When I was putting together TEAM ERIC for the Greatest Real Estate Agent in the World Contest, I was pretty specific in how I built the team. There was a reason that Greg Swann was on the team. There was a reason for EACH member. Many of the team members did not talk to each other much in the emails that went flying everywhere, but individually they all talked with me. Everyone who was on that team was VITAL to its success. One of the things that united our whole team was that they are all “givers” and “doers”. There were (and are) no “show dogs”. The team was comprised of dogs who know how to hunt or pull a sled.
One of the members of our team is Charles Richey and his wife Jacqui. Charles does the webmastering and marketing support while his wife does the selling in Las Vegas. Charles is a giving, caring soul who is now faced with battling Guillaume Barre Disease and has been in the ICU for the past few days. The good news is that the outlook is positive. Many make a full recovery (after an extended stay in the hospital and physical therapy). This will be a long battle. One that ANY of us here could find ourselves in. But, like many REALTORS, Charles and Jacqui are battling without health insurance.
I am capitalist through and through, but that comes also with the fact that I am a loyal friend to a teammate and believe in helping fellow travelers and paying it forward. One does not truly work without the other. And as REALTORS we are all teammates to a large extent.
A fund has been set up here. If you can spare some, it is greatly needed and would be appreciated big time. Many REALTORS and more than a couple of vendors have offered support. I will chronicle their efforts down the road a bit.
Thanks a bunch for whatever you can do. I know times are tough right now and purse strings are tight. Even a small donation from a large number of folks would help immensely.
I would consider it a personal favor.
Missy Caulk says:
Thanks Eric, I donated through sellisus site this morning. Many thoughts and prayers for Charlie, let’s hope with all the postings everyone can donate a little, it will add up quickly.
June 25, 2008 — 5:00 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Awesome. Thanks Missy. We are trying to get the word out far and wide on this.
Thanks for your generosity!
Eric
June 25, 2008 — 5:16 am
Jay Thompson says:
Thanks Eric, for spreading the word. Charles is a terrific person, very giving of his time and knowledge. It would be great it a few could pay that forward and drop just a few bucks in the hat. Every dollar will mean something to Charles and Jacqui.
June 25, 2008 — 7:20 am
Greg Swann says:
We’re mailing a check. Our corporate PayPal account is tied up with Unchained money and Vlad money, and I don’t want to confuse things by adding our own money to the mix.
Here’s another thing people can do that might make a difference: Refer business to Jacqui Richey. Like Phoenix, Las Vegas is an REO berry patch right now, so it’s a good time for serious investors to pick up properties that will cash-flow at very low prices. High percentage of tenants, albeit with a high percentage of credit problems, but it’s a Wild West state if landlords need to evict.
Here’s another idea: You’ve always wanted that Vegas seasonal, part rental, part getaway retreat. Let Jacqui help you find it.
June 25, 2008 — 7:27 am
Eric Blackwell says:
To quote someone else I know…
“Bless you,sir”
Eric
June 25, 2008 — 7:49 am
Eric Bramlett says:
Donated, blogged, tweeted, and posted on a forum. Let’s get the word out!
June 25, 2008 — 8:20 am
Ken Smith says:
Eric thanks for helping get out the word. Was up sending emails until 2am last night trying to drum up some donations for Charles.
Hope people realize that even small amounts can make a difference. If you can only afford $5 then please send it, every little bit helps. Had someone email me and ask if $5 per month for the next few months would be ok as it’s all they can afford. Told them it was great and that ongoing support is going to be needed for Charles as he has a long road to recovery.
Thanks for everyones help, sure Charles will really appreciate it.
June 25, 2008 — 9:32 am
Matt Pellerin says:
I am so impressed and touched by everyone’s response to this cause! It’s really amazing what can happen online in just a few short days.
Thanks for the post Eric, and thank you Greg for asking him to write this. You guys rock!
God Bless Charles and Jacqui (and all who have helped out in their time of need).
Matt Pellerin – Realtor
June 25, 2008 — 1:24 pm
Dan says:
For anyone who can’t donate $$ but wants to help anyway, how about giving Jacqui a little link love?
June 25, 2008 — 8:22 pm