"We felt strongly that the Summit would be an excellent time to pool our resources and make a difference in a time when so many are in need. We're really pleased and overwhelmed by everyone's contribution," said Tom Ferry, founder and CEO of Success Strategies Institute, America's fastest-growing real estate coaching and training company.

Success Strategies Institute provides rigorous personalized coaching programs along with a whole host of resources and services that support SSi clients (mostly real estate agents) in setting specific personal and professional goals and meeting them. SSi's annual conference, where the relief funds were raised, was attended this year by over 1,500 agents, managers and brokers looking to boost their results and take their business "to the next level." The attendees had the opportunity to donate money and receive a wristband inscribed with the words, "Believe in the PoSSIbilities." The Tom Ferry family and one attending broker (who wished to remain anonymous) personally matched the funds that were raised by the attendees. The result was over $24,000 raised, which will go directly to the able hands of the Red Cross and is sure to have an impact on those Katrina victims who presently need it most.

Furthermore, the success of this effort has kicked off SSi Foundation, the newly formed non-profit organization whose primary mission will be to help needy children. Tom Ferry and his team are excited that the Foundation's first efforts are going towards such a pertinent cause as aiding Katrina victims. "I couldn't feel better about SSI Foundation's first major contribution; I know that what we've generated will help many children and their families, whose lives have been thrown into real upheaval since Katrina struck," says Ferry.