The Truth Staff
What a party it was!
In just six short years, the Greater Toledo Realtists Association has become a force to behold in Toledo’s economic growth, especially in the quest to increase home ownership amongst Toledo area residents.
On Saturday, November 1, dozens of realtists, along with hundreds of community members, businesses and supporters came together at the Sullivan Center at Gesu to attend a “Masquerade Night at the Casino” and enjoy dinner, music, dancing, casino games, an awards ceremony and the installation of the GTRA leadership for 2026.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was Montrice Terry who kept the proceedings lively all night with his enthusiasm and wit.
De’Lisa Moore, president of the GTRA, welcomed the guests. “Tonight we gather not only to celebrate how far we’ve come together but to appreciate the foundation we’ve built together through building, expanding, advancing and mentoring,” said Moore.
The Greater Toledo Realtists Association (GTFA), an affiliate of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), was re-established in 2019 with a mission to educate the community, advocate on behalf of the Toledo community, elevate the real estate businesses in the process, become a positive and dominate influence in the Ohio real estate market and represent a unified voice for African Americans and other underserved populations. The effort to re-establish the GTRA was led by Rob Pasker who served as president for five years before taking a position with the Ohio realtists board.
During the Masquerade Night, after a buffet supper provided by Ms. Sonia Catering, the awards ceremony began in order to recognize some of the outstanding area realtists and contributors to GTRA.
John Frank received the Affiliate of the Year Award; Sena Mourad Friedman received the Unsung Hero Award; Christopher Keller, the Rising Star Award; Stephen Darrington, Jr, the Trailblazer Award; Tiffany Jones, the Outstanding Committee Chair Award; DeLise Simmons, the Humanitarian Award; Somica Alexander and Daisy White, the Team Player Awards; Faye Smith-Naseer, the President’s Award; Loreen Banks-Kendricks, the Realtist of the Year Award and Deon Davis, the Member of the Year Award. In addition, the GTRA presented Fletcher Word and The Sojourner’s Truth with 2025 President’s Choice Award for community contributions.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the awards ceremony was the award given to the GTRA rather than by them. Stephen Darrington, Jr, GTRA member, Trailblazer awardee and owner of the Farmers Insurance Agency in downtown Toledo, presented GTRA with a surprise donation of $7,500 to assist the group in furthering its mission.
Then the excitement increased as the second part of the party began with music provided by Big Lou the MaYor as guests took to the dance floor, played at the casino tables and toasted the GTRA organization and each other.
What a party indeed!
