Missouri REALTORS Honors Ellen O’Brien with 2016 Good Neighbor Award

ST. LOUIS (February 13, 2016)— Missouri REALTORS recently honored Ellen O’Brien, Coldwell Banker Gundaker independent sales associate, with its 2016 Good Neighbor Award for her work with the REALTORS Housing Assistance Fund. O’Brien was chosen first from among 11 nominees for the award. Good Neighbor Award recipients receive a $2500 grant to benefit their organization.

While serving as president the St. Louis REALTORS, O’Brien recognized the growing population of individuals who were homeless in St. Louis. To raise awareness and funds to address this issue, she created the RHAF. Since its inception in 1989, RHAF has raised more than $800,000 to assist with homelessness in the community. The organization is supported by donations and fundraising events.

“I am so proud that Ellen was honored with the Good Neighbor Award,” says Jim Dohr, President of Coldwell Banker Gundaker. “Ellen is a long-standing leader in our industry and an accomplished real estate professional. Her commitment to community outreach and helping those in need is something to be admired. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

In addition to her time in real estate, O’Brien is currently the commissioner for St. Louis County Veterans and Homeless Programs. She is also a dedicated volunteer for Ronald McDonald House Charities and is the chairperson for the Kirkwood Chamber of Commerce, where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 2008. Her Coldwell Banker Gundaker Kirkwood/Webster Groves office commonly refers to her as the “energizer bunny” because she never seems to run out of stamina and enthusiasm.

“I am grateful to be recognized by Missouri REALTORS for my work with the REALTORS Housing Assistance Fund” says O’Brien. “I am equally grateful to my fellow Realtors for their volunteer support and contributions to RHAF over the years. This grant will further the work we are currently doing with Rebuilding Together St. Louis to help low-income homeowners repair and maintain their residences.”

O’Brien began working as a residential broker at Ira E. Berry Realty in 1978, which was acquired by Coldwell Banker. In 2001, Coldwell Banker acquired Gundaker Realtors to form Coldwell Banker Gundaker. She has been with the company for more than 38 years. O’Brien grew up in Kirkwood in a family of eight where she learned the value of generosity and giving. She has taught those same values to her family and business associates.

Photo: Missouri REALTORS President Ryan Gattermeir (right) gives a grant check for $2500 to Ellen O’Brien (center), independent sale associate at Coldwell Banker Gundaker’s Kirkwood/Webster Groves office, as part of her 2016 Good Neighbor Award. O’Brien won the award for her work with the REALTORS Housing Assistance Fund. Edwina Conley (left), a Missouri REALTORS member, is also pictured.

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About Coldwell Banker Gundaker

Coldwell Banker Gundaker, the leading residential real estate brokerage company in St. Louis, operates 19 offices and is affiliated with nearly 1,400 independent sales associates serving metropolitan St. Louis and east-central Missouri. Coldwell Banker Gundaker is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. For more information, please visit www.cbgundaker.com.

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Gundaker are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Gundaker.