Shred Event for a Cause supports families facing cancer

ROCHESTER — Rochester-area residents can safely dispose of sensitive documents, old mail or other paper items while supporting a vital local nonprofit at her Shred Event, taking place from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Real Estate One office, 1002 N. Main St. in Rochester. 

The community event will benefit New Day Foundation for Families Fighting Cancer, which provides financial and emotional support to Michigan families navigating the challenges of cancer. Hosted by licensed Realtor Caron Koteles Riha, the event offers free document shredding in a secure, drive-thru format designed for convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. While there is no cost to participate, donations to New Day Foundation are welcome, and all proceeds raised during the event will directly support families dealing with the financial strain of cancer treatment.

This is the eighth annual shred event hosted by Koteles Riha, who has been a licensed Realtor for 32 years. She works with buyers and sellers of homes, condominiums, vacant land and commercial properties. “Shredding items that contain personal information is incredibly important to maintaining safety with your personal identification,” Koteles Riha said. “This event allows people to protect themselves from identity theft while also helping families who are facing very real and immediate challenges.” All paper items will be shredded on-site, allowing participants to watch their documents being destroyed immediately rather than transported elsewhere. Koteles Riha emphasizes that the process is streamlined and efficient, with trained staff keeping the shredding line moving quickly throughout the event window. “Spring is a great time for cleanup,” she said. 

Many of her real estate clients are older adults looking to downsize. They may have numerous paper items to shred but often need more assistance when making such a major life decision as moving after numerous years in a single home. Koteles Riha develops a strategy with empty nesters, retirees, or anyone looking to make a change in where they live, even if they aren’t ready to do so for some time. “I want to help even if they aren’t ready now,” Koteles Riha said. “My motto for 32 years has been, ‘Don’t Make a Move Without ME.” To further amplify the impact, Koteles Riha will match 100% of all donations made during the event, doubling the funds raised for New Day Foundation and expanding its ability to help families cover essential expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation and groceries during treatment.

The Shred Event for a Cause offers Oakland County and Macomb County residents a simple way to clean out files, protect personal information and make a meaningful difference close to home. It can also be the first step toward making an educated lifestyle change. “It can be scary to make a major move or downsize, but I want to make sure there are few, if any, surprises,” Koteles Riha said.

Learn more or schedule a time to meet with Koteles Riha by calling (248) 379-6651 or emailing Caron@CaronKoteles.com.