Texas Border Business
McAllen- NAI Rio Grande Valley, a member of the largest, most powerful global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms, announced that Michael J Blum, partner and managing broker of the firm, was selected as Easter Seals Humanitarian of the Year. The award was presented at its annual dinner Honoring Blum for his years of service to Easter Seals and to the community as a whole.
“We are delighted to congratulate Mike for this outstanding achievement,” said Charles Mueller, managing partner NAI Rio Grande Valley. “We’ve long know that Mike has made an outstanding contribution to not only to Easter Seals but to scores of other organizations and individuals who benefited from his involvement. NAI-Rio Grande Valley is extremely proud that he is being recognized in this way.”
Blum was Easter Seals RGV President twice and navigated the charity through some rough financial waters, restoring the foundation’s financial solvency. Aiding children with disabilities is especially close to his heart. In high school he took a first aid class, where he learned the fundamentals of babysitting kids in wheelchairs, leaving a profound impression.
The very private Blum also shares that he was stricken with polio when he was 7 years old. “I don’t remember much of that time, really,” he said. “Just that the doctors knew what they were doing and were able to heal me.” Maybe that, in part, explains Blum’s penchant for giving back.
Throughout his career, Blum has also been performing charitable services back to the community. “Giving is a family trait,” Blum said. “My parents were both givers. You are in this life, either and giver or a taker.”
He and his wife Pat, McAllen’s 2006 Woman of the Year, are both actively involved in their synagogue and she serves as an officer on the Women of Reform Judaism Board.
For 20 years, Blum donned a hot red Santa Suit to entertain children and families as Jolly Old Saint Nick. “I’ve hung up my beard for now, but I relive the joy that I gave and received,” he said.
Blum is a champion for children of all abilities and invites the community to join Easter Seals in celebration of 61 years of service at the annual Dinner event on Tuesday, Oct. 29. For more information or reservations, call Easter Seals at 956-631-9171
