First-of-a-kind Charity Home Auction Raises $500,000 for Make-A-Wish of Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla., Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Make-A-Wish of Oklahoma can grant the wishes of more than 60 critically-ill children thanks to a first-of-a-kind home auction which raised $500,000 last night in Broken Arrow, OK.  The high bid for a newly constructed home located in The Villas of Spring Creek neighborhood was matched by a generous donation from a long-time Make-A-Wish supporter, resulting in the largest single donation of the year for the charity organization.  The donation was made possible through a unique partnership between Owasso-based Simmons Homes and Tulsa-based Williams & Williams Worldwide Real Estate Auction.

"We are so grateful for this generous donation from Simmons with the help of Williams & Williams," said Jeff Summers, CEO of Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. "This gift will impact the lives of local children, and so much more.  When the chain of giving is started, it is amazing what you can accomplish."

More than 50 people attended the live auction to participate in the bidding and to watch the excitement unfold.  Registered bidders on site and online competed to own the property.  Members of the community, Make-A-Wish volunteers and families were in attendance.  A Kona-Ice vendor was at the event to help keep attendees cool.

The home was donated by Simmons Homes through the generous support of more than 45 local suppliers. Williams & Williams donated all of its marketing and auction services including the auctioneer and ringmen for the campaign.  One hundred percent of the proceeds benefited Make-A-Wish of Oklahoma.

"Simmons first teamed up with Make-A-Wish during an Extreme Home Makeover project, and we were immediately impressed and inspired by the organization," said Greg Simmons, founder and head of Simmons Homes. "This year, we wanted to do something big.  From our vendors to Williams & Williams, to the entire Simmons team – we've been overwhelmed by the support of our partners every step of the way. The Simmons name may be on the home, but the dedication and skill of our people is what is in the home, and we couldn't be more proud to present these funds to such a deserving organization and the children it serves."  

"I am so proud that Williams & Williams was able to be a part of this unique fundraiser," said DC Roberts, Williams & Williams' Vice President Luxury, Farm and Ranch Sales. "We were able to do what we do best -- market and sell this property in 60 days, helping to make wishes come true faster."

In addition to the home auction, the event raised more funds through three prize drawings that visitors to the home could enter by making a donation to Make-A-Wish.  Several Make-A-Wish kids were on site to randomly draw the prizewinners. The prizes included a Trip for four to Disney World, a FamilySAFE above ground storm shelter, and an outdoor furniture and grill package.

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH OF OKLAHOMA

Every 38 minutes Make-A-Wish® (http://oklahoma.wish.org) grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories. We believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us in everything we do. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.

ABOUT SIMMONS HOMES

Simmons Homes (www.simmonshomes.com) is metro Tulsa's largest home builder, constructing affordable, energy efficient homes from $138,000 to more than $275,000 in Owasso, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, and Jenks. Founded in 1994 by Greg Simmons, the company is celebrating 20 years of helping customers achieve the dream of homeownership. With a reputation for architectural innovation, tremendous quality, superior customer service and unmatched warranties, Simmons Homes has earned recognition on Builder Magazine's Builder 200 List, TulsaPeople's A List, and as Oklahoma Magazine's Best of the Best – Home Builder. Learn about Simmons Homes and its new home developments at SimmonsHomes.com.

ABOUT WILLIAMS & WILLIAMS WORLDWIDE REAL ESTATE AUCTION

Williams & Williams (www.williamsauction.com) is a worldwide real estate auction firm and the leader in global live and interactive auctions.  With more than a century of experience, Williams & Williams provides a broad range of real estate services to private, public and institutional sellers interested in the benefits of time-definite sales solutions that deliver best value.  A full-service brokerage with an operating footprint in all 50 United States, Williams & Williams also cooperatively partners with residential, commercial and land brokers to auction properties throughout the United States and abroad.  To sell your property, call 800-801-8003.

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SOURCE Williams & Williams