"Amazing Grace"
“He is the most amazing person I know,” says Noble. “After I told him my story, Gary got up and gave me the biggest hug and cried with me. Then he said, ‘We’ve got to get you some help.’”
Reavis knew exactly where to turn for that help, and suggested that they apply to KW Cares for assistance. Noble had no idea that Keller Williams Realty had established a 501 (c)(3) charity to provide assistance for KW associates in need. Together, they completed the grant application and sent it through the California-Central and Southern regional office for approval before submitting it to KW Cares. Shortly thereafter Noble received a call from Chris Streppa, Associate Executive Director of KW Cares who told Rodney that his grant request had been approved.
“I was beside myself,” Noble recalls. “I will never forget the feeling of being so overwhelmed with it all. I never expected that. I could never have gotten through those six months without that help.”
The Studio City team had provided tremendous support as well. The entire office of approximately 250 associates joined efforts to hold a huge garage sale to benefit Noble. The agents used their finely-honed Keller Williams marketing skills to heavily advertise the event to the community, and by 6 a.m. on the morning of the sale hundreds of people were waiting outside the gates.
“I am so grateful to work with a company that responded so quickly and generously,” says Reavis. “Everyone came out because we love Rodney. Craig Strong donated his home for the event. Donna Grissoms and Mehr Issari organized the 100 or so volunteers, and Jason Villard’s kids made cupcakes and sold them at the gate.”
Between the garage sale and cash donations, the Studio City market center raised $3,500 for Noble. Regarding Reavis and the encouragement he gave, Noble simply says, “I’m at a loss for words. Every agent should be as privileged to have him as a team leader, and in their lives. He is full of heart, love and giving.”
Ultimately, Noble will need a kidney transplant in order to recover from his disease, but as he awaits a donated kidney, he is receiving dialysis and slowly getting back to the work of rebuilding his business.
“He still needs us and I want him to know we are still here for him,” Reavis says.
By: Shelley Seale