How about you? Do you seek out posts that both support and contradict your own personal opinion? How do you decide just what to read...and comment on?

Random thoughts...

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:51:31 -0500

When I first started writing my blog several years ago, it was because I was an active real estate agent and I was interested in using it as a way to increase my web presence, communicate with clients and the public, commiserate and learn from other agents, and get my message across about how I do business. It was a daily event for me to log on to Active Rain, read other blogs and post my own articles about pretty much everything under the sun. And fun, too!

Although I no longer log on or post regularly (I'm busy and enjoying my new job, hanging out with my family, and traveling) I do wish to maintain an active web presence for my referral business. (My former clients and friends trust my recommendations and look to me for advise and referrals ~ I can't tell you how many times I've been contacted in the last 6 months!) I still feel the desire to write, though not nearly as often as I once did. Sometimes, that is because I want to share what's going on in my life currently, sometimes it is to rant about something that is bothering me, and sometimes it is simply to work out thoughts I have and get the opinion of others that I have come to know and respect.

Recently, I posted about a referral gone wrong. Perhaps it wasn't the nicest thing to do (I have since removed the post) but sometimes I feel so strongly about something that I simply have to voice my opinion. On the flip side of this, however, I have also been equally strong in voicing my appreciation and praise for companies and people that offer exceptional service and/or products. Although my recent blog was quite harsh in it's criticism of a particular company, there have been past posts in which I have strongly advocated and applauded this very same company. Does it balance out? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that it is important to remain true to yourself and to fight for what you believe in ~ whether it will result in change or not.

On another note, today, as I was taking Zoey the Wonder Puppy for a stroll around the block, I noticed several houses that were starting to look a little run down. The blogger ~ and former real estate agent ~ in me immediately started thinking of how I could incorporate my observations into a blog post. It's funny, isn't it, how you can find it difficult to think of anything to write about for weeks, and then suddenly a topic or two presents itself out of the clear blue?

As we walked, I was pondering whether it was the recession that has resulted in homes that were formerly well-manicured going to ruin, or whether these properties had new owners that didn't care as much as the former owners. It doesn't cost much to mow your yard, trim your bushes or pull a few weeds. Perhaps it's simply a symptom of people who have given up and just don't care anymore? While those few shabby homes bum me out, happily, many others in the neighborhood are actively sprucing up their homes with new siding and roofs, paint jobs, new driveways and front walks, and gorgeous landscaping. A sure sign that maybe things are improving out there and hope has returned, because these homeowners are spending a considerable amount of money on their homes ~ and who would do that if they didn't have faith in the real estate market?

So what are your thoughts? Are you seeing more sales and increased morale in your market, or are you seeing homes falling into disrepair? And why do you continue to blog after all this time? I'm just curious!

Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day! :-)

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

Improving Your Marketability

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:40:30 -0600

What makes you different and more marketable than your peers?

1. The Company You Keep

The company you choose to align yourself with says a lot about who you are as a professional. Is your company a well-respected market leader with high standards and a reputation for excellence?

2. Your Professional and Educational Experience

My combined education and background in law, administration, marketing, sales, customer service and management combine to make me a well-rounded individual. When I was a real estate agent, one of the main things that set me apart from the crowd was the fact that I had previously been a real estate paralegal, closing on average 500 transactions a year. That extensive legal knowledge and real estate experience ensured a successful transaction for my clients. What about your background or experience sets you apart?

3. Your Technical Expertise

It is becoming increasingly important in today's business world to learn, use and fully understand a variety of programs. I'm proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Outlook, QuickBooks, Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Acrobat, and also have a comprehensive understanding of blogging, website maintenance and search engine optimization. As a professional, you can no longer rely upon others to handle the technical stuff. If you aren't up to speed, take some time to learn new skills.

4. Your Interpersonal and Communication Skills

This is quite possibly the most important skill set to develop. Do you have strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to handle complex situations with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality? Are you detail-oriented, proactive and reliable? Do you have admirable business ethics?

If you were asked, "What makes you different?" how would you answer that question? Do you highlight your most marketable skills in your resume (otherwise known in real estate as your listing presentation)? Do you treat each and every client like a prospective employer? Do you take the time to learn new skills to improve your knowledge and expertise?

It doesn't really matter whether you are in real estate or pursuing a position in the corporate world, the principles of success are the same. Take a few moments out of your busy day today to think about what sets you apart. Is it your competence, creativity, commitment to excellence, communication skills, critical thinking, ethics, leadership ability and/or the reputation of your company? Incorporate and showcase these skills into your resume, presentation or interview, and I guarantee you'll become a more marketable and sought-after professional!

Customer Satisfaction: The Survey Says...

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:13:34 -0500

A recent article in REALTOR magazine stated that overall, more than 90% of buyers and 88% of sellers said they were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the services of their real estate professional. While these are great statistics, what it also means is that there are some clients that are, shall we say, less than satisfied with their agent. I don't know about you, but success to me = happy clients!

My goal is to provide exceptional service to my clients and I want to make sure that I continue to offer top-notch service in the future. To help keep myself on track, every client of mine receives a Client Satisfaction Survey form after the closing. Yes, every client.

<-----------This is what mine looks like.

Not only does this survey help me track my performance, but it is also a great way to remind my clients how much I value their business and friendship...as well as their referrals. Plus, they are able to include a "Happy Client Testimonial" if they wish, which I can then post on my website!

What are you doing to raise the bar on your performance for your clients? How do you track your client's satisfaction? If you don't send out a Client Satisfaction Survey...why not?

I love running into past clients!

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:22:42 -0600

Today I had the pleasure of running into some of my favorite past clients. None of them knew (yet) that I had left the business and gotten a new job so they were all surprised to say the least!

The first couple (Jeff & Lee) I met back in 2005. I helped them relocate from Florida to Illinois and along the way we developed a friendship. I also helped them buy a new house in 2007 and we tried (in vain) to sell a condo they own last year. We've been trading phone calls and emails for several months but I hadn't told them that I had left the business because I felt our friendship deserved that I deliver the news in person. As we caught up and I filled them in on my new life, they were so wonderfully supportive and complimentary. I told them that when the time came to put the condo back on the market that I would gladly refer them to another terrific agent. They said, "Kel, no one could possibly do everything you did for us." Awwww.

While running errands, I also ran into another of my favorite past clients. I completely admire this young woman who, as a single woman with a terrific job, bought a house of her own (and renovated it!) a few years ago. As we chatted and caught up, it occurred to me how many of my past clients I thoroughly enjoyed working with. Karen is definitely one of them.

I then stopped by Ann Taylor Loft (losing 12 pounds means new pants, yay!) and ran into yet another terrific past client. As I filled her in on my new dream job she said the most amazing thing, "I wish I could find a job like that!" No one ever coveted my real estate job (except the ones that thought it was all about looking at pretty houses, lol). In fact, when I was an agent most people went out of their way to mention that there was no way they could ever be a real estate agent (the crazy hours, the nights and weekends, the instability). But, having had a cutie-pie of a new baby recently, Katie saw my new work hours, schedule and vacation as a huge benefit. So do I!

It's always gratifying and fun to run into past clients. I love hearing all the renovation and decorating updates, learning of marriages and babies, and catching up. When you work with someone for several weeks or months and share in such an important milestone in someones life, you develop a relationship that (in many cases) transcends the transaction. In my opinion, it says a lot about the type of agent you are (or were) if you can count your clients among your friends!

It's been a terrific week for me. I started my new job on Monday, had the pleasure of having my son (who is in college) home for the weekend, and then ran into some wonderful past clients (er, I mean friends). Oh yeah, I also got paid on Friday. Hallelujah!

Lost...and Found

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:41:36 -0500

I admit it, I've lost my blogging mojo.

I've been called on the carpet about it by several people.

I apologize. Really I do.

I didn't think it would happen to me!

I just can't think of anything clever and real estate related to write about these days.

Scratch that.

I just can't think of anything to write about, period.

At least for now.

But oh, what I have found! Of course, those details are in a previous post, so I won't bore you again with my happy, sappy, self.

Suffice it to say, I love my new job! It's been keeping me busy, as has life in general.

Fulfillment beyond a paycheck?

You bet.

Need I say more?

There's more to life than real estate. I promise!

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:51:50 -0600

Real estate agents tend to be a little, well, obsessed with real estate. If you don't believe me take a quick peek around ActiveRain. Day or night, while at home or on vacation, during holidays and weekends, you will find agents here blogging away about every topic imaginable.

I completely understand the obsession. When I was an agent, I was obsessed as well. Looking back upon it, I now realize how much time I spent thinking about real estate, writing about real estate, working in real estate. It is, quite simply, an all-consuming profession.

When you first become an agent, you aren't immediately thrown into the craziness. As your business grows you constantly strive for better, more productive and more innovative ways to work. All that extra effort leads to more work, more buyers and more sellers.

Since building a successful business doesn't happen overnight, that all-consuming aspect of the business just creeps up on you like a shadow. You never even know what hit you! For some, that craziness is welcome and they thrive upon it. For others, like me, it is hard if not impossible to achieve a good work/life balance amid the chaos and 24/7 days.

When I decided to leave the real estate business I honestly expected that it would be a difficult transition from agent to non-agent because you pretty much have to do it cold turkey. The first few days and weeks I considered "detox" time. No more access to the MLS, no more phone calls at all odd hours of the day and night, no more late night blogging, working leads, worrying about how my sellers would come up with their next mortgage payment, or wondering whether the home inspection would reveal some scary deal-breaker defect. On the flip side, no more excitement of finding the "right" house and closing deals either.

What I found is that as I progressed through the days and then weeks of life outside of real estate, I started rediscovering who I am as a person instead of as an agent. I also started eating better, cooking more often, taking an exercise class, sleeping soundly, and smiling more. I can now go hours, if not whole days without checking my email. I even lost 9 pounds! Quite simply, I got my life back.

Since I'm not independently wealthy, I've been looking for a new opportunity (outside of my referral business). While interviewing for my transition back into the working world, I found myself walking through offices of cheerful, productive people who receive steady paychecks every two weeks and picturing myself in their midst. I'd always considered the "flexibility" of real estate to be a misnomer because it seemed like I was always working and the flexibility was me being flexible and working around the schedules of others. But these people got nights and weekends off! These people took vacations and were still paid for those days off! These people got benefits! Promotions! Lunch breaks! They had a life outside of the office!

Now, don't think for one minute that I don't fully understand what it's like to be in the regular business world. I've been there, done that. And I'm ready to do it again, with eyes wide open and a happy heart.

In fact, I just got a great job offer. It offers tons of vacation, fantastic hours, a professional environment and a wonderful opportunity to use all my old skills and learn new ones too. I'm going to say yes...yes to this new job, my new life. I'm so excited.

So what is the lesson in all of this? It's simple: If real estate is not making you happy, go out and find something that will. I promise you that there's more to life than real estate!

Life is a journey. Find your nirvana.

Failure is not an option

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:22:18 -0600

Lately, I've had several agents suggest to me that I should approach real estate as a numbers game...that is, that I should concentrate on listing as many homes as possible because in today's market, many listings are expiring or being cancelled and re-listed with another agent before they are finally sold. In other words, in order to have the same volume of sales in the coming year, I would need to list up to twice as many homes as last year.

I understand that it is harder to sell homes than in recent years. Market times are up, and it is more difficult to keep sellers happy. I understand the theory behind this practice of listing everything that has four walls and a roof. However, failure is unacceptable to me, always has been. When I list a home I expect to sell it!

What about all of those unhappy sellers whose homes I do not sell? Am I just supposed to walk away from them without a care in the world? What happens to my reputation if I do that? I simply cannot fathom wasting any of my budget, time, energy or life failing my clients. What is the sense in that?

This doesn't mean that I won't be prospecting and actively seeking as many listings as I can reasonably handle while still providing top-notch service. What this means is that if I don't believe I will be successful selling a particular home, I will not take the listing. Why take a listing just to take a listing?

Taking listings and selling homes is not a "game" to me. It is serious business. This is real life, with real people, real homes and real money. I'm not going to "play" with a listing on the off chance that it will sell. My reputation is everything to me, and I am building it based on the fact that I can get the job done.

No, this strategy won't work for me. Failure is not an option.

I am no longer a REALTOR®

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:45:18 -0600

Most of you already know that I am no longer a REALTOR®. Since my real estate license is in a holding company (Professional Referrals, Inc.), I am legally unable to practice real estate, even if I wanted to.

I must say, I am happier than I have been in a long, long time. I knew more than a year ago that I wanted to leave the real estate business but kept at it throughout 2008 anyway. Once the final decision was made and I was able to untangle myself from my client obligations and refer out all of my business, it was a like a weight that was lifted off my shoulders. I could breathe again.

I had a light bulb moment this weekend. We were with a group of friends, one of which is a dentist. He was talking about how business is down because of the economy, and everyone was sharing their experiences with their dentist (none of which were very positive, I must say). Before long I could see that he was starting to get somewhat defensive about his profession, and frustrated with the fact that nobody likes having to go to the dentist and is so verbal about it. That's when the light bulb went off for me.

When I was a REALTOR®, I often felt like that. Although my own clients appreciated me and were very happy with my services, the general public seems to have an overall distain for real estate agents. There were many times when I felt defensive or frustrated as people either complained about their REALTOR® or the fees they were charged, or about how they felt a real estate agent is unnecessary to the transaction. Real estate agents are often made the butt of jokes or slammed on message boards. They are attacked for what they do, how much they make, called swindlers and listed as one of the least-trusted professions in polls.

I always hated that. Worst than that, though, was the knowledge that there are many agents out there who are overpaid for what they do, that don't put their client's needs first, that are disciplined by the Board for unethical behavior and still making tons of money off their unsuspecting clients...agents who are completely deserving of being called a swindler and untrustworthy.

The experience of working in real estate allowed me to grow in many ways professionally and also allowed me to see both sides of an industry that is currently in flux. The real estate profession is changing daily and will continue to change as challenges are made to the commission structure and technological advances alter the nature of the job REALTORS® perform. There are many agents that I deeply respect and admire. For their sake, and for the sake of the public, I hope these changes result in higher industry standards and that unethical agents are given more than a slap on the wrist for their misdeeds. I hope that the outcome will be a deeper understanding and respect for the real estate profession. Most of all, I hope that in the future real estate agents are listed as one of the most-trusted professions in polls, and that real estate agents will no longer feel frustrated or defensive about their profession.

As for myself, I am happy that I am no longer a REALTOR® for many reasons, but I'd really like to be able to someday cross off lack of respect for the profession as one of those reasons.

If you are looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

Do you do what you say you're going to do?

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:19:29 -0600

I recently bought some toner online from a company called 007TONER. One of the toner cartridges turned out to be defective so I contacted the company and was told that they would replace it with a new one, but that I would need to speak to the manager, who was not there at the time. I was told that the manager would call me within 20-40 minutes. That was on December 23.

After about an hour with no phone call from the manager, I sent an email to the company. Their website promises a response to all emails within 30 minutes. Did I get a response? Nope. So I sent additional emails...December 30, January 5, January 8 and January 19. Obviously I will not be getting either a return phone call or email and my defective toner will most likely not be replaced by the company that promises this on their website:

"What if I receive a defective product?
If we sent you a defective product, we sincerely apologize. We will gladly send you a replacement or refund your purchase price in full. You have to have RMA# from us before sending anything back to us. Just follow the Easy Returns Process and follow the instructions. All defective products must be returned in the original packaging. Once the product is received it will be tested. If it is working properly 25% re-stocking fee will apply. Products returned without original packaging will be charge 25% restocking fees automatically even if the cartridge is defective."

I tend to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. In this case, I realized that my first contact was during the holidays when many people are on vacation or otherwise busy. That's why I continued to attempt to contact them to give them the opportunity to make good on their word. Unfortunately, this is a perfect example of a company that not only doesn't stand behind their product, but does not do what they say they will do.

In business and indeed in all of life, doing what you say you're going to do is paramount. That means returning phone calls or emails and standing behind your product or service. I don't have to tell you that I will never buy anything from 007TONER again, and I'll bet none of you will ever buy from them either. That is thousands of dollars of lost business, when replacing the one defective toner cartridge would have cost them just a few dollars. In this economy, who can afford to throw away thousands of dollars of business?

Do you do what you say you are going to do? If not, you're throwing away thousands of dollars of business. Is it worth it?

Put your agent on the spot!

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:05:03 -0600

Many traditional real estate companies dictate the marketing plans for the homes they list at the corporate level, allowing for very little flexibility by the agent. This means that they market each and every property identically.

As a consumer, you may think that this is a good thing. Why should a $500,000 home receive more marketing effort than your $200,000 home? Let me explain why I believe each house is completely and totally unique and should be marketed accordingly.

Here are some examples of the different types of homes you might run across in the greater Chicagoland area:

A pricey urban loft
A suburban 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home
A cabin in the woods with water rights
A condo located in an age restricted (55 & over) community

As you can see, each of these properties would, generally speaking, appeal to a distinctly different buyer. If the purpose of marketing is to target the potential buyer for the property, how can marketing each and every property the exact same way accomplish this?

In my opinion, it can't.

That's why I recommend that when you are interviewing prospective real estate agents you ask them what their company policy is in terms of marketing properties. Do they market each property the same way? Or is each agent empowered to design a marketing plan as individual and unique as your home? If so, exactly what does that marketing plan entail, and why?

Go ahead; put your prospective agent on the spot! Any good agent should be able to answer this question with a specific plan designed for your home.

Maximum targeted exposure = maximum results. Make sure you choose the right agent to list your home for sale!

One click above

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:08:11 -0600

The idea behind the terminology "one click above" is that you make a conscious effort to go above and beyond what others are doing or what is expected of you. It may be the service you provide, your attitude, your work ethic or even how you dress.

Most people, quite honestly, will do what is required of them, but will not go above and beyond to do an exceptional job. Why do extra work if you can get away with doing so much less?

How do you know if you are "one click above?"

In some professions, you might receive written testimonials from your clients. In other professions, you might hear words like this spoken by your clients, boss, friends or colleagues:

...it doesn't necessarily require an extended relationship to recognize a superior professional...

...working with you has been an absolute pleasure...

...it was truly a pleasure to work with you...you were always very professional, knowledgeable...

...without your "above and beyond the call of duty" help our transition would not have been nearly as smooth as it has been...

...thank you not only for a job well done but for making me feel well cared for...

...tireless effort and upbeat attitude...

...from the get-go we felt very confident that you were the right choice for us...

...from beginning to end she made us feel like we were her only client...

...absolutely amazing

...it was a great pleasure to work with you...

...we feel so thankful to have found you and will recommend your services to anyone...

...we never had to worry if things were moving along or being taken care of...

...her professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail were very reassuring...

...I am confident that the process went so smoothly because of you...

...my highest recommendation...

Do you stand out in the crowd? Do you go all out in the effort you give to a project or task? Do you provide a product or service that is exceptional and different from what is expected? Do you have raving fans?

What do you do that makes you "one click above" the rest? Can you give examples of yourself or other businesses or service providers that are consistently "one click above" everyone else?

As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I help match clients with the perfect agent to help them buy or sell their home.

A new chapter begins...

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:27:14 -0600

Have you ever asked yourself "Is this all there is?" and upon reflection realized that the work you are currently doing may not be what you want to do long term?

For nearly a year I've wrestled with that question and pondered the alternatives. I have come to the ultimate conclusion that I need to make a fundamental change in my life. No longer willing to work 24/7 in this business, I've decided to take a sabbatical from assisting buyers and sellers while I pursue new and different challenges and opportunities. I will not be giving up the benefits of my real estate license, but will operate on a referral basis through Professional Referrals, Inc. - referring to top agents locally and across the country.

I truly believe that sometimes you have to take some time to immerse yourself in another environment in order to see your life from a different perspective. To listen to what your heart and soul are telling you and to be inspired to embrace the next stage of your personal journey.

So it is with excitement and optimism that I make this announcement. I've never been someone who does things half way. I immersed myself fully into my career as a real estate agent and was (happily) very successful. I gave it every ounce of my time, energy, resources and effort. I have no regrets. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best, my colleagues at RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest, and all of my wonderful real estate friends and clients over the years. That being said, I feel that it is only right to give 100% to my future endeavors as well.

Working in this business has been both a pleasure and privilege for me and I hope to continue to share insights based on my professional experience and/or to put you in touch with other resources to help guide you in your journey. I'll still be here blogging away - writing, training, consulting and sharing my take on the local real estate market as well as tidbits about my favorite people, places and things to do in Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities - simply from a slightly different perspective. I hope you'll stay tuned.

2008 Lake Zurich High School Charity Bash is in FULL SWING!

Kelly Sibilsky (Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD.) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:48:06 -0600

Since 2003, the Lake Zurich High School Student Council has enthusiastically organized a school-wide charity event called Charity Bash. In past years, they have raised money for The Ryan York Foundation, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Lung Association, The American Brain Tumor Association and One Step at a Time Camps...raising the amazing amount of $144,484.00 for these organizations over the past five years!

This year, they've chosen The Muscular Dystrophy Association as their charity of choice, in memory of Kathleen Surdynski, a Lake Zurich High School German language teacher who passed away earlier this year from respiratory issues associated with the disease.

Charity Bash kicked off with an assembly on December 3rd to get the students motivated and to educate them about MDA. Throughout this week, they've held various activities to raise money: everything from dodge ball, badminton and basketball tournaments to bake sales, talent shows, board games, auctions and concerts. None of this would be possible without the generous assistance of the Lake Zurich community and local businesses, for which we are all grateful.

Especially during the holiday season, encouraging students and the community to get involved in raising money for a charity is truly the best gift of all.

I'll be back to update with this year's Charity Bash fundraising total as soon as those figures are made available.

**UPDATE** This year's charity bash set a new fund raising record! $43,866 was raised! Way to go LZHS!

Happy Holidays, Lake Zurich!