REALTORS® Bringing Holiday Cheer and Year-Round Impact to the Community
At GAAR, we believe that being a great REALTOR® means more than just helping people find homes — it means using your heart, hustle, and hometown pride to create lasting change. That’s why we’re proud to recognize Chad and Dana Akenhead, REALTORS® with Simply Real Estate, as 2024 recipients of the GAAR Good Neighbor Award.
In 2020, Chad and Dana launched a heartfelt project that would quickly grow into a beloved community tradition: the “Pay What You Please” Christmas Tree Event. With the help of close friends, the couple travels each winter to a ranch in Northern New Mexico to hand-cut fresh Christmas trees. They then bring them back to Corrales and—thanks to generous partnerships with local businesses—host a community event where anyone can take home a tree and pay whatever they can afford.
The Akenheads don’t keep a dime. Instead, 100% of the proceeds are donated to local charities. Over the years, the event has raised more than $20,000 for organizations like Presbyterian Ear Institute (PEI), which provides life-changing support for those with hearing loss —and in recognition of their continued commitment, the GAAR REALTOR® Fund awarded a $1,000 grant to PEI in their honor.
But this event is about more than just trees. The Akenheads have grown it into a festive, village-style market featuring local artists, potters, and small businesses, giving others in the community a platform to share their crafts and thrive.
Their story has even received national recognition: in 2020, they were named “Persons of the Week” by ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.
Through trees, generosity, and a deep love for their community, Chad and Dana are redefining what it means to be a Good Neighbor — and reminding us that even a holiday tradition can grow into something truly transformational.
About the Presbyterian Ear Institute
A local non-profit, PEI provides comprehensive listening and spoken language services for children and adults with hearing loss. Their nationally recognized oral education programs allow children with cochlear implants or hearing aids to attend school, communicate with confidence, and participate fully in society.
How You Can Help
Learn more about Presbyterian Ear Institute at https://www.presbyterianearinstitute.org
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