My new Hobby and Insperation for 2015

Premier Community CitizenshipMrs. Ohio Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness, 'Sold for the Cure'By Amanda Okker, RE/MAX Times Associate EditorInstead of giving Christmas presents about 10 years ago, Sales Associate Gerri Walczak's mother - a two-time breast cancer survivor - challenged her children to step outside their comfort zones and try something new.So Walczak stepped into the Mrs. International pageant in support of the breast cancer cause. She went on to win Mrs. Perrysburg five times, and after her fifth win this year she was crowned Mrs. Ohio."I was always terrified to stand up in front of people and talk," says Walczak, a 100 Percent Club member with RE/MAX Central Group in Toledo, Ohio. "Now, because of my mom, I love it - and I get my message out."Walczak has delivered her message on the importance of early detection at nearly 20 speaking engagements this year in the United States and Canada.She even speaks at schools, encouraging children to get involved in helping family members remember to do their self-exams and schedule mammograms."If you owe a child a dollar, that child won't let you forget it. Kids are like our personal sticky notes." Walczak says. "I give students a pink ribbon for their fingers as a reminder to go home and tell their moms and dads what we talked about."Read about Walczak's message and mission in her Mrs. Ohio Flyer (LINK).Although guest appearances and pageant prep are in full swing, juggling community involvement and her career hasn't been a problem for the consistent top producer."I'm a great multitasker," says Walczak, also a mother of two. "My husband always says you have to have your priorities where you want them: first family, second business, third charity."Walczak starts her days early - at 5 or 6 o'clock - with a two- or three-mile walk. She also totes her computer everywhere she goes.Joining RE/MAX in 2003 after several years in property management, Walczak says having the worldwide brand on her side is a big plus."RE/MAX is an international network that helps with my business - and the pageant," Walczak says. "Not only are we online, we're capable of doing a lot more than the average agent. We can link clients to the rest of the world. For some companies, it stops in their town."Walczak will compete in the Mrs. International pageant July 18 and 19 in Chicago with a sharp focus on her platform - Sold for the Cure.Through the program launched by RE/MAX International in 2007, Associates can designate homes as Sold for the Cure properties, add pink riders to their yard signs and make donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure with each closed transaction.Walczak takes full advantage of Sold for the Cure and says she wants others to understand its benefits to the breast cancer movement. She works with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliate in her area to promote the program around the community and in local RE/MAX offices."If I win in Chicago, I want to go international with Sold for the Cure," says Walczak, whose new schedule would include worldwide travel. "I'll get to take RE/MAX right with me."Visit the RE/MAX Times Online every week to read new feature articles, top-producer profiles, stories about valuable resources and more.Comment on this storyE-mail your thoughts to editor@remax.net. Please include your name, RE/MAX office, city and state. Comments will be added below.Comments (0)Photo Caption accompanying image of flyer:ON A MISSION: Sales Associate Gerri Walczak, Mrs. Ohio 2008, calls her supporters "an army" that's out to conquer breast cancer.Copyright © 2008 RE/MAX International Inc. 7/3/08