Iowa Realtor Foundation Contributes to Paws & Effect

Each year, the Iowa Realtor Foundation contributes thousands of dollars to community programs and projects with the objective of "keeping Iowa an attractive place to live."

Paws & Effect Executive Director Nicole Shumate announced the receipt of a $7,500 donation from the foundation this week. The money donated to Paws & Effect will be used toward the training and placement of service and therapy animals serving Iowans.

"Paws & Effect is privileged to have received funds from the Iowa Association of Realtors, which has supported many community non-profits, including Children & Families of Iowa and the Ashley Okland Star Playground. We're able to continue our efforts both as a therapy and service dog organization, because we are embraced by the community."

Service-dog-in-training Star was on hand to help 

receive the Iowa Realtor Foundation's recent gift.

Established in 2006, Paws & Effect is a Des Moines, Iowa-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises, trains, and places service dogs with military veterans and children diagnosed with medical needs. The group also registers therapy animals through Pet Partners, and hosts dog-agility events.

The Iowa Realtor Foundation is the good-works arm of the Iowa Association of Realtors, which is a leading advocate for more than 6,500 real estate professionals who live and work in the state of Iowa. Past donations have been directed toward efforts including housing and parks programs, and academic scholarships.

The organization's members are each pledged to adhere to a strict code of professional ethics, and are the only real estate professionals authorized to use the trademarked descriptor "realtor."