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Deb Alderson, a Realtor with Westport's Coldwell Banker office, president of the southern Fairfield County chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors and president-elect of its Connecticut State chapter, enjoys supporting the people who support non-profit organizations.
Alderson, who works as a team with her mother, Bunny Mostad, is a huge fan of CLASP Homes. She raises money for the non-profit, which provides group homes in Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, Easton, Wilton, Shelton and Stratford for adults with developmental disabilities. Alderson and Mostad also donate part of the commissions from their home sales to CLASP.
In November, Alderson and Mostad supported the CLASP fashion show, which featured Eileen Fisher clothing modeled by CLASP clients, by providing sturdy shopping bags made from recycled materials to use as gift bags. Alderson also sold advertising for the event. "A lot of people don't like to ask," she says, "but I'm fearless when it comes to asking for a good cause." She finds that local merchants are supportive of the non-profit organization.
Supporting local businesses is another priority for Alderson and Mostad. Last summer they teamed with their favorite ice cream store, Sweet Ashley's in East Norwalk, and launched a contest. Ice cream-lovers sent in suggestions for a new flavor. The publicity resulted in more than 85 entries and a big increase in traffic. The two now have their thinking caps on, dreaming up an event to support another local business this year.
Alderson's connections in the community also benefit her real estate clients. She and her mom recently invited two couples who had just purchased new homes to dinner at Blue Lemon restaurant in Westport. Why Blue Lemon? Because the restaurant always participates in another town event that Alderson and Mostad enjoy, A Taste of Westport. "Giving back to the community is very important to us," Alderson says.
