I'm Ginny Shipe, the CEO of the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI. For more than 20 years, Tara Maric has served as the SVP of Operations and Engagement at REBI, where she has been a steady leader, a trusted colleague, and the kind of person who makes everyone around her better.

Late Friday night, my dear friend and colleague Tara, experienced an unimaginable loss when a fire destroyed her home—taking with it nearly all of her belongings and the sense of safety every family deserves. In a matter of moments, Tara and her daughter, Ava, lost not just a house, but the place where memories were made, milestones were celebrated, and everyday life unfolded.

Anyone who knows Tara knows how extraordinary she is. She is the kind of colleague who shows up—always dependable, always generous with her time, and always lifting others up. She is the kind of friend who listens without judgment, gives without hesitation, and loves fiercely. And above all, Tara is an incredible mom who puts Ava first in everything she does, creating a home filled with warmth, stability, and love. That home may be gone, but the strength and heart that built it remain.

Right now, Tara is focused on what matters most: keeping her and Ava safe and beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives. This GoFundMe is a way for all of us—friends, coworkers, and community—to rally around her in this moment of need. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Tara replace essential items, cover immediate housing expenses in addition to the mortgage she must continue paying, and take the first steps toward creating a new home. If you’re able to give, please know it will make a real and meaningful difference. And if you can’t, sharing this page and keeping Tara and Ava in your thoughts means more than you know.

Thank you for supporting someone who has given so much to so many. ❤️