Recognizing Exceptional Community Contribution
The National Association of REALTORS proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Good Neighbor Awards, highlighting the extraordinary efforts of REALTORS who have significantly impacted their communities. This prestigious recognition, now in its 26th year, serves as a platform to honor those who dedicate their time, resources, and expertise to volunteer work that uplifts the lives of many.
Meet the 2025 Good Neighbor Awards Winners
This year’s awards ceremony celebrated five remarkable individuals whose tireless efforts in community service have changed the lives of countless people. Each winner will receive a $10,000 grant for their associated charity, recognizing their commitment to service and community improvement.
Cindy Bradley – Sacred Ground Hospice House
After experiencing the loss of her husband, Cindy Bradley transformed her grief into a mission by founding the only hospice center in her area, Sacred Ground Hospice House. Her compassionate facility has welcomed nearly 800 patients, providing a warm and supportive atmosphere during their final days.
Kim Clifton – Tierra Antigua Hope Foundation
With a focus on families in need, Kim Clifton seeks to keep families together through her foundation. Collaborating with child welfare programs, she addresses urgent needs for essential items, ensuring children can remain with their relatives instead of entering foster care, and offers support to teenagers transitioning from the foster system.
Ken Larson – Northern Lights Foundation
Motivated by personal loss, Ken Larson created the Northern Lights Foundation to assist families grappling with life-threatening illness within Duluth. His efforts have supported more than 300 families, helping them cope during some of their life’s most challenging moments.
Ray Manzoni – ALS Ride For Life
Ray Manzoni's journey began in 1998 when he stepped up to assist a friend diagnosed with ALS. Since then, his advocacy work has raised millions, significantly contributing to patient services, including specialized vans and home modifications, helping patients and families navigate their challenges.
JacQuan Winters – Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation
Following the tragic loss of his younger sister to suicide, JacQuan Winters founded the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation, focusing on youth mental health and suicide prevention. His foundation, which is unique in West Alabama, has educated over 20,000 children on coping mechanisms and resilience through outreach programs and engaging workshops.
Honorable Mentions in Community Service
In addition to the five winners, several finalists were acknowledged as honorable mentions, each receiving a $2,500 grant for their charitable efforts. These individuals exemplify the spirit of commitment to uplifting their communities, further emphasizing the importance of supportive and service-oriented networks.
Meet the Finalists
The 2025 Good Neighbor Awards also recognized outstanding finalists, including:
- Brian Boven, for Homes Giving Hope, who builds independent living homes for young adults with disabilities.
- Betsy Herald, co-founder of Great Dog Rescue New England, dedicated to saving thousands of dogs.
- Jantrice Johnson, founder of We Give, supporting numerous students and families across Middle Tennessee.
- Scott Matthias, from Knock Knock Angels Colorado, providing transformational home makeovers for veterans.
- Stacey Ruwe, leading efforts in homeless prevention to secure housing for families in Michigan.
Impact of Community-Focused Initiatives
The commitment to community service demonstrated by the Good Neighbor Awards recipients extends beyond mere recognition; it inspires agents and all citizens to engage in local causes and contribute positively to society. Through public voting, the top three finalists—Stacey Ruwe, Scott Matthias, and Brian Boven—secured additional donations to further their impactful work.
Support from Realtor.com
The esteemed event is proudly sponsored by Realtor.com, underscoring the significance of supporting REALTORS in their quests to enact change and provide assistance in their areas of expertise. This collective effort creates a positive ripple effect, nourishing communities and fostering a spirit of altruism and accountability among real estate professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Good Neighbor Awards?
The Good Neighbor Awards honor REALTORS who make a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work and charity initiatives.
How are winners selected for the Good Neighbor Awards?
Winners are chosen through a multistage judging process that evaluates their contributions and the impact of their work on the community.
What do the winners receive?
Each winner receives a $10,000 grant for their respective charity to support their ongoing community service initiatives.
Are there any other categories recognized in the awards?
Yes, several honorable mentions are recognized, receiving $2,500 grants for their contributions to community service.
Who sponsors the Good Neighbor Awards?
The awards are sponsored by Realtor.com, emphasizing the importance of community-focused work within the real estate profession.
