Ozark, MO

As most people know, RE/MAX is a proud sponsor of Children's Miracle Network. Agents contribute a portion of their commission of each transaction to Children's Miracle Network. I've always felt it was a really great cause and have been proud to help support it. Until tonight, I had never truly realized the impact it has had on the lives of the families supported by our donations.

While walking in the parade, as our float passed a large group of people, I noticed a woman out of the corner of my eye stand up and start clapping. As I looked over at her, I noticed her eyes were wet and she was shouting, "I love you guys...Children's Miracle Network...I love you!" I smiled and shouted back, "Thank you, we're so happy to be a part of it."

She quickly turned around and pointed to a young boy in a wheelchair next to her and said, "You're paying for my son." Her voice broke as she said it. My heart stopped...and so did my feet. I walked over to her and her son. She grabbed my hand in both of hers and said, "I can't thank you enough." I asked if I could take a photo of them and she agreed.

As I walked away, I felt tears coming to my own eyes. I have no idea what their names are, or what her son's condition is. Coming face to face with someone and knowing that I helped make a difference in their life was one of the most profound moments I have ever experienced...as an agent and as a person. What a great feeling!

I've decided to double my contribution in 2010.

The Ozark Christmas Parade was tonight, and the gang from RE/MAX Solutions was there! We took 3rd Place for our float. Although it's hard to see in these photos, we actually got a little overzealous with the lights on the float, so we named it after The Griswalds.

The ShowMeRepos Bus made an appearance along with the RE/MAX Solutions float.

Also starring: Gandolf and Elvis

My son, Logan Arterberry, and his friend, Ms. Ellie Chase, were superb at throwing candy.

Kay Van Kampen (aka Mamma Bear) and Lyle Van Kampen (aka Boo) were on hand to keep everyone in line. She told me not to post her photo. I didn't mind her as a child...so why start now?

One of my personal favorites was the DeLorean. Wow.

Pizza Pizza from Little Ceasar's, and the Ozark High School Homecoming Attendants.

One of my favorite floats was the singing puppets.

And no Christmas Parade is complete without crying babies (hmmm, Mom's tongue is blue. Did she eat his candy?) and, of course, Santa Claus.

After the parade, everyone headed to the park to see the Festival of Lights and the hot air balloons. I caught one in flight as I was leaving for the parade.

It was very difficult to capture a photo of the balloons lit up. There were 8 hot air balloons in all.

They were absolutely beautiful in person!

The 2009 Ozark Christmas Parade is one of the largest parade in the Springfield area. This year is no different.

When I joined the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, the parade was one of the biggest events they handled. Over time, it was turned over to Main Street.

Main Street decided this year to cancel the parade and the Chamber quickly took it back. Christmas would not be the same without the Ozark Christmas Parade.

Starting at Highway 65, behind the old Fasco building, the parade will end up at the Ozark Square, about a mile and a half route. It starts at 6:00 P.M.

Along with the parade, the Ozark Parks Department will have the Christmas light on and the park will be filled with hot air balloons. A spectacular sight.

The picture was our office's first float. Wait till you see what we have tonight. We'll take lots of pictures.

Come see all the floats, the bands, the 2009 Ozark Volley Ball State Champions, the horses, the cars and treat yourself to all the candy that will be handed out. Oh yes, and Santa Claus.

See you there.