How 3 local realtors are giving back + building a better Birmingham

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What makes Birmingham such a special place to live is the way people care for their city—not just hoping for the best, but actively working to make it better.

Beyond buying and selling houses, many in the real estate industry are deeply invested in building stronger communities through time and service. We sat down with three agents at Ray & Poynor to learn about the local nonprofits they support and why giving back is meaningful and important to them.

Fostering Birmingham’s natural beauty

As co-chair, Kathryn Dorlon is dedicated to protecting + nurturing Birmingham’s natural wonders. [(L) Nathan Watson / Bham Now, (R) Birmingham Botanical Gardens]

If you’ve ever strolled through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, you’ve seen firsthand what makes it such a treasure in our city. For real estate agent Kathryn Dorlon, supporting the Gardens through the annual Antiques at the Gardens fundraiser has become a passion project.

Kathryn first got involved in 2016 when her husband was a tastemaker for the event. Watching all the behind-the-scenes effort left a lasting impression, and today—now serving as co-chair of the 2025 event—she’s more invested than ever.

“This yearly event benefits the mission of Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which seeks to protect, nurture and share the wonders of the gardens. It amazes me how many people—of all ages and backgrounds—come to enjoy the gardens every single day. It puts a smile on my face knowing this event helps keep the gardens free and flourishing for everyone.”

For Kathryn, the connection between her career and her philanthropy feels natural.

“I love that Birmingham is such a welcoming community. Helping people get to know our city and guiding them to find their perfect home just brings it full circle.

The Botanical Gardens is always on my list when I show newcomers around—it’s such an important part of what makes Birmingham special.”

Representing a family legacy

To Robin Kidd, UAB Nursing is a Birmingham industry dear to her heart. [(L) Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now, (R) Nathan Watson / Bham Now]

For Robin Kidd, community service is rooted in family.

She serves on the UAB School of Nursing and Visitors Board, representing her family’s endowed student scholarship started by her aunt and uncle, Margaret and Bradford Kidd.

“My grandmother was a nurse, and I wanted to honor both my parents and her.

It has been such a gift to meet scholarship students and learn about their dreams and goals for nursing, and how they’ll give back to the community.”

The School of Nursing consistently ranks among the top in the nation, and Robin says being part of its mission is both humbling and inspiring.

“Volunteering in the community has always been important to me.

As a realtor, it also builds greater knowledge and awareness of opportunities for others. Empathy, vision, teamwork and the ability to listen are vital in our industry, and those same skills strengthen relationships with clients and with the community.”

Granting magic moments + honoring loved ones

[(L) Nathan Watson / Bham Now, (R) Children’s of Alabama)]

For Jane Huston Crommelin, giving back is deeply personal. She’s actively involved with Magic Moments—which grants non-medical wishes to Alabama children facing life-threatening or life-altering conditions—as well as the American Cancer Society.

“Everyone is touched by cancer in some way.

For me, giving back is how I honor our daughter, who passed away 28 years ago, along with dear friends we’ve lost and those still on their health journeys. Being involved keeps their memory alive while offering hope and support to families who are facing what we once faced.”

The spirit of generosity she’s witnessed through these organizations is what she loves most about Birmingham.

“People here truly care for one another. You really see it when the community comes together to support causes that change children’s lives and advance important research.”

A community-focused approach

Whether it’s preserving the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, investing in the future of nursing or offering hope to families facing life’s hardest challenges, these three local agents are proof that real estate is about so much more than houses—it’s about heart, community and the ties that make Birmingham home.

Are you buying, selling or just looking to get to know Birmingham better? Ray & Poynor can help.

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