Marilyn Massey died recently and willed her North Country Club home at 724 Franklin St., Denver, to the Salvation Army. She chose the Salvation Army because of their quick response in handling emergency situations in the Denver metropolitan area. She apreciated that they cut through the red tape and were always first to arrive whenever help was needed.

When Leonard Leonard learned that The Salvation Army hoped to sell the property for $190,000 she convinced them that she could get more money for the property, and that she was willing to do it commission free.

Leonard Leonard generated enthusiasm and support for this project through local television stations and print media. She hosted two open houses with a special "Champagne and Chocolate" theme, and an unprecedented 300 to 400 people attended each - some from as far away as Pueblo, Colo., and Fort Collins, Colo.

There was very positive responses from everyone, including fellow Realtors, when they learned there would be no commission paid on the sale. There was no complaints from anyone, the number of showings did not diminish, and many of the sealed bids came from cooperating agents.

The best part of this unusual real estate transaction was the generation of grass roots interest for other people doing the same sort of donation to other nonprofits. Many people who attended the open houses were senior citizens who wanted information on how to make such donations. In addition, many other businesses joined in by donating their services as well (ie, neighborhood children cleaned the garden and watered the plants, lenders volunteered to do a free loan for the potential purchaser, area florists sent flower arrangements for the open houses).