The Chicago real estate market is sizzling but not because of rising property values — a new swimsuit calendar featuring 12 scantily clad Windy City agents is set to go on sale Thursday to raise money for a charitable cause.
The ‘2019 Men of Chicago Real Estate’ calendar is the brainchild of 28-year-old Keller Williams Lincoln Park broker Tony Mattar, who first came up with the scintillating idea earlier this summer, figuring that the photos could raise a little money for a good cause.
Photo Credit Kim Howard
“It started off almost like a joke idea and then when I started figuring out the economics of it, I realized that it could have a really big impact on the community,” said Mattar, who said proceeds from the calendars would go toward the Chicago House & Social Service Agency, a nonprofit that provides housing to HIV/AIDS victims and members of the LGBTQ community.
Mattar calculated the costs of printing 10,000 calendars and then found eleven brokers to pose alongside him for each month on the calendar. Launched today, the calendar sells for $29.99 and is available for pre-order to be shipped Dec. 1.
Photo Credit Kim Howard
“There was a little bit of convincing that I had to for some of the early participants,” said Mattar, Mr. May in the calendar. “But once we got buy-in from the guys that are involved, we sort of hit the ground running.”
Many of the brokers who participated in the calendar shoot got themselves in shape by amping up their diet and exercise routines.
Photo Credit Dave Naso
“I really don’t like being the center of attention and I’ve never done anything like this so it was also a personal growth point for me to put myself out there, especially half naked for a calendar,” said Joe Howard, Mr. July and a Keller Williams broker in Lincoln Park.
As more brokers got on board, excitement grew. Mattar said he has already begun receiving submissions from brokers for 2020.
Photo Credit Dave Naso
He plans to donate the proceeds to a different real estate-related charity every year, starting with the Chicago House & Social Service Agency. Mattar is also accepting funds from supporters who would like to donate to the cause without buying the calendar.
“There are tons of good-looking guys in the brokerage community in Chicago so why not leverage that for a good cause?” he added.
