Lakeland REALTORS® Are Building A Safe Community for All

Every year the Lakeland REALTORS® association hosts an Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland, Florida. Funds raised at the tournament go towards improving the community of Lakeland.

For the past two years, the funds raised by the benefit have been used to purchase a furry new addition to the Lakeland Police Department K9 Unit. K9 dogs are no small investment either, with many costing upwards of $10,000. The association was able to raise $11,300, covering the cost of the new dog entirely. Lars II is the name of the most recent police dog who will grow into his role as a top narcotics officer and K9 team member.

Lars II of the Lakeland Police Department K9 Unit.

Melissa Sanchez, the association’s Communications & Community Outreach Director, explained why the organization felt it was important to fund the purchase of a K9 dog. “Safe communities are happy communities. And we believe that police dogs bring a higher level of safety to Lakeland. They are able to identify potentially harmful materials, detect evidence such as drugs and protect their handlers in dangerous situations.”

This year’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be on Friday, September 28, 2018 and benefits the Lakeland Habitat for Humanity “Tiny Homes for Heroes” initiative. Habitat for Humanity will be building a Veterans Community of Tiny Houses.

Kyle Vreeland, Lakeland REALTORS® President, shares that “Many of the veterans who will move into these new homes are currently living in deplorable conditions and are hanging onto their pride by a thread. We want them to be able to live out the rest of their lives having a wonderful time in a safe, clean, affordable and fun community.”

REALTOR® and Events Committee Chair Susan Conner said, “I am proud and honored to be involved in raising funds for the Tiny Homes for Heroes. This all Veteran community will serve a huge need in our area and will be a small way to say “thank you” to the men and women who so bravely served our Country.”