Edina Realty Realtor® Named Winner of National 2011 Good Neighbor Award

Edina, Minn. – Nov. 3, 2011 – LeRoy J. Bendickson, a REALTOR® with Edina Realty's 6800 France Ave. Edina office and a resident of Mahtomedi, Minn., is one of five agents and the only one from Minnesota to be chosen to receive REALTOR® Magazine's 2011 Good Neighbor Award.

A REALTOR® with Edina Realty since 1992, Bendickson has led bike teams to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter for more than 20 years. Altogether, his teams have raised nearly $1 million. He founded the "Real Estate Riders" team in 1995; in 2011, this team of 251 riders rode the two-day, 150-mile race and raised $146,000. Bendickson's team consistently ranks among the top three Minnesota teams in raising funds for the MS Society, MN Chapter.

"The Good Neighbor Awards program acknowledges REALTORS® who are dedicated to strengthening communities," said Ron Phipps, president of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). "LeRoy has a true passion for helping those in need, and because of his efforts, people suffering from multiple sclerosis have hope."

Bob Peltier, president and CEO of Edina Realty Home Services, added, "LeRoy is a perfect example of the many roles Edina Realty REALTORS® play, both in the lives of their clients and in the community overall. He also exemplifies Edina Realty's traditions of honesty, integrity, and commitment through his long-standing commitment to helping others."

Bendickson and the other four Good Neighbor Award winners each receive a $10,000 grant for their charity, a $2,000 Lowe's gift card, and will be profiled REALTOR® Magazine's Nov.-Dec. issue. Recipients receive travel expenses to the 2011 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Anaheim, Calif. where they will receive their awards on Sat., Nov. 12. Bendickson and the award winners also receive a $10,000 grant for the charity of their choosing; Bendickson will donate the grant to the MS Society, Minnesota Chapter.

More than 20 years ago, Bendickson began riding in the Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society's bike ride fundraiser (MS150), a two-day 150-mile trek across the state. Since then, he has completed 24 150-mile rides. Bendickson recruits riders from across the state, coordinates their training, obtains sponsors, organizes lodging and transportation for his team and, with the generous help of volunteers, provides a hospitality tent with food and entertainment during the race.

As long as he can pedal, Bendickson says he is happy to cycle for outcomes like that. "After 21 years of doing this ride, I can't quit," Bendickson said. "Raising funds for MS is a lifetime journey for me."

A fellow MS150 teammate who was diagnosed with MS in 2000 says he was able to participate in a successful drug trial thanks to funds raised for the MS Society. "Three weeks into the study, I realized I felt better," said John Radabaugh. "Seven weeks into it, I could walk again without a brace or crutches. I've got more of my balance and it's because people are doing this fundraising."

Celebrating its 12th year, the Good Neighbor Awards recognize REALTORS® who donate their time, money and expertise to help improve the quality of life for others in their communities. The annual award is presented by NAR's REALTOR® Magazine and sponsored by Lowe's and HouseLogic. Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time, as well as financial and material contributions to their cause. To be eligible, nominees had to be NAR members in good standing. More information about the Good Neighbor Awards winners is available at www.realtor.org/realtormag.

For more information on Edina Realty, to get in touch with LeRoy Bendickson or another REALTOR®, or to view homes for sale and property listings, visit www.edinarealty.com or the mobile website, m.edinarealty.com.

Edina Realty, a subsidiary of HomeServices of America, is one of the nation's largest real estate companies with approximately 60 real estate offices throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin and 2,100 REALTORS®. Edina Realty's family of companies includes Edina Realty, Edina Realty Title, and Edina Realty Mortgage. Edina Realty handled nearly 25,000 transactions and $5.3 billion in sales volume in 2010. For more information, visit www.edinarealty.com.

REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards is sponsored by Lowe's and HouseLogic. In addition to the grant awards, each of the Good Neighbor Award winners will receive a $2,000 Lowe's gift card. Nominees were judged on their personal contribution of time, as well as financial and material contributions, to benefit their cause. To be eligible, nominees must be NAR members in good standing. More information about the Good Neighbor Awards finalists is available at www.realtor.org/realtormag.