By Hayleigh Gowans

Staff Writer

Throughout the month of April, the “H” Chip Hodgkins Team of HUNT Real Estate ERA will be donating a portion of their commission for all sales to local non-profit David’s Refuge.

All six real estate agents in the Fayetteville office of HUNT Real Estate have agreed to give 12 percent of their commission when someone buys or sells a house this month. The promotion was started in 2016 by Hodgkin, and $12,000 was raised for David’s Refuge as a result last year.

David’s Refuge is a non-profit that was started in Manlius in 2012 by Warren and Brenda Pfohl, who were caretakers to their son David. After David’s passing, they wanted to use their experience to provide “care for the caregiver” by sending parents of children with disabilities or chronic illness on free-of-charge weekend getaways. The organization now works with 18 bed-and-breakfasts in Central and Western New York to provide hundreds of parents a chance to relax so they are refreshed to take on the many tasks that come with their situation.

“Lisa, my wife, and I, we have it in our hearts to give back to the community, and we choose to give back to organizations that have to do with children,” said Hodgkins. “David’s Refuge really is about helping kids because it gives their caregivers a chance to relax.”

Kate Houck, executive director of David’s Refuge, said a promotional fundraiser like this helps fund the growing number of services and events David’s Refuge puts on each year. A cost for a weekend away for caregivers is somewhere between $500 and $700, said Houck.

In addition to the weekend getaways, David’s Refuge also hosts several other events throughout the year to create a “rhythm of respite” for parents to stay relaxed, such as the Valentine’s Date Night, Parent’s Night Out and the Beauty of Mom event.

“To have someone like Chip [Hodgkins], who is so well known in the community, to join and support us is just incredible and will give us the support we need to continue our efforts and the confidence we need to grow,” said Houck. “What’s really incredible it how he is able to build it into his business, and help us get the word out about our organization to the clients they work with.”

This year, Hodgkins said his team has a goal to raise $15,000 during this fundraiser, a goal which they were already halfway at as of April 10. Though this fundraiser lasts through the end of April, Hodgkins said he is willing to work with people who may have plans to sell their house in the near future, and if they call and let him know they would like their future transaction to count toward the fundraiser, he will work with them to make it happen.

A YouTube video describing the promotion can be found at youtu.be/UOlWPsx9GA8.

For more information from the “H” Chip Hodgkins HUNT Real Estate ERA, go to hodgkinshomes.com or call 315-449-6685.

For more information about David’s Refuge, go to davidsrefuge.org or call 315-682-4204.