I am proud to announce that The Institute of Real Estate Managements (IREM) Boston Metropolitan Chapter #4 is partnering in 2019 with The Boston Police Foundation (BPF) to help support and raise awareness for our brave men and women in blue. The mission of the foundation is to help fund special equipment, advanced training, new technology and officer safety and wellness. They support Community Policing and Youth outreach programs that focus on empowering our inner city youth to be the leaders of tomorrow! Learn more by visiting The Boston Police Foundation website (bostonpolicefoundation.org).

IREM has had a long history of supporting the Boston Police Foundation and has been a top sponsor of the Greater Boston Real Estate Industry’s “Honoring Our Heroes” events since its inception in 2013. Proceeds from these events and contributions from IREM members, friends and supporters of BPF were all key in funding the purchase of the department’s newest Community Policing Ice Cream truck in 2017. 

“Operation Hoodsie Cup” took to the streets in July of 2010 and was recently highlighted nationally on the NBC Nightly News. “It is a great opportunity – there’s no better way to get children to trust police than with ice cream,” office Kenneth Grubbs told Lester Holt during the recent interview. It’s easy to understand why the children love it. They get free ice cream, donated by the Hood Co., and they make friends with the officers. But the grown-ups like it, too. “It gives the adults the opportunity, if there’s something going on in the community they want to share, now they’ve got the officer’s ear,” Grubbs said. Since this program started other communities across the country have adopted the idea.

IREM members and supporters kicked off this year’s initiative at the December 6th annual holiday celebration by generously “Stuffing the Ice Cream Truck” with toys and games for the children of Boston. 

IREM will host numerous fundraising opportunities and events this year including a Patriots Opening Day Raffle, Wine Dinner, Red Sox game and networking outing, an Octoberfest event and more. 

Public service is a responsibility, but also a privilege! Join us as we Back Up Boston’s Finest!

Nancy Reno, CPM, is vice president marketing & training at Housing Management Resources, Inc. AMO, and is IREM Boston Metropolitan Chapter No. 4’s 2019 chapter president, Boston.