Helen Marotto of EXIT Homeplace Realty in Hampstead, NC has been named 1 of 10 finalists for REALTOR® Magazine’s 2009 Good Neighbor Award. Now in its 10th year, the National Association of REALTORS®’ Good Neighbor Awards program recognizes REALTORS® who generously volunteer their time to help others. These REALTORS® often donate countless hours and dollars to organizations that help those in need and make their community a better place to live.

“REALTORS® build communities and play an important volunteer role for organizations across the country, helping improve the quality of life for those less fortunate or in need,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “Despite today’s busy world, the Good Neighbor Awards finalists still find ways to give their time in service to others. They are truly inspiring and deserve to be recognized for their hard work.”

As a volunteer for the Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem Association for the past 10 years, Helen has served as a court–appointed advocate for more than 152 abused, neglected, and abandoned children. She serves as the voice of the child in family court, helping judges make life-changing decisions on behalf of children in the foster care system by recommending a permanent plan for each child; either reuniting a child with parents, placing with relatives or another caregiver, or making available for adoption.

Helen has contributed to many successful outcomes by getting to know each child and fulfilling his or her individual needs, whether that means obtaining high-quality medical care for a disabled child or locating an abandoned child’s long-lost relatives by scouring phone books and cemetery records.

“REALTORS® are just the right fit for being a Guardian Ad Litem,” says Helen. “They are honorable, caring, and detail oriented people who can manipulate their daily schedules to fit in time for the kids. Anyone interested in finding out more should call (910) 251-2733 or give me a call. I promise to mentor any REALTORS® that join this worthy program.” You can contact Helen directly at fmarotto@aol.com or call (910) 251-2733.

In November, five winners will be selected from among the 10 finalists and will receive travel expenses to the 2009 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Diego, national media exposure for their community cause, and a $10,000 grant for their charity. Five honorable mentions will receive a $2,500 grant. The winners will be announced in the November issue of REALTOR® Magazine.

In addition to the grants, each of the Good Neighbor Award winners will receive a $1,500 Lowe’s gift card and each of the honorable mentions will receive a $500 Lowe’s gift card. Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time, as well as financial and material contributions, to benefit their cause. To be eligible, nominees must be NAR members in good standing.

For more information about the Good Neighbor Awards finalists, please go to www.realtor.org/realtormag.