When Michael Levitin took the oath of office as 2008 HAR Chairman, he declared Heroes as this year’s theme, noting the amazing things that our HAR members do in the community. “What each of you does every day makes you a hero,” he wrote in the January Chairman’s letter. “You help people achieve the American Dream of homeownership.”

To help fulfill Michael’s pledge to celebrate the heroes among us throughout the year, Houston Realtor® presents the first in a series of monthly recognitions of individuals nominated by fellow HAR members as heroes. If you know a Realtor® who exemplifies the best in what the Realtor® represents, please e-mail information about your nominee to heroes@har.com.

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HAR Hero of the Month: Rita Santamaria “The Heart of a Champion”

As Katrina plunged ashore on Louisiana and Mississippi in the fall of 2005, surrounding Gulf Coastal areas were swallowed, homesteads submerged, lives lost, and lifestyles would be forever impacted by a raging storm that revealed the worst from Mother Nature, and accentuated the best from citizens across the nation, especially the heartfelt outflow of compassion from neighboring Texans.

Rita Santamaria immediately stepped forward to make a difference that would last for lifetimes. As Founder/President of Champions School of Real Estate, she offered opportunities to the evacuees who found themselves in Houston, fighting to pick up the pieces of their lives and families and start over. Rita gave them hope in what seemed to be hopeless; offered them help when they felt helpless; and provided a purposeful destiny when filled with despair.

The doors of Champions School of Real Estate were opened wide to those rebuilding and seeking careers in the real estate profession. Their classes, teachers, texts, materials, breakfast, and frequently lunch were provided, all donated free of charge to those who found their way to one of the four campuses in Texas.

Kimberly Dydalewicz, Manager of the Galleria campus, remarked, “It appeared to be a confusing, frightening time for the Katrina victims. Their homes were gone, families were fragmented, loved ones scattered, and their security destroyed; their familiar lifestyle was nonexistent. Penniless and homeless, they came to Champions to begin a new life – opportunity freely given to them by a lady they had never met.”

The resulting statistics are remarkable. Sixty-eight students attended 367 classes, with scholarships exceeding $47,000. The extra hours invested are countless. As Rita set the standard, teachers poured out their hearts and time to assist these students. Campus managers, staff, and career counselors gave their time and hearts to consult and console. One victim shared, “I am currently living with a family of thirteen in a two-room house. All things happen for a reason. I am so thankful for the lady named Rita to whom I will be eternally grateful for the new life that she has provided for me and my family.”

As a friend to Rita for 20 years, I have been privileged to witness her dedication to our community and outreach to those in need. Her list of charities continues to grow, as she remains steadfast in loving her neighbors. Kristin Thrasher, Houston Campus Manager and Assistant to the President expressed, “It was overwhelming to see the number of people who had been displaced; many students had lost everything; but when given hope by Rita, held on to persevere and move forward. The Champions’ motto for the last twenty years has been, ‘you can do it, we can help’, exemplifying the spirit of Founder/President Rita Santamaria. Victims were welcomed at Champions throughout the entire fourth quarter of 2005. It is an amazing honor to be associated with Rita.” She has a heart as big as Texas – and abundantly represents “The Heart of a Champion.”

- Beverly Acock

Champions School of Real Estate

Nominator