REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS STAFF METRO-AREA RED KETTLES FOR REALTOR RING 2025

OMAHA, Neb.—On Friday, Dec. 5, Omaha-area realtors spread across the metro, ringing bells at The Salvation Army’s red kettles in front of stores.

It was for the annual Realtor Ring Day.

"I think this is my 12th or 13th year of ringing bells,” said Realty ONE Group Sterling owner Steve Minino.

Minino is also the Omaha Area Board of Realtors’ Ring Day liaison this year.

He said he has rung bells in temperatures as low as -11 degrees. It is a sacrifice he said he loves making.

“I think it's an opportunity for us not only to give back to the community, but to put ourselves out there to say hi to our community and get a chance to interact with the people in the community,” he said. “And it's just something fun and different to do every year."

He added that it is one of the biggest events that the Omaha Area Board of Realtors takes part in, and that its members — from more than a dozen local realty companies — really get into by dressing up.

"You've got jolly old St. Nick here," said Realtor Ring Day co-chair Bill Swanson, who was clad in the famous red suit and white beard in northeast Omaha. “We find that if we dress up a little bit, maybe instill a little holiday cheer to the folks that are visiting the establishments, they're a little more willing to give. And it's a little more fun for us.”

Pam Wonders donned a Grinch costume at her kettle location in Papillion.

"It's about living it up,” she said. "'Tis the season."

"I want to spread joy. Donate."

Collecting donations for The Salvation Army is something Minino takes pride in.

"I didn't realize when I took over this role how much The Salvation Army did — it's more than just the kettle bells,” he said.

He cited the nonprofit’s food pantries, mental-health care, and programs supporting human trafficking survivors.

"Knowing that everything stays local and knowing that there's so many opportunities and so many different programs that are out there, I think it's really important for everyone to know that The Salvation Army is bigger than just the kettle bell event."

He added that there is a big need every year, but he feels it is larger this year than it's ever been.

“So I think it's really important just to take time and stop and think about your fellow man and how we can help each other."