Event Coverage

SAMCAR Charity Spaghetti Feed and Auction Raises Over $23,000 for the Homeless

Friday, September 22, 2006

Over 180 people attended the San Mateo County Association of Realtors® (SAMCAR) Charity Spaghetti Feed and Auction at the San Mateo’s Peninsula Italian American Social Club on Thursday, September 21. Over $23,000 raised from the benefit will go to HIP and the Shelter Network, agencies that help those in need and provide services to the homeless.

Representatives from the nonprofit organizations were present during the evening and spoke about the work of the agencies in helping provide support and shelter for those in need, and they thanked SAMCAR Realtors and affiliates for their continued support.

The Human Investment Project (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. HIP Housing is the only readily available resource for low cost housing in San Mateo. Each year, HIP Housing provides housing through its programs and it also develops, acquires and rehabilitates existing housing to expand the pool of affordable housing in San Mateo County.

Shelter Network was founded in 1987 to provide a comprehensive coordinated network of housing and social services for the homeless residents of the San Francisco Peninsula. The organization seeks to provide housing and support services that create opportunities for homeless families and individuals to re-establish self-sufficiency and to return to permanent homes of their own.

It was a fun evening for everybody. The event began at 5:30 p.m. with dinner, which included salad, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, dessert and wine. Silent and live auctions, a raffle and dancing, with music provided by Top Banana, followed.

A special thanks to Larry Franzella, mayor of San Bruno, who served as Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer. A big thank you to SAMCAR’s sponsors for another successful event, especially to Platinum Corporate Sponsor The Michael Haigh Team for providing the key ring table favors at all the place settings, to Platinum Sponsor Countrywide Home Loans for providing the house wine enjoyed by guests with their dinner, Gold Sponsor Old Republic Title Company for providing the delicious dessert and to Gold Sponsor Land America Commonwealth for creating the beautiful table centerpieces.

The event could have been made possible without the efforts of SAMCAR’s Events Committee: Donna T. (RE/MAX Dolphin), Committee Chair, Beckie Patane SAMCAR Special Events Coordinator and members Joannie Armes (Countrywide Home Loans), Maryann Bologna, (The Examiner Newspaper), Dana Bolton (Chicago Title Company), Leanne Burnfield (Fidelity National Title), Toni Burrows (Hisco Home Warranty), Tami Cirigliano (Fidelity National Home Warranty), Anson Chan (The Examiner Newspaper), Cheryl Dehoney (Countrywide Home Loans), Kim McCracken-Albertario (LandAmerica Commonwealth), Kim Nettlemen (First American Exchange), Adam O’Donnell (Guarantee Mortgage), Gary Pellegrini (Old Republic Title Company), Jill Penna (Fidelity National Title), Nicole Romero (Alliance Title), Carla Shaw (Alliance Title), Craig Thorson (HFN Peninsula Realty), Steve Titsworth (Washington Mutual – San Mateo HLC), Edgar Tulcanaza (California Real Estate Loans), Sue Vaterlaus (RE/MAX Dolphin), Jahan Zandi (Prudential California Realty) and Bobby Zimmer (Countrywide Home Loans).

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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.

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

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