Darrell Hidiburgh Broker/Owner at Real Estate for a Cause in Waterford, Michigan
- Tell us about you and your business?
Real Estate For A CAUSE was formed with the vision of strengthening communities by working with local charities and donating a portion of our commissions at every closing. Our mission is to make our communities a better place to live through real estate, by tying together an award-winning level of customer service, trust, and professionalism that is unmatched in the real estate industry. We are honored to be a part of helping people achieve their dreams, daily, one client at a time.
- Tell us about your family?
I’ve been married for 23 years to the love of my life and best friend. We have five wonderful children: three daughters and two boys. We also have two grandsons and a granddaughter. We are a close family, and they are the driving force behind my success.
- Tell us about your community?
Waterford is the perfect place to raise a family. With its 34 lakes, it is a paradise away from the big city. We have a lot of hard-working people who mostly run small businesses, and we have many wonderful community programs. We have access to anything, from catching a Redwing hockey game, or the Pistons on the hardwood, to the Diamond at Comerica Park to see the Tigers. The Great Lakes are just a short drive away. Or you can head up north to Upper Michigan and cross the Mighty Mac Bridge. We have extraordinary schools, community parks and recreation, and a soon-to-be-completed state-of-the-art senior center.
- Tell us how you serve or give back in your community?
People do not care what you do until they see that you care. I give my time as well as part of my compensation to local charities — the ones who guarantee 100% back to our community.
I am part of a few non-profits: United Veterans of Michigan and Blessings in a Backpack. I am very passionate about these two charities. At UVM, we take veterans out on hunting and fishing trips all over the state to help them deal with PTSD. I coordinate events, host events, and prospect for donations so we can take care of our veterans and show them we appreciate them. Blessings in a Backpack is a wonderful organization that makes sure our children have food for the weekend. It is heartbreaking to find out that for so many children, the only time they get a meal is at school. We fill backpacks with food for the weekend, and before the pandemic, the kids would take the food home on friday. With the pandemic and virtual schooling, many kids were without food. We made adjustments so the parents can now pick up the backpacks at a location while there is no school.
5. How did you come about selecting this cause?
UVM asked me to go on one of their fishing trips with them. I was hooked immediately and asked, “How do I get involved? How can I help you?” While I was outdoors, sitting, talking to the veterans, and seeing the comradery, there were so many smiles and words of “thank you.” I thought there is no better feeling in the world.
I heard about Blessings in a Backpack through the Kiwanis Club. After I heard how these kids suffered on the weekends, I again asked, “How can I help?” I found out the biggest thing they needed help with is packing the backpacks and a little help with a fundraiser now and then. I thought I can donate my time, or I can go home and watch TV. I choose to go make sure a child gets to eat this weekend.
6. What are some of the specific things you have done to support this cause?
I primarily show support through donations, but I also organized a charity comedy night for Blessings in a Backpack and watched us raise over $2,000 for a 1.5 hour show. I also hosted a charity squirrel hunt for UVM that raised $2,000. I’m on the board at UVM as the fundraising chairman. In total, I spend about 20 hours a week working with charity partners with ideas, meetings, networking, etc.
7. What has been the impact on the community, your team, and your family?
I can see the community coming closer together. People will walk into a business, recognize someone from an event, and say, “Oh hi, I’ve seen you at such and such event.” Or someone will win a prize from an event, making them visit a business they may have never gone to otherwise.
My mission for giving back has encouraged my team to get involved with charities they are passionate about, from Adopt a Pet to Thin Blue Line.
It has had a very positive impact on my family. The kids get behind us and help any way they can. I can always count on them when it is time to sell a ticket or pick up a donation. It’s also rewarding to get a call from someone saying, “Hey, your son or daughter or wife said you might be able to help me or point me in the right direction.” My family is always looking out for that impact they can make on someone else’s life. That is a special feeling.
8. What are your plans going forward?
I want to make a big enough impact now so that it continues long after I am gone.
9. How would you recommend agents or brokers get started if they want to make a difference?
Start by getting involved with your local community. Always come with an attitude of service. People don’t care what you do until they see you care. Attend the town meetings and talk to business owners about what they think and experience. Look around and see what you could do. Pretend you are mayor for the day. What would you like to see your town do or have? Write it down and then start searching for people that feel the same way. Be the spark to light the fire!