Triangle to Coast Realty is proud to share that our Founder and Team Lead, Karen Dupree Williams, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Good Neighbor Award by the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® (RRAR).
This award recognizes REALTORS® whose impact reaches far beyond transactions—honoring those who demonstrate exceptional character, service, and commitment to the communities they serve. For Karen, this recognition reflects a lifelong belief that real estate is not just about buying and selling homes, but about showing up for people when it matters most.
A Mission Rooted in Service
Karen’s work with Riley’s Army, a nonprofit organization supporting children with cancer and their families, began long before awards or recognition were ever part of the picture.
Early in her real estate career, Karen became close with a family navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis. What started as a simple effort to organize meals for support grew into something far greater—an ongoing mission centered on presence, advocacy, and care during one of life’s most difficult seasons.
That mission eventually became Riley’s Army.
Bringing Riley’s Army to the Triangle
After relocating back to the Triangle area, Karen carried with her a quiet promise to bring this work home if the opportunity ever arose. In 2020, she helped launch the Triangle Chapter of Riley’s Army—during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite unprecedented challenges, the organization grew steadily. Today, the Triangle Chapter serves 82 families, including six angel families, and continues to expand its reach. In 2025 alone, the organization welcomed 55 new families, supported by a dedicated board, volunteers, and community partners.
Riley’s Army provides families with:
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Financial assistance and practical support
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Hospital parking passes, gas cards, and meal cards
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Weekly volunteer presence during treatment
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Family events, toy drives, and spiritual support
At its core, the organization exists to ensure no family walks through childhood cancer alone.
Why This Work Matters
The families served by Riley’s Army are not strangers. They are neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and clients. Childhood cancer does not discriminate—it affects households in every neighborhood and every walk of life.
This truth is why the Good Neighbor Award is so meaningful. It recognizes service that strengthens communities from the inside out, and it reinforces the belief that caring for people extends beyond professional roles.
A Recognition Shared
Karen was nominated for the award by her daughter, who also serves as Vice President of Riley’s Army—making the moment especially meaningful. While deeply honored, Karen is quick to share the recognition with the volunteers, donors, board members, and families who make the mission possible.
Most importantly, she shares the award with the child who inspired it all—Riley—whose legacy continues to shape lives across the Triangle and beyond.
Moving Forward
Triangle to Coast Realty remains committed to stewardship, service, and leadership—both in real estate and in the communities we serve. This award is not a finish line, but a reminder of the responsibility we carry to be good neighbors every day.
Those interested in supporting Riley’s Army through participation, partnership, or giving are encouraged to learn more and get involved.
