On Jan. 10, employees of Resources Real Estate celebrated the launch of the first group deed in the #20Deeds2020 campaign with donations for Ronald McDonald House. The drive was organized by Jo Ann Davenport of the commercial division.
Resources Real Estate is launching “20 Deeds in 2020” to honor its founder and inspiration Carolynn Ozar Diakon who started the company 20 years ago.
Diakon died in 2019. She is remembered as someone who overcame many hardships in her personal life and was known for her efforts on behalf of mental health, historic preservation, victims of domestic abuse, women’s health and more.
One dramatic example included Diakon taking her family in a rented RV to New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina to assist in relief efforts, the company said. Diakon received the Clara Barton Corporate Humanitarian Award from the New Jersey Red Cross in 2013 because of her commitment to help others.
“It’s simple really – we want to change the world,” said Thomas McCormack, Broker for Resources Real Estate, who worked with Diakon since 2002 and was her business partner since 2010.
Resources Real Estate is asking people to perform 20 good deeds during the course of the year. To maximize the impact, the first good deed each participant must perform is to find 20 more people willing to make the same commitment.
“We intend to create a ripple effect throughout our community, the state of New Jersey and beyond,” said McCormack, “to create a movement that will, in time, improve the lives of thousands of people.”
The campaign is using hashtag #20Deeds2020 on social media. There are no rules as to what constitutes a good deed. Everything qualifies, big or small, grand or modest, solo or group, public or anonymous, they said.
In addition, the organizers hope the campaign will provide a platform for many nonprofits to gain wider attention and support. The company’s commercial division has initiated an effort to collect items needed by Ronald McDonald House of Central NJ, located in Long Branch, which provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment in local medical facilities.
Other initiatives include promoting volunteerism at Lunch Break in Red Bank and Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove, food donations to the Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry and other efforts. Some local businesses will provide rewards for those participating in the challenge.
To join the challenge or find out more information on volunteer opportunities and promotions, visit the Facebook page 20Deeds2020 or search social media feeds for #20deeds2020.
The Carolynn Ozar Diakon Foundation was created by her family and Resources Real Estate to honor her spirit, with a mission to empower women who face challenges of all kinds. Carolynn’s husband Robert Diakon and her three adult children, Gabriel Diakon, Christopher Ozar and Brett Diakon, will direct the organization along with Thomas McCormack, Broker of Resources Real Estate.
