On a beautiful Saturday in October, Realtors, industry-affiliated business professionals, community leaders and local residents gathered at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area in Spring Township for the 6th annual 5K Run for Shelter, hosted by the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors (R-BAR).
“Two things stand out from this year’s 5K — we raised the most sponsorship money ever and had the most registered runners ever,” said Darren Kostival, chair of the 5K Run for Shelter Task Force and Realtor with RE/MAX of Reading. “Mother Nature gave us a pretty amazing day!”
Proceeds from the 5K Run for Shelter benefit Habitat for Humanity of Berks County and Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks Inc.
“The Run for Shelter 5K hosted by R-BAR is a great example of organizations recognizing the importance of giving back and engaging with their community,” said Tim Daley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County. “Habitat Berks uses these funds to support our workforce housing projects, as seen in the work being done through the Buttonwood Gateway Project.”
Both NHS and Habitat play vital roles in educating prospective homebuyers, expanding access to financing, building and restoring homes and creating pathways to generational wealth within Berks County communities. The funds donated to NHS go directly toward closing cost assistance grants for low-income homebuyers.
“Habitat for Humanity and NHS both work hard to make a real difference,” said Lacey Pennypacker, a member of R-BAR’s board of directors and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. “This event helps raise money and awareness for their efforts. Plus, it brings people together for a good cause — and a good run!”
“Who better than Realtors to understand the importance of homeownership!” Daley said.
R-BAR members are passionate about supporting Habitat and NHS year-round, but their commitment is especially evident in October, which marks Realtors Reach Out month, a statewide initiative that highlights volunteerism and community impact.
Throughout the month, Realtors and affiliated business partners across Pennsylvania give back through collective efforts in volunteerism, donations and fundraising.
Lisa Tillman, Brittany Whitford and Callan Cress, team members of Daryl Tillman Realty Group, were all smiles as they crossed the finish line. (Courtesy of the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors)
Last year’s 5K raised $9,421.52, split evenly between NHS and Habitat. This year’s event raised nearly $9,600, with the final total to be announced at R-BAR’s year-end brunch in December.
Fulton Mortgage Co. team members Mel Ficarro, Pam Goldsborough and Brenda Baer-Edsall celebrate earning medals at the 5K Run for Shelter. (Courtesy of Reading-Berks Association of Realtors)
Congratulations to the overall winners, Christian Cortes-Nunez, top overall male winner, and Jess Hetrich, top overall female winner.
R-BAR thanks everyone who supported this year’s 5K Run for Shelter, including 21 generous sponsors, who raised the most ever for this event — $8,950.
Gold: Breidegam Family Foundation, Fulton Mortgage Co., Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks Inc., Rivera-Leinbach for Commissioner
Silver: Caring Transitions of Reading, Habitat ReStore, Jason Burkholder Team with Hometown Property Sales, Stewart Abstract of Berks Co. Inc., Sun Federal Credit Union, Truist
Bronze: Bright MLS, Burg Restoration Service, Darren Kostival, Realtor, RE/MAX of Reading, Dierolf Plumbing & Water Treatment, Reading Fightin Phils, Univest Bank and Trust Co.
Brass: Alyssa Damiani, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty, Fidelis Mortgage Corp., Jersey Ink, Julie’s Olde-Tyme Cho-chos, Muhlenberg Greene Architects
Donations: Berks Fire & Water, Darren Kostival, Realtor, RE/MAX of Reading, Lending Heights Mortgage — Todd Hummel Team, Unique Pretzels
The 7th annual 5K Run for Shelter will be held on Oct. 3, 2026.