HGAR Honored With 2023 New York State Senate ‘Empire Award’ for Hudson Valley Flood Relief Efforts

CORNWALL—The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors recently received the prestigious New York State Senate’s “Empire Award” for its role in providing financial assistance to those families who sustained damages to their homes during this summer’s severe flooding throughout the Hudson Valley.

Through the National Association of Realtors’ Realtor Relief Foundation, HGAR was able to provide $356,079 to 209 households throughout Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, and Orange counties. Each household was eligible for up to $2,000 to be used toward mortgage payments, rent, or hotel expenses due to displacement by the flooding.

“Each year I am able to honor a limited number of constituents with a New York State Senate Empire Award, an honor given to exceptional businesses that have made a dedicated contribution to their community,” said New York State Senator James Skoufis of New York’s 42nd Senatorial District. “I am pleased to select the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors as a 2023 New York State Senate Empire Award recipient. Your financial contribution helped to alleviate the stress of Hudson Valley residents and provide them relief. Your readiness to help right away shows the dedication and care you have for the community and is very inspiring.”

HGAR COO Jana Currier spearheaded the operation this summer, contacting the National Association of Realtors to secure the necessary funding to help flood victims in the region. Currier accepted the award on behalf of the association at a ceremony held at State Senator Skoufis’ Cornwall office. “This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our Realtor team and the unwavering support of our community leaders,” she said. “As Realtors, we are committed to being reliable advocates for the communities we call home. This acknowledgement inspires us to continue our commitment to serving and uplifting the wonderful people of the Hudson Valley.”

HGAR President Tony D’Anzica added his appreciation for the award and the work of both Realtors and association staff involved in the relief effort. “The Hudson Valley residents who suffered damages from the devastating flood this past summer received little, if any, monetary support—except from Realtors, who donated and distributed over $356,000 in critical aid,” he said. “This is a tribute to the selfless hard work of our staff and volunteers at HGAR and to Realtors who are donating millions of dollars and devoting countless hours to volunteer work every day in order to give back to our communities.”

NAR’s Realtor Relief Foundation dates back to 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks. NAR’s Executive Leadership team launched the program to secure contributions to help those who were impacted. Since that time, they have been providing housing assistance relief to victims of natural disasters throughout the nation. The foundation has awarded over $40 million in total, funding 100 disaster recoveries in 43 states, and helping more than 20,000 families. To donate to the Realtors Relief Foundation, please visit https://rrf.realtor/donate/.