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REALTOR®: San Mateo County REALTORS® Foundation Donations Total $124,886 for 2007

Monday, February 4, 2008

In 2007, the San Mateo County Realtors® Foundation donated a total of $124,886 to different non-profit organizations that help homeless, low-income individuals and families in the community. In addition, the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) gave $20,000 to corporate sponsors HIP Housing, Samaritan House and CORA.

The San Mateo County Realtors® Foundation presents grants to organizations from donations by its Realtors, affiliate members and friends of SAMCAR and money raised at various events held by the association throughout the year.

Denise Aquila, president of the San Mateo County REALTORS® Foundation, thanked Realtors and affiliates for their support, and said she is proud SAMCAR members were very generous in giving back to the communities where they work and live.

“In a year when people are struggling, it’s great to see that there are people who are stepping up to the plate, and I’m proud to note we actually increased the amount we donated to the community in 2007,” said Aquila. In 2006, the Foundation donated $100,542 to the different non-profit organizations that help homeless, low-income individuals and families in San Mateo County.

HIP Housing is a non-profit organization that creates permanent housing solutions for over 1,000 persons in San Mateo County every year and assists an additional 1,500 with housing resources, including the Housing Home Sharing Program, which links people who have housing to share with those seeking a place to live, so each person has a private room and shares common living areas.

Samaritan House is a non-profit health and human services agency which provides a broad range of free services and resources to low-income residents in San Mateo County, including case management, clothing, medical care, food, shelter, employment assistance, and food and toys for the holidays.

CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County with the sole purpose of serving victims of domestic violence. The agency provides free and confidential emergency, intervention and prevention services, including the county’s only emergency shelter and transitional housing for victims.

Of the total donations, $35,000 raised at SAMCAR’s Charity Golf Tournament was donated to HEART - Housing Endowment And Regional Trust of San Mateo. HEART is a public/private partnership between the county of San Mateo, 17 cities and the private sector, which raises funds from public and private sources to meet critical housing needs and create more affordable housing in San Mateo County. The San Mateo County REALTORS® Foundation has been one of HEART’s strongest supporters, contributing over $85,000 in the past three years. In 2007, HEART presented SAMCAR with a Golden Hardhat award for the Realtors’ and affiliates’ generosity in gifts of funds and time to the organization.

Peninsula Habitat for Humanity also received a Foundation grant of $12,000. Peninsula Habitat for Humanity builds homes for low-income families in San Mateo County through volunteer and community support, providing low-income families with an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through our affordable homeownership program.

Shelter Network received $38,800 from the Foundation through a Foundation grant ($10,000), Steve and Erica Herbert ($8,550), and Washington Mutual ($20,2550).

Other donations included $3,060 raised through the South Tour’s Spring/Easter Auction and Raffle and $4,380 raised at the South Tour’s Holiday Can Tree Auction, which were distributed to the San Carlos Education Foundation, Belmont-Redwood Shores School Force, St. Anthony of Padua and Catholic Worker Home; $25,000 raised at SAMCAR’s Spaghetti Feed, donated to HIP Housing ($15,000) and Samaritan House ($10,000); and $6,640 raised at the Coastside Holiday Auction and Raffle, which went to Coastside Hope, a nonprofit multi-service center which assists disadvantaged Coastside residents in San Mateo County.

Aquila noted SAMCAR Realtors have given back to the community at all levels. “The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® is pleased to donate to charities that operate within San Mateo County. Not only does SAMCAR hold functions to raise money, but SAMCAR Realtors also donate many hours of their time,” said Aquila. “The dollar amount of time is one that cannot be quantified, but those donated hours far exceed the cash donations given.”

As examples, Aquila cited SAMCAR Realtors from the North Tour sponsored a coat drive in December. “They raised money and purchased coats for those who needed them at a time when the cold weather was upon us,” said Aquila.

She added, “Numerous agents donated their time to Special Olympics assisting individuals in their quest of athletic endeavors while others volunteered at their local libraries donating time and books. Ask many of the local schools who helps with their budget deficit and the response will be “local Realtors.”’

“The Realtors are proud to take the lead and assist when needed. It is the goal of many Realtors to support the communities that support us. Together we can all make a difference and every little bit does indeed help,” Aquila said.

Aquila said private donations are much appreciated. Checks can be made to the San Mateo County REALTORS® Foundation and mailed to SAMCAR at 850 Woodside Rd., San Mateo, CA. 94401. One hundred percent of the private donations go to charities located within San Mateo County. The Foundation is a 501 3(c) and a receipt of your donation can be readily provided.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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