Backpacks for Kids!

Tulsa Realtors send over 500 kids back to school with new backpacks and school supplies this year. The largest number of backpacks donate in one year so far! The giving attitude of Tulsa area Realtors made going back-to-school for many children a fun experience with the simple gift of something new. Family and Children's Services made sure the children who received the back packs were those who needed them. The backpacks included clothing and school supplies and are intended to give at-risk children a positive start to their school year and encourage interest and participation in school rather than a poor and lacking self-image among other students who begin school fully equipped with supplies.

The event is sponsored by the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors. Food was provided by CiCi's Pizza, Chik-Fil-A, and Blue Bell Ice Cream. the event was held at The Tulsa Home Builder's Association.

Grace Church Supports Happy Hands School

Oklahoma Kids Day at Grace Church – Saturday, September 22, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
This fundraiser for Happy Hands is dedicated to children's health, safety, and environmental awareness. We will have a booth and there will be other booths and fun activities for families to enjoy. This event is sponsored by Hunt's Spinal Care and Dr. Hunt's staff would like for Happy Hands to help provide volunteers to set up, work the event, and help with clean up. There are three shifts available to work and we have committed to provide 10 to 12 volunteers. If you would be willing to commit to work an hour or two at this event, we would appreciate it. Please contact me and I can give you specific times. Fliers will be made available to us by the first of September, so more information will be available then.

School for Hearing Impaired Children Raises $3000

Dr. Brandy Vowell, Audiologist "Swing Into Action"
Last week, Dr. Vowell had a live remote, at her new office, and she gave Happy Hands the opportunity to share in this pre-PGA event. Jan did an awesome job talking live on 97.1 and we heard that she made the evening news as well. Dr. Vowell had a silent auction and raffled off some sports memorabilia that she collected.  She raised $3,000 for Happy Hands and it was an exciting event to participate in!

Happy Hands is an early learning center for hearing impaired children.

Tulsa Cracks Down on Signs

The City of Tulsa is taking a hard look at yard signs and enforcement of the current policies. Recently, the budget was increased to allow for more sign inspectors and enforcement. The reason might have a lot to do with out of control real estate agents placing multiple signs for one listing. In some instances five signs were counted (directional arrows) for one single home. Multiple signs is a common practice for homes in rural areas but this is happening in town where one sign is sufficient. The only reason is to make the public think an agent or company has more listings than it really does, therefore attracting more home sellers and buyers. With approximately 6500 homes for sale in Tulsa and surrounding communities, you can see how this abuse could get out of control. It is important to note that most Realtors are not practicing this overkill on signs but it only takes a few to make a problem.

As a resident of Tulsa you can help the problem by complaining or making your opinion heard when talking to real estate agents who post too many signs in your neighborhood or when you see abuse while you are looking at homes. Public pressure helps our city stay clean.