September 19, 2013 - West Babylon, NY - The Long Island Board of REALTORS® Inc. (LIBOR) through the “We’re More Than REALTORS®” campaign was honored to be a major sponsor of the 3rd Annual Hampton Bays Lions Club - Over the Bridge Run/Walk that was held on September 14, 2013.  The crisp, yet sunny, late summer weather was perfect for a jog along the Atlantic Ocean, Shinnecock Inlet, Shinnecock Bay, on to the breathtaking views over the Ponquogue Bridge.  And the crowd was out to prove it, making this event the most successful year to date, for the Club.

“Supporting our community has always been one of our main goals at LIBOR; so to bring our support to the Hamptons community was a very proud moment for us!” said LIBOR Public Relations Committee Chairperson Kate Koplinka who was instrumental in bringing this sponsorship to fruition. As an eastern Suffolk Realtor® Kate was thrilled to have the opportunity to extend LIBOR’s efforts to the east end, where in fact a new LIBOR Hamptons Chapter was recently formed.

LIBOR first became aware of this noteworthy event when Realtor® Franklin Butz, organizer and creator, was awarded the December 2012 REALTOR® Spirit Award.   Franklin, aside from a being a Realtor® for the past forty years, has also been a dedicated member of the HBLC for over 30 years. As an avid runner/jogger who participated in the Long Island Half Marathon, Shelter Island 10K and many other running events, he saw how popular these events were becoming. With this knowledge he proposed and completely organized the fundraising event for the HBLC in 2011. The Walk/Run came to be called “Over the Bridge” because the course spans over the extraordinary Ponquogue Bridge.  

"It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with so many people and paint a better image of what a REALTOR® is and cares about." added Carlos Diaz, LIBOR Public Relations Committee Vice Chairperson, who was not only there from Queens to support the event but ran the 10K as well.  

With the funds raised at the previous events the Club was able to supply five seeing eye dogs through the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation to people in need, as well as make additional donations to the Hampton Bays Library, Churches, Boy and Girl Scouts, Booster club, little league baseball, the Dominican Sisters and local scholarships.  The HBLC, established in 1948 has continuously helped people in need in the Hampton Bays and East Quogue community.  LIBOR is proud to support the Hampton Bays Lions Club in their mission and looks forward to continuing their partnership in years to come.

This sponsorship was made possible through the Long Island Board of REALTORS® “We’re More Than REALTORS®…” initiative. Created by the LIBOR Public Relations committee in 2005, the campaign supports numerous programs and charitable community organizations.