Michigan Realtor Nominated for Good Neighbor Award

The nomination highlights how long-term local philanthropic engagement bolsters community standing for real estate professionals.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

A rustic wooden wagon wheel leans against a weathered barn wall among scattered autumn leaves. — Realtor Andi Goriesky of Michigan was recognized at the 2026 Michigan REALTORS convention for her two-decade volunteer commitment to the Marquette Haunted Hayride. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel local volunteer efforts receive enough recognition from state-level professional organizations in your area?

Michigan REALTORS recognized Realtor Andi Goriesky during their 2026 convention for her nomination for the National Good Neighbor Award. Goriesky was selected for her two-decade commitment to the Marquette Haunted Hayride.

Why it matters

Active participation in local 501(c)(3) organizations provides real estate operators with meaningful opportunities for community integration. Such high-profile recognition helps distinguish local practitioners in competitive housing markets.

The Marquette Haunted Hayride has raised over $1 million since fundraising began in 2008. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The players

Andi Goriesky

A Realtor recognized for long-standing volunteer leadership in Marquette, Michigan.

Michigan REALTORS

The state-level trade association representing real estate professionals and managing industry standards.

Marquette Haunted Hayride

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has raised over $1 million for local initiatives.

Upper Peninsula REALTORS

The regional real estate trade body serving agents across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The details

Goriesky earned the nomination through her persistent volunteer work with the Marquette Haunted Hayride. The recognition occurred during the Michigan REALTORS annual convention held at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme. Her service-oriented model previously earned her a community award from the Upper Peninsula REALTORS in 2025.

Fundraising activities for the organization began in 2008.
Upper Peninsula REALTORS presented the service award in 2025.
The annual convention took place Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2026.

Market Landscape

This recognition underscores the common practice of real estate professionals utilizing 501(c)(3) nonprofit structures to anchor their local brand. It follows an industry trend where community service is increasingly viewed as a verifiable performance metric for practitioners.

Operators should review their current community engagement strategies to ensure they align with local market needs. Leveraging professional trade association awards can validate these efforts to clients and stakeholders.

The takeaway

Commitment to local nonprofit leadership serves as a powerful differentiator for small business owners in the real estate sector. Consider auditing your current volunteer work to determine if it meets the criteria for professional association community service awards.