Ida M. Petkus, Andrew Fasy receive Good Neighbor Awards from New Jersey Realtors
Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States, is pleased to announce that New Jersey Realtors (NJ Realtors) recently honored two of its real estate professionals for their community service efforts. Ida M. Petkus, ABR, an agent with Long & Foster’s Moorestown, N.J., office, and Andrew Fasy, managing broker at Long & Foster’s Sea Isle City, N.J., office, took first and second place, respectively, in NJ Realtors’ Good Neighbor Awards.
The Good Neighbor Awards recognize individuals who have made extraordinary commitments to community service programs throughout the state. The top three Good Neighbor Award winners were honored during the Realtors Triple Play Convention & Trade Expo on Dec. 10 in Atlantic City, N.J.
“Real estate is an inherently busy career. For these three members to dedicate as much time and effort as they have to philanthropic ventures they are passionate about, while still maintaining active businesses, is impressive on so many levels,” said 2014 NJ Realtors President Cindy Marsh-Tichy. “Realtors are integral to the communities they work in, volunteering and giving back in so many different ways. These three Realtors are perfect models of the Realtor spirit and we are so glad to have them represent our Realtor family.”
Ida M. Petkus poses for a picture with Dr. Phil McGraw of the Dr. Phil show at the 2014 Domestic Violence Summit. Petkus received the first-place Good Neighbor Award from NJ Realtors for her work to support victims of domestic violence.
Petkus, who earned first place, will receive a $2,500 award for the Domestic Violence Advocacy Center in Medford, N.J. Petkus co-founded the center in 2009 with Patricia Seidman and Kathy Hogan, Esq., to provide confidential services and support to victims of domestic violence—young adults, women and men. For example, the center offers court advocacy, support groups, educational workshops, hotline support and online discussion rooms to help those affected by domestic violence to cope. In total, over 150 individuals have been assisted through the center since its founding. Petkus serves as the center’s executive director, helping in many areas, including promoting the center in the local community.
She has been recognized numerous times for her commitment to domestic violence victim assistance, most recently being named as an Outstanding Woman for social services achievements by the N.J. Senate and General Assembly in 2013. You can learn more about Petkus and the center at dvacenter.org or facebook.com/dvacenter.
As the second-place winner, Fasy will receive a $1,500 award for the OC NJ C.A.R.E. in Ocean City, N.J. Fasy founded the organization to support local residents following Hurricane Sandy. Immediately after the storm, Fasy rallied a group of more than 400 volunteers, who helped establish a relief center and clothing distribution center and to expand the food pantry. Since then, OC NJ C.A.R.E. has continued to collect donations for residents and businesses in need, even supporting those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Fasy’s many contributions to the community have also been recognized his local Chamber of Commerce, which named him as one of the Ocean City Citizens of the Year in 2013. You can read more about OC NJ C.A.R.E. at ocnjcare.org.
“We recognize the importance this honor represents to Long & Foster and to our industry. Ida and Drew exemplify what it means to give back to the community, and we are proud they are part of the Long & Foster family,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We applaud them both for their unselfish dedication and work, and for earning such high recognition among so many of their notable contemporaries.”
For more information, visit www.LongandFoster.com.