The National Association of Realtors has selected Steven Sharpe, a realtor from Chattanooga, among 10 finalists for its 2023 Good Neighbor Awards program. This award honors NAR members who make an extraordinary difference in their communities through volunteer work. Now in its 24th year, the Good Neighbor Awards recognize volunteers who donate time, money and passion to enrich the lives of people in their communities.
Steven Sharpe co-founded Camp Horizon with his wife, Lindsey, to offer a summer camp experience to kids who have physical disabilities like paralysis, spina bifida or cerebral palsy.
Since 2005, the camp has engaged more than 500 kids in accessible activities such as canoeing, horseback riding and fishing. To ensure the children’s happiness and safety, the camp has more than 50 volunteer counselors, many with medical training.
“Each year, the Good Neighbor Awards serve as a poignant reminder of the heart and soul of our real estate community,” said NAR President Tracy Kasper. “It’s not just about buying or selling properties; it’s about investing in the places we call home. Steven exemplifies the essence of what it means to be a good neighbor, turning his passion and dedication into real-world change.”
Five winners will each receive a $10,000 grant and national media exposure for their charity, including a feature in the fall issue of REALTOR Magazine. The winners will also be honored in November during NAR NXT, The REALTOR Experience, in Anaheim, Ca. Five honorable mentions will receive $2,500 grants.
Starting now, the public can vote for their favorite Good Neighbor finalists. The top three vote-getters will be recognized as Web Choice Favorites, the winner will take home $2,500, and the second- and third-place finishers will each receive $1,250, funded by Realtor.com. Cast your vote at realtor.com/goodneighbor between Aug. 31 and Oct. 1. Both the winners, as determined by judges, and the Web Choice Favorites, determined by online voting, will be announced on Oct. 5.
NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards are supported by primary sponsor Realtor.com as well as the Center for REALTOR Development.
“We continue to be inspired by the positive change the Good Neighbor Award finalists are making in their communities across the country,” said Realtor.com CMO Mickey Neuberger. “They serve as role models not just for their fellow real estate agents, but for everyone else who comes in contact with them. Realtor.com is once again proud to recognize the differences they’re making.”
Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time as well as financial and material contributions to benefit their cause.