Barry Lebow, left, presents the proceeds from Realtor in the Park III to Ian Leventhal, representing the Baycrest Foundation.

Barry Lebow, broker at Re/Max Ultimate Realty in Toronto, recently staged Realtor in the Park III to bring together friendship and a fundraiser. “The day was full of magic, music and a great barbecue buffet,” says Lebow.

He started the event three summers ago, inviting a group of real estate professionals who had connected on Facebook but had never met in person. Held at Earl Bales Park in North York, the first year had 40 to 50 people.

This year’s event introduced a charitable twist, with funds raised for the Baycrest Hospital for Alzheimer’s research. It attracted more than 200 people, with some flying in from other provinces.