CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Association of Realtors® Young Professionals Network (CAR YPN) on October 4 presented a check for over $65,000 to Urban Ministries’ SafeHouse, and raised over $42,000 for their Mike Groves Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The CAR YPN raised these funds through its hugely successful Handbags for Hope fundraiser, which was held on August 4.

“The generosity of our Realtors and affiliates has allowed the CAR YPN to provide very needed funds to help those affected by domestic abuse seeking shelter,” said Kayla Pierson, 2018 CAR YPN Committee Chair.

“Safehouse is deeply grateful for the generosity shown by our local Realtors,” said CC Carmack-Wheeler, Program Director for Urban Ministries Safe Place Family Transitional Center. “This money will help countless survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse be safe from harm, and to rebuild their lives with dignity. These Realtors have not just given money, they have given hope to people looking for a light in the darkness.”

Urban Ministry’s SafeHouse for Women is fully staffed 24 hours a day to provide safety, peace, and comfort to local women and children who have been the victims of domestic abuse. More information can be found on their website, clarksvilleurbanministries.com.

“Thanks to this event, we also have $42,000 available from Mike Groves Memorial Scholarship Fund to award to local high school seniors in May 2019,” said Pierson.

Applications are available online at clarksvilleaor.com/ypn-scholarship until March 1, and the recipients will be awarded in May during their Senior Awards Night.

This scholarship was established in honor of the late Mike Groves. Groves was a member of the Clarksville Association of REALTORS® from 1991 until his passing in 2015. In his 24 years with CAR, Mike served in dozens of leadership roles, including being CAR’s primary REALTOR® Code of Ethics instructor. He was named REALTOR® of the Year in 2001, and was elected to serve as President in 2000 and 2015. Mike Groves also championed the formation of the CAR YPN.

“Mike Groves was a valuable member of the community, and will forever be remembered for the lasting impact he left,” said Emily Bryant, one of the scholarship recipients. “I am honored to carry on his legacy of by earning this scholarship.”

The CAR YPN is pleased to announce that the next Handbags for Hope is scheduled for Saturday August 3, 2019 at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center.