Why I Choose to Wear Pink

by Rick · November 4, 2016

Scott Hillman

Real Estate In The Parks – By Scott Hillman

You might have been expecting this column to focus on the state of the real estate market in Metro Orlando. But this month, I wanted to write about something more personal.

While buying and selling homes is our business at Fannie Hillman + Associates, supporting the local charitable community is really at the heart of what we do every day. For the last 35 years, our company’s philanthropic arm, Hillman Cares, has raised tens of thousands of dollars for non-profits and other organizations. It’s our way of giving back to the organizations and people who have supported our business. Previous recipients have included The Foundation for Foster Children, the Winter Park Housing Authority, the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, and New Hope for Kids.

This month, alongside 13 other community leaders, I am supporting the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Awareness month with “Real Men Wear Pink.” This initiative promotes early detection, prevention, and raises funds for breast cancer research that saves lives right here in Orlando. Those lives could be your wife, your sister, or your mother.

According to Florida Hospital Orlando, more than 200,000 new cases are found each year, making breast cancer the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. And yes, some of those new cases also include men.

When organizers asked me to participate in the fundraising event, I didn’t hesitate. Breast cancer is an illness that has hit very close to home for me. I’ve watched my mother battle the disease, as well as several friends and fellow agents at Fannie Hillman + Associates. I’m ready to stand up, create awareness, and support the American Cancer Society in making strides against breast cancer. It’s my small – but significant contribution – to give back to an organization that has helped my family, friends and make a tremendous difference in our community.

Since mid-September through the end of this month, I am wearing pink to raise awareness about breast cancer in Orlando. You may have seen me around town sporting pink shorts, a pink tie, or shirt. My team is also posting pictures on social media to help spread the word. I started with my fundraising goal at $2,000, and generous donors helped me reach that figure in just one week! Then I expanded it to $5,000 and within two weeks, I received $4,600 in contributions. The generosity of this community continues to be overwhelming, and I hope to reach my new goal of $7,000 by the end of the campaign. Thank you to everyone who has supported this cause!

Last month, we also sponsored and participated in the 5K Halloween Hustle, an event hosted by the Junior League of Greater Orlando to help end childhood hunger in Central Florida. Hillman Cares continues its philanthropy as one of the sponsors of the Autism Speaks Walk on November 12 and Dogfest on November 19. We hope that you will join us at these events and meet our associates who are doing their part to make our community a better place to live, work and play.

Scott Hillman is president of Fannie Hillman + Associates, a 35-year-old Winter Park-based real estate company specializing in residential real estate sales and producer of The Hillman Report, a semiannual look at residential real estate in Orange and Seminole counties, as well as Hillman Homes, a customized quarterly publication showcasing local luxury listings, editorial features, a dining and shopping guide, and cultural arts calendar. Read the latest issue on the company’s website (fanniehillman.com) or by calling (407) 644-1234 for a copy.