[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2384-E2385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO ERA REAL ESTATE FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
ERA Real Estate brokers, agents and staff members across the country 
who have dedicated their time and energy to the Muscular Dystrophy 
Association for twenty years.
  With its headquarters in my home state of New Jersey, ERA Real 
Estate, and its parent company HFS Inc., has truly made a difference in 
the lives of Jerry's Kids. Since 1977, ERA has been the sole corporate 
sponsor of MDA from the real estate industry. According to MDA National 
Chairman Jerry Lewis: ``ERA brokers and other caring individuals are 
the reason MDA is making rapid progress toward treatments and cures for 
40 neuromuscular diseases. I'm proud to have ERA on our team.''
  ERA Real Estate founder and then President Jim Jackson chose MDA 
because of its commitment to the people it served. In 1978, ERA created 
its first national fundraising event, ``MDA Day in May,'' and 
challenged all ERA offices to do something for MDA on the same day. 
This tradition continues and, each year, ERA offices gather to support 
MDA during May. To help people with neuromuscular diseases, ERA members 
have raised nearly $25 million to send hundreds of children and adults 
to MDA summer camps, provide leg braces and wheelchair assistance, and 
help fund the research that found the genes that cause the two most 
severe forms of childhood dystrophy.
  Through its commitment to community, ERA and its brokers and agents, 
have demonstrated there is more to real estate than buying and selling 
homes. Building community is what ERA has been doing for 25 years, and 
by supporting MDA, ERA is using the strength of those communities to 
fight against neuromuscular disease. However, ERA's relationship with 
MDA goes beyond raising money to support the organization. It is about 
helping children and adults with neuromuscular diseases who need a 
little extra time, energy and support from others. Together, MDA and 
corporations like ERA help ``Jerry's Kids'' live longer, more 
productive lives.

[[Page E2385]]

  In our fast-paced world, living up to commitments is not always easy, 
and few relationships between corporate entities and community service 
organizations stand the test of time. The changing priorities and 
bottom-line demands of business can be harmful to the best of 
intentions. That is what makes the ERA/MDA bond so special. ERA has set 
a standard in corporate community service and in doing so has set an 
admirable example for the children of our Nation. So, Mr. Speaker, I 
ask my colleagues to join me as I salute ERA Real Estate for their 20 
years of hard work and commitment on behalf of individuals with 
muscular dystrophy.

                          ____________________