History and Mission

The AREW Charitable Fund, a not-for-profit affiliate of AREW, was established as part of our ongoing commitment to support women in New York real estate related education and other charitable activities. The Charitable Fund has two primary areas of focus: supporting Women In Need (WIN), a non-profit organization that helps women and families become independent, and funding scholarships for students in real estate programs at New York City colleges and universities. Charitable Fund volunteers mentor students, volunteer at WIN facilities and participate in a wide range of fundraising activities.

A donation to the AREW Charitable Fund is a wonderful and meaningful way to recognize, honor or memorialize a colleague, friend or loved one. Click here to do so. Donation cards are available here.

Highlights
The Charitable Fund continued its work with Women in Need (WIN) through support for the Champions for Children Program.  The Charitable Fund has donated $12,000 to WIN to support 10 children from day care to afterschool programs.

The 2008-2009 year also saw record participation in the annual Secret Santa drive. Over 260 children in WIN residences received wished-for presents from AREW members, who generously demonstrated the true spirit of the holiday season. Secret Santa gifts were organized at the November luncheon and were brought to the December luncheon for pick up and distribution by WIN to the children. In addition to these programs The AREW Charitable Fund supports WIN through card sales at the holidays and Mother’s Day. Thanks to the generosity of AREW members and friends, more than $1,500 was donated to Women in Need through the sales of these specially designed cards.

The Charitable Fund also continued a long-standing tradition of supporting women entering the field of real estate by underwriting scholarships to real estate students at New York University, Columbia University School and Baruch College.  A special scholarship was endowed with the proceeds from the 30th anniversary gala in honor of AREW's first president, Merle Gross-Ginsburg.  Two scholarships in the amounts of $7,500 and $2,500 were awarded to MacKenzie Landers and Emily Cabrera, NYU Schack Real Estate Institute graduate students.

A clothing drive to benefit Bottomless Closet, an organization used by WIN clients was held in April.

A fundraiser named WIN WIN WIN Event raised nearly $4,000 for WIN.  Clothing and models were donated by Jess Ware, a clothing designer and the space and refreshments were donated by Twenty Ninth Madison Towers.