Archive for the 'Giving Back in Charlotte' Category

hungary? These kids are!

February 7th, 2010 categories: Donna Johnston, Fun for Kids, Giving Back in Charlotte, Good stuff we find, Sunday Inspiration

Every year my kids amaze me on how enthusiastic they are about sleeping in a box and fasting for 30 hours. It is usually cold and raining yet that just energizes them. My kids have a huge heart and soul and Haiti has been especially on their minds. This event is so unique because it is planned and ran by the youth and volunteers.

This year, St. John Episcopal Church is building its box city for the 30 Hour Famine on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2010. The youth have to raise at least $360 to participate and hundreds do. This is not just for St. Johns but any youth (grades 6-12) that want to help raise money for a good cause while having fun. The 30 hour famine raises awareness for hunger not just around the world but in our city as well. St. Johns youth set records every year on how much money they raise for the 30 hour famine.

World Vision is a well respected 5 star charity that has a mission to feed the hungry. In the aftermath of the devastation of Haiti, the need is there more than ever. Did you know that over 25,000 children die from hunger or hunger related illnesses every DAY? This year at St John’s 30 hour famine the theme is “Western” and yes, I have heard they are going to have a mechanical bull for the kids to ride, Woo Hoo. I am looking forward to the Famine Hoe Down square dance they are hosting. I haven’t done that since I was a kid myself.

All are welcome to join in the fun for $5 or $20 per family and you don’t have to wear the square dancing dress- unless you just happen to have one in your closet…. Want to help, see it in action, donate, spread the word- please do. Click here to see more 30 Hour Famine St. Johns. Do you know of any event going on to raise awareness for hunger? As I am preparing the food for my guests coming over for the super bowl, I realize how fortunate we are. Imagine being so hungry without a kitchen to go to. Click Here to donate directly to St Johns 30 hour famine.

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

A Balloon (and cause) You Can Believe In

October 19th, 2009 categories: Ballantyne, Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Donna Johnston, Giving Back in Charlotte, Jackie Stutts, Michael Gibbons, Rhonda Gibbons

This photo from an actual tethered ride much like our rides in Ballantyne will be -
see below for more “blow your mind” balloon facts!

Unlike so many balloon stories lately – the RE/MAX hot air balloon is no hoax (no runaway balloon boys) and next Monday afternoon it will be rising above Ballantyne for a very good cause! Join RE/MAX Executive Realty and the TalkCharlotte team for the annual Link Up for Kids golf tournament and balloon ride.

That’s right next Monday RE/MAX Executive and friends (like you) we will be playing golf and riding in a real hot air balloon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network | Levine Hospital…

“Today, more than 170 hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, specializing in treating children, make up CMN. The organization is unique in that 100 percent of the money raised in each community benefits the local participating CMN hospitals. These funds will help provide the resources necessary to introduce and maintain high quality medical programs, equipment, and facilities for pediatric patients.

RE/MAX Executive is the largest RE/MAX contributor to CMN in the Charlotte region with donations regularly topping $50,000 a year.

The money raised at the 2009 “Link Up for Kids” will stay in the Charlotte area to benefit The Levine Children’s Hospital on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center.”

Great cause, a lot of fun – we hope you’ll join us to play golf and or ride in the “very well tethered” balloon – no balloon boys here! The balloon will be at the Ballantyne Country Cub Monday 10/26(probably at the driving range) rides weather permitting from 4:30-6:30 (a $5 donation for each rider is appreciated)

Did you know?

• the balloon basket is rattan – it holds 2-3 people
• ride will be 4-5 minutes up to 40 ft
• the propane flame burns at several hundred thousand degrees & rises 15 feet & burns 40 million BTUs
• 40 million BTUs is equivalent to 400 home furnaces burning at the same time!
• the air inside the balloon is 250 degrees F and is equivalent to air in 6 – 2000 sf houses
• balloon is 75 feet high and 60 feet wide

It’s all very safe – our balloonist Tom Lattin is certified by the FAA – so come out, bring the kids, do some good and ENJOY THE RIDE** or if you prefer just learn something new and watch the balloon – it’s amazing!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

24 Hours of Booty in Myers Park | Charlotte….It’s SO not what you’re thinking

June 29th, 2009 categories: Giving Back in Charlotte, Michael Gibbons, Myers Park, Rhonda Gibbons

On occasion we showcase our team’s personal efforts to give back – while we would love your support please do not feel that you are obligated in any way — Rhonda and I  just wanted you to know….

With your help this little cycling team Rhonda and I started in 2005 has raised over $290,000 for charity! MojoRiding has turned the amateur cycling/fundraising world on it’s ear and we even got to meet and ride with a very special person because of it (more on that below)

So now we are at it again Rhonda, myself & fifty MojoRiders will be taking to the tree-lined streets of Myers Park in the 24 Hours of Booty << (watch the video it’s amazing) to benefit LIVESTRONG and Charlotte cancer charities July 25-26.

Like in the past Rhonda and I will be riding for our cousins Janie and Dale who passed away too young from cancer. We will also be riding for Robin Perkins wife of Dave Perkins our good friend and fellow Mojo. Robin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is battling through surgery and treatments. We’ll also be out there in honor of our dear friend Brandon Elam who passed away, and to support little Ellie Potvin who is battling a rare cancer BUT after a year of chemo is winning her fight!

Robin and Ellie are examples of the promise of research, early detection and treatment that is funded by your donation to our efforts! Rhonda and I are going to ride a combined 300+ miles (20 hours) in the 24 hour period (through the night and summer heat) …we are asking for your support and your donation.

We realize there are a number of ways to give and some remarkable causes – we hope you’ll consider our physical effort and commitment should you decide to contribute – maybe you have someone you’d like us to honor – for every $50 donation we’ll write the name of your loved on our jersey and ride in their honor!

It’s very easy to donate** online simply click on one of the links below to make a donation Please make your donations by July 17. **or you can mail a check payable to 24 Hours of Booty to: Mike Gibbons, 4835 Sentinel Post, Charlotte, NC 28226

http://budurl.com/BootyForMichael | or | http://budurl.com/BootyForRhonda

Any size donation is greatly appreciated – Thank you for your generous donation!

OK so back to the “mystery person” – because of the generosity of our donors and the hard work of the Mojoriding team last fall Rhonda and I were invited to Austin where we both got to meet Lance Armstrong and I had the dream of a lifetime honor of riding with Lance.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Friday Fun: What NOT to do on Facebook…just saying

May 22nd, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Friday Fun, Giving Back in Charlotte

(Watch the video below)

Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and that next big thing  ~ it’s all part of a big ball of virtual wax called social networking. We have come a long way (Thank God) from the anonymous “AOL chat rooms” where you did not know who you were chatting with and too many were out waving their “freak flags high”. Today online is different because it’s the same as real life ~ real people are using the internet to connect and stay connected ~ believe the naysayers at your own peril ~ but people are connecting, learning and engaging online and those online connections are building and strengthening relationships in the real world in coffee shops across America! Join In!

Today social media is all about transparency ~ transparency is the new black! TalkCharlotte is now well – known on Twitter follow us, Facebook become a fan and of course we’ve been right here a leader in real estate/community blogging.

Many say all this social networking is nonsense, a waste of time or worse. I can appreciate that and it can be a time drain but I also believe that social networking is here to stay and will evolve nicely. Where I think people go wrong is making it too much, sometimes ALL about themselves, their ideas, their links, their stories, their cat… (icanhascheezburger truly for the cat lovers, serious cat lovers)

Want social media to work for you? Replace these two words ME & NETWORK with these three YOU & CONNECT & ENGAGE and you will thrive in the “social media space” (been waiting to use some geek speak) You’ll enjoy the interactions, the learning and you will see time wasted will become time treasured.

Oh but there are rules, manners and well this video says it best….“suggest you not friend Donna Whitehouse” just saying…

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Foxcroft Parade of Homes Sunday May 17 – Follow the White Balloons, Follow the White Balloons!

May 12th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Communities, Foxcroft, Giving Back in Charlotte, Rhonda Gibbons

Charlotte is in full bloom and our beloved Foxcroft neighborhood is leading the way. What better way to explore one of Charlotte’s most distinctive neighborhoods than with the low pressure & convenience of a Community Open House!

Eight of Charlotte’s best Realtors® roll out the red carpet & white balloons to showcase eight of Foxcroft’s most beautiful homes for sale! Join us this Sunday May 17 from 2-4 pm for a community wide Foxcroft open house! Special thanks to Mary Jane Ramsey, Helen Adams & Rhonda Gibbons, RE/MAX Executive for pulling this together!
__________________________________________________________________________

4000 Columbine Circle Rhonda Gibbons | RE/Max Executive 834051 MLS    $639,000
As you’d expect-Foxcroft charmer! Unique pegged wood floors on main level, large formals, vaulted greatroom impressive stone frpl & built-ins. Kitchen updated w/ tile floor, counters, backsplash, new lighting, gas cooktop. Master on main. Spacious BRs & oodles of storage. Large patio overlooks park-like backyard retreat w/garden plantings & tons of trees!Subject to bank approved short sale.

4334 Columbine Circle Valerie Mitchener | HM Properties 830173 MLS    $1,200,000
Complete renovation & addition in Foxcroft in 2006. This home features 5 bdrms, a home office & playroom. 9 ft ceilings up & down. Professional grade kitchen w/ Carerra marble countertops, Wolf 48in range, island w/ handcrafted walnut butcher block top. Stone fireplace in great room. Master with his & her vanities, 2 closets. Brkfast rm overlooks rear brick patio & professionally landscaped yard.

2134 Edenton Road Suzanne Campbell | HM Properties 814549 MLS     $699,900
Classic traditional, well maintained home in desirable Foxcroft! Lg pvt fenced back yard w/ irrigation backs up to bike path. Beautiful formals w/ detailed moldings, shutters & neutral colors. Office w/ fr doors. Cozy den w/built-in’s, wetbar & fpl. Spacious kitchen w/ dbl ovens, desk, big bkfst room & large pantry. Sep laundry room. Lg master w/ walk in closet. Double closets in other bdrms.

3912 Silver Bell Drive Mary Jane Ramsey | Helen Adams 854245 MLS    $790,000
Wonderful story & 1/2 old brick in Foxcroft E. #one location close to everything(Private & Public Schools, SouthPark). Beautifully landscaped yard with irrigation. 4 or 5 bedrooms-huge play/media room. All rooms very spacious. Solid surface countertops in kit. Separate laundry. You can walk to Ben&Jerry’s on walking trail w/o having to cross Fairview! Solid house-original owner. PRICED TO SELL

3116 Valencia Terrace Connie Nuttall | Allen Tate 814666 MLS    $805,000
Pristine one owner home in Foxcroft. Updated Kitchen w/granite countertops, natural cabinets, wood floors, tile backsplash, sunroom opens to breakfast room, overlooks professionally landscaped, parklike yard with 2 Koi ponds. Huge bedrooms, each with bath access. Walk to Caribou Coffee, Brixx, Ben & Jerry’s,etc. Walking path in back.

2027 Clematis Drive Mark Munson | Dickens Mitchener  814951 MLS    $900,000
Immaculate full brick home w/large formals, cozy study & warm and inviting family room. Completely renovated bathrooms & kitchen w/stainless appliances, granite countertops & separate marble work area. All rooms are very spacious. Beautiful breakfast area/sunroom overlooks professionally landscaped backyard. Enjoy the screened-in porch for those great weather days! Lots of trees for privacy!

4033 Silver Bell Drive Logan Foose | Cottingham Chalk / Bissell-Hayes 850592 MLS    $735,000
Charming 4BR,2 1/2 BA home sitting on .78 acres in heart of Foxcroft! Home has been beautifully maintained & decorated. Features include large rms, hardwood flooring, security system, huge deck overlooking lush landscaping, new privacy fence, 2-car carport, and more! This is a wonderful opportunity to be in Foxcroft East on a desirable street & huge lot!

3924 Columbine Circle Ryan Gehris | Housespad LLC  847232MLS    $899,000
Renovated 2 story brick home on a beautiful, flat setting in Foxcroft with 5 BR s & 4 full BA s. Sunny remodeled kitchen with Sub-Zero Refrigerator, Thermador appliances, a 10′ x 4′ island with prep sink & disposal & a computer niche. Hardwoods on lower level, stairs & upper level landing. MBR with 2 large WIC s & His & Hers baths. Close to Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day private schools.

Look for the white balloons ~ maps will be available at each home!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Rhonda Gibbons | Charlotte Realtor and Go-Giver!

May 11th, 2009 categories: Giving Back in Charlotte, Rhonda Gibbons

Pleasant little surprises do happen..this comment (about Rhonda) from the co-author of The Go-Giver John David Mann

“What a great story! When it comes to the core laws of human finance, Rhonda has her finger on the genuine article — Bart, alas, is still playing around with the ribbons and wrapping paper, and doesn’t seem to have noticed the gift inside.”

Being a Realtor® is all about connection not connection(s). After all you have to connect with someone before you can sell them or help them ~ two very different things. So then a Realtor® is just a salesperson (for some that’s true).  I was at a meeting with one of the “big time” real estate industry gurus (can’t remember his name let’s call him Bart). Bart was coaching (not at RE/MAX) Realtors® about how to maximize their time with clients essentially how to get them to buy, buy, buy (click for a special treat) or move on to the next “customer”. Bart said on average he shows a client no more than 5 homes before they buy or he moves on — I got up and left.

To be fair I don’t think Bart was a bad guy (if not a bit smarmy) and I am pretty sure his amazing transaction numbers were true — he had a local Charlotte acolyte we’ll call him Bart II there to confirm that he too was “closing deals left and right – even in this bad market” yada…yada…yada

Now let me tell you a very different story – it’s about the little girl in the picture above ~ she’s a heck of saleseperson too by the way ~ but there’s a BIG difference…

Rhonda Gibbons® was for years known as the Denim Queen selling denim jeans for companies like LEE., Levi and Polo Jeans – trust me the rag trade as it’s called is the hardest sales job in the world! As I watched Rhonda in that job I noticed one thing that was stunning her ability to facilitate, negotiate and CONNECT with people. As a Realtor® she is even better at it! Being a Realtor® is all about connecting: connecting with your client, connecting with the seller or buyer agent, connecting with the lender, the inspector, the handyman, the appraiser etal. But what it’s really about is CONNECTING all those people and managing one smooth transaction. So what’s the secret to success all that connecting is not about her ~ it’s about everyone else. Easy to understand, hard to do! Great book on this The Go-Giver

So as they say the “proof’s in the pudding”. A couple of months ago Rhonda  joined her first “networking group” Charlotte Leadership Team this one happens to be better than most and Rhonda happens to be better than that. In her first two months Rhonda won the awards for “Most Leads Given“. Think Bart would be impressed? ~ not so much ~ no deals struck, no big bucks, on the surface nothing! But Rhonda knows what this means and just how valuable all those connections are ~ Rhonda is a Go-Giver!

And as we all know if you don’t have a certificate then it didn’t happen…

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

Sunday Inspiration |TalkCharlotte Honors Mom

May 10th, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Giving Back in Charlotte

We took a break from real estate to each reflect on what our Moms mean us. We’d love if you’d share your thoughts in the comments section!

Happy Mother’s day from the team at TalkCharlotte!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

TalkCharlotte Team “Chips In” at Charlotte Realtor Care Day 2009

April 28th, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Donna Johnston, Giving Back in Charlotte, Jackie Stutts, Rhonda Gibbons, Sunday Inspiration

Chipped and scraped and scraped and cleaned and painted would be more like! All for a great cause, for some great people in a great City! On Friday 600 Charlotte Realtors teamed up and fanned out to work ~ fixing roofs, painting and doing general maintenance on  33 homes in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties. Helping those people who can not perform critical home maintenance and repairs due to financial or physical limitations.
Fridays are a busy day for Realtors so we are extra proud that the entire TalkCharlotte team was out early ~ Jackie, Blake and Besty the earliest birds ~ Starbucks delayed Michael, Rhonda and Donna ~ we worked the entire day. Our job (we thought) was to prop up and paint a porch on a traditional Charlotte home in the Plaza Midwood area ~ little did we know we’d be scraping and painting an entire home! It seemed a little daunting at first but we channeled “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” and got to work making sure we could “Move that Bus” at 4PM! The homeowners worked with us side by side and the day flew by ~ it was fun and satisfying for everyone! (please click on the picture titles for a special treat!)

Nice work if you can get it!

Up on the roof!

You know when you look around you see all kinds of people doing amazing things for others. If you are “being the change you wish to see in the world” then KUDOS and keep it up! If you’ve been on the sidelines please consider getting out there and doing some good for someone else – I guarantee in the end it will do more for you!

Move that Bus!!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Come Into the Park, Charlotte Symphony Springtime Fundraiser

April 13th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Arts, Charlotte Legends, Fun for Grown Ups, Giving Back in Charlotte, Myers Park, Rhonda Gibbons

Gabrielle Shain is at it again ~ doing what she and her Shain Gallery on Selwyn Avenue in Myers Park do best!  Come Into the Park is an opportunity to support the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, dine and dance and to view new works by two nationally recognized artists. I know this will be an awesome event and an chance to see (watch how fast they sell) new works from Kim Schuessler and Geoffrey Johnson who are two of the countries most original, up and coming artists! Kim and Geoff went to art school together, are good friends and delightful people ~ getting to know the artist makes the art so much more memorable! Their works adorn many of Charlotte’s finest homes. Every time I look at the piece Geoffrey did for our wedding I think of the day I met my good friend in France. (story below)

If you are not familiar with their work you will be amazed, while Kim and Geoffrey’s styles are very different, their art genuinely reflects the way they see the world around them. At first you might think Kim’s work playful and Geoff’s brooding that would  be a mistake ~ look closer to see that Geoff’s ethereal work is all about the light and Kim’s figures have a deeper meaning and backstory. Kim and Geoff are not siblings but their art is what you might expect from a brother and sister, not the same, independent but somehow deeply connected. It is a joy to meet them and to see their work!

So Geoff and me in France…two weeks after 9/11 Rhonda and I off to France for a Connie   Winter’s artist workshop – one week, fifteen women, unlimited wine, french countryside, Geoff and me.  Upon meeting Geoffrey in the Marseilles airport we immediately grabbed a beer, became fast friends and set out together to maintain some semblance of “manliness” for the week. Not to fear, this incredible group of smart, funny, talented women took us under their wing — put it this way we learned about a lot more than just painting! Anyway we became good friends and Rhonda and I have become not only huge fans of Geoff’s work but of the person!

So I hope you will join us for Come Into the Park at the Symphony Park band shell (and don’t forget the Summer Concert Series there later in June!) in Southpark on May 14 more information click here. And when you’re in Myers Park please check out the Shain Gallery, one of Charlotte’s best ~ be sure to check out Connie Winter’s work, her son Darren Young’s and of course Kim and Geoff’s too. Say hello to Gabrielle if art is your thing then you want to know Gabrielle!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Mega Open House in Charlotte’s Sherwood Forest!

January 20th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Giving Back in Charlotte, Myers Park

While living in Charlotte’s Sherwood Forest you might not run into Robin Hood, Maid Marian or Friar Tuck** you will however be a stones throw from some of Charlotte’s best Chinese food at Shun Lee Palace, of course a Starbucks and even a Stein Mart! Sherwood Forest is one of Charlotte hidden gem neighborhoods or as Rhonda might say “a real find”. Nestled in the Cotswold area Sherwood Forest is but a short five miles from the center of uptown and within a mile of everything you will need including a recently renovated Harris Teeter supermarket. **You can however live on Robinhood Road or Longbow Road and if you happen to be a sheriff well then you could be the sheriff of Nottingham Drive!

Oh and lest we forget Sherwood Forest is smack dab in the middle of one of Charlotte’s premier public school districts: Cotswold Elementary, Alexander Graham (our daughter Emily went there!) and Charlotte’s top high school Myers Park (I went there… a long time ago!).

So next Sunday January 25th Sherwood Forest 2-5pm will be on display as Realtors hold a mega neighborhood-wide open house. The “open neighborhood” will feature 14 homes ranging from $315,000-$630,000 – homes size ranges between a cozy 1500 square foot ranch to a roomy 3,000 square foot two story. Rhonda or any of the TalkCharlotte team can help you map out your favorites! Drop us a note or call us to set up an appointment – we’ll meet and even start you off with a latte at Starbucks – our treat! Check out all the Sherwood Forest listings right here on TalkCharlotte MLS – click on Search Properties above, choose Mecklenburg County (SE), then look for Sherwood Forest in the subdivision list – or email us and we’ll send you all the listings in a compact report!

We love this area of Charlotte and this neighborhood has all the charm of old Charlotte plus the promise of becoming one of Charlotte’s next hidden gems. Unlike so many infill neighborhoods Sherwood Forest is still reasonably priced but that won’t last long as new buyers take these simple homes and add their personal touch.  Here’s a Sherwood Forest home for sale we really like

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

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