North Columbus News

REALTOR Lauren Gedman of Toledo has been honored with the Ohio REALTORS 2024 Good Neighbor Award. The award was presented at the Ohio REALTORS 2024 Annual Convention & Expo in Columbus, held from September 9-11.

Gedman, who was nominated by Northwest Ohio REALTORS, is associated with RE/MAX Preferred Associates. The Good Neighbor Award is one of the organization's most prestigious honors and recognizes a REALTOR who has shown exemplary commitment to community service.

As a military spouse, Gedman became involved in Task Force 20, a local organization that helps veterans combat PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues through physical fitness and moving away from drugs, alcohol, and sedentary habits. She has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission by organizing events that bring veterans together and raise essential funds for Task Force 20 programs.

Over the past three years, Gedman has increased her involvement with the organization by planning and organizing events to support veterans, donating directly to Task Force 20, and helping to raise critical funds. Her efforts have resulted in doubling the organization's annual revenue, event attendance, and the number of veterans supported.

This expansion has enabled Task Force 20 to partner with VA hospitals in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids in Michigan as well as Dayton and Columbus in Ohio. This progress underscores Gedman's significant contribution to driving the organization's success and expanding its capabilities to better serve the veteran community.

In addition to her work with Task Force 20, Gedman has volunteered as President of Softball for AWABSA (Anthony Wayne Area Baseball & Softball Association), a local recreational program for children since 2020. She manages all aspects of the softball program including team formation, equipment ordering, scheduling, and serving as the primary contact for participants. Additionally, she serves on the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation board and its finance committee. Over the past year alone she dedicated over 100 hours of volunteer work while also coaching a softball team for many years.

Balancing her job as a realtor along with her roles as mother, spouse, daughter—and still finding time to give back—Gedman exemplifies what it means to be a community leader.

Ohio REALTORS is Ohio's largest professional trade association with more than 36,000 members.