The Chicago Association of REALTORS® proudly presented our 136th Annual Inaugural Gala on Thursday, September 26. During the festivities, we debuted our 2019-2020 Board of Directors and honored several members for their contributions throughout the year, including the recipient of the REALTOR® Community Service award.
The REALTOR® Community Service Award recognizes outstanding achievements of a REALTOR® to his or her local community as well as active association participation.
REALTOR® Community Service: Candice Payne
Candice Payne, Managing Broker of 5th Group Realty and Management, is a serial entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist. In February, when the polar vortex struck Chicago, Candice was heartbroken thinking about those who would be without shelter – and she took action. She purchased twenty hotel rooms to help homeless men, women and families get through the first night, and her efforts went viral. Donations and support from around the nation poured in, and over 120 Chicagoans received shelter, food, clothes and other necessities for four nights! Candice has since received special recognition by Cook County, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and national media outlets. Her experience led to the founding of her charity, Action for a Cause, which uses her real estate expertise to find homes and long-term care and career solutions for displaced Chicagoans.