REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes and Foundations for Families in SJC.
Fundraising Angels
December 2007Announcing our 2007 Homes for Heroes & Foundations for Families Fundraising Angels:
We would like to highlight several individuals, who have raised close to $70,000 toward our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County to build one of 27 homes in their San Juan Capistrano neighborhood. These individuals have raised this money in a host of creative ways including: recycling, auctions, a “Non-Event,” and a fabulous Halloween Benefit.
Janet Austin of American Home Shield wasn’t satisfied with just being one of our largest donors (with her own $7,000 contribution). She wanted to do more! Her enthusiasm for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is what inspired her to begin her recycling effort, which prompted REALTORS® and affiliates to set up recycling containers in their offices and haul bags of recyclables from home to the weekly marketing meetings. Her SUV’s interior is covered in plastic sheets to protect it from the loads of bottles and cans she hauls to her local recycling center. To date, Austin’s efforts have earned more than $5,400!
Maurice “Morrie” Hansen, a veteran himself, has a passion for assisting the REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes project, which will provide a homeownership opportunity to a combat-wounded veteran and/or his or her family. Like Austin, he too was not satisfied with simply writing a check. Hansen, also a veteran auctioneer, has employed his skills at weekly marketing meetings, Women’s Council of REALTORS® events, as well as at other community events to auction off prizes—with all of the funds going towards the REALTOR® effort. Hansen also uses his auction classes, offered at the Orange County Association of REALTORS® offices, as a venue for raising funds for the project.
REALTOR® Michael Gosselin of Surterre Properties used Veterans Day Weekend to hold his “Non-Event.” He encouraged REALTORS® not to attend an event and instead commit to spending the evening at home with their families to honor our veterans with combat related injuries. The “Non-Event” encouraged those fortunate enough to have a home to celebrate it by cooking a meal, watching a movie, reading a book, or doing nothing! The “Non-Event” raised more than $19,000 to take the REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes effort over the $200,000 mark.
Re/Max REALTOR® Lori McGuire raised close to $37,000 through her 5th Annual Halloween Benefit, “A Tale of Terror,” at her home in Laguna Niguel. More than 300 guests arrived at the “McGuire Manor” in costume to enjoy her spookily decorated home. The evening also featured a costume contest, silent auction, karaoke, and delicious food and martinis.
It’s apparent that one person can make a tremendous difference. Unfortunately, this article is not long enough to highlight all of the generous people, who have supported this effort since its kick-off in January of 2007. With $213,000 raised at the time of writing this article, we are definitely on the homestretch to meeting our $250,000 goal.
Help can come in many ways
October 2007
Penn Van & Storage is proud to be a part of the Habitat for Humanity’s Homes for Heroes project. Established in Orange County since 1923, PENN has been fortunate enough to be a part of the relocation business and helping clients move during these wonderful years of the housing boom. "PENN is extremely happy to take this opportunity to give something back to our community."
Penn Van & Storage is one of the oldest Mayflower agencies west of the Mississippi with their facility in Orange County to meet your every need. "Family owned and operated, we are dedicated to moving you across the street or around the globe."
Kevin Kramer and Penn/Mayflower would love to help you and your client relocate, he can be reached at (949) 500-0171.
To our Special Donors
September 2007
On October 18, 2007, our “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project donors are invited to attend a donor celebration in the historic district of San Juan Capistrano, less than half a mile from the future site of twenty-seven Habitat for Humanity homes. The event is being held to celebrate the progress that has been made on our “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project through the generous support of our members. Any individual or office who has contributed $100 or more is invited to attend what is sure to be a fun and heart-warming event. We have a wonderful BBQ menu planned by Two Guys Grilling. Other sponsors of the event include Pacific Gas Specialties, Sepulveda Building Materials, South Coast Distributors, Food Sales West, Sam’s Club, Zoomars Petting Zoo, Ron Brazil Photography, and Albertsons of Dana Point. If you would like to RSVP, or if you would like to make your donation today so that you can attend on October 18th, please e-mail Teryll Hopper at Teryll@ocar.org.
Recycle Campaign Update
August2007
Tracy Frye , who is in the elite Pro 100 Club with Tarbell REALTORS® of San Clemente, and the 17-yr owner of a successful picture framing shop in Dana Point, was one of the first real estate agents to step up to the "recycle" plate. Her immediate and enthusiastic efforts define her as an agent whose goal is "to do more than just help people buy or sell real estate." As one who loves working with people, Tracy made friends with the staff at Pulse Fitness, a local gym in Dana Point, where she set up a recycle station. Each week she collects between two and six black bags of bottles that cash in for $30-$50! Now that's a workout out that really pays off!
Another REALTOR® whose efforts have significantly increased the recycle bank account is Julian Ysais of Coldwell Banker Laguna Niguel. Julian, a retired Firefighter and Fire Chief, has held his real estate license since 1987 and has also completed the CA training requirements to be a certified residential and commercial appraiser.
Julian is no stranger to hard work, and in his tried-and-true tradition of caring for others, Julian set himself apart from his peers when he began “farming for Habitat.” With his beautifully made color copies of Habitat’s Homes for Heroes information attached to extra large black trash bags, Julian hit the streets. His letter asking for support was short and sweet yet had a huge impact, even bigger than he had expected. Within a couple weeks, Julian had collected over 35 bags! Julian said, “This really is a nice thing to be doing and people really like it! I have neighbors coming by and leaving their bags in my driveway as well as people calling me (for pick-up).”
Thankfully, Julian didn’t mind the extra effort of driving the bags to our Recycle Coordinator’s house, Janet Austin, whose first thought when she saw the huge pile was...”Cha Ching!” Austin says, “Nothing has made me happier than seeing people’s outstanding efforts and passion about this project. Tracy and Julian are really “Habitat Heroes.”
To date, the Recycle program has brought in over $1,000!
Afternoon Tea Raises Money for the “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project
August 2007
Recently the Orange County Association of REALTORS® auditorium was transformed into a beautiful Tea Garden with decorated tables for more than 100 people to enjoy. Under the direction of WCR President Frances Hicks and Tea Chair Nancy Feathers Bucheck, guests enjoyed the afternoon tasting wonderful organic teas provided by Tea Works, LLC plus an incredible sandwich and sweets buffet, along with a delightful variety of scones with all the condiments. The guests heard the owner of Tea Works, Alan Scherner discuss the healthful benefits of tea drinking. In addition to enjoying a traditional afternoon tea WCR raised more than $1,200 for the “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project through a live auction led by Morrie Hansen
WCR President Frances Hicks said “That the chapter has been raising money at all of the business resource lunch meetings throughout the year, but this event was an extravaganza for all to enjoy.”
The Event Sponsors were John Laing Homes Luxury ~ Tami Owings, The Daily Pilot ~ Lisa Consenza , Marie Osmond Productions ~ Peggy Vicioso and Sign Masters ~ Lynne Suzanski. Underwriting Sponsors: Ask the Appraisers.com, Coast Mortgage Group, Countrywide ~ Tamara Romano, Dee Sign Company, Exchange Resources ~ Debbie Bannister , Freedom Village ~ Gloria Holt, Hydrangea Bleu, KG Interiors, OCAR, Tiempo Escrow ll, Realty Executives ~ Ken Ross and Real Photography.
Table designers and committee: Nancy Feathers Bucheck , Frances Hicks, Carla Grifasi, Sona Kamberg, Jackie Lisi, Jane Servage, Hasmik Youssefian and Alexia Williams. Junior Hostesses: Jennifer Abedie, Diane Schultz and Leena Youssefian.
Signmasters Makes Monthly Contributions to Benefit “Hero Home”
July 2007
To date they have contributed more than $500 towards the $250,000 needed to build one of 27 homes in a brand new Habitat for Humanity development in San Juan Capistrano. Beginning in March Signmasters owner Lynne Suzanski pledged that for every order of $100 or more, Signmasters would contribute $5 towards “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes”.
Owner Lynne Suzanski said, “My husband Mike and I believe that Habitat for Humanity is one of the most credible charitable organizations in existence today. Their philosophy of 'A hand up, not a hand out' is what attracts us to them. Their program is not a give away but requires owners to contribute 'sweat equity' while their homes are under construction as well as a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.
OCAR would like to thank Signmasters and Lynne Suzanski for their ‘hand up’ towards reaching our fundraising goal!
Brick by Brick We Are Building Our Hero Home
July 2007
If you have visited the OCAR office in Laguna Hills you may have noticed the red bricks that are beginning to accumulate on the roof of our model Habitat home in the lobby. Well each brick has a name on it; the name of an OCAR member who has donated $5 towards our Hero Home. The goal is to cover the roof with these red bricks to show our commitment to continue to raise funds and meet our goal!
REALTORS® Test Their Luck at Brand New Office
June 2007
More than two hundred people attended the grand opening of Wachovia Home Loans in Fountain Valley to try their luck at blackjack, craps and roulette tables and to raise money for “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes”. REALTORS® and community members had the opportunity to purchase bingo sheets, gaming chips and raffle tickets for a donation toward Homes for Heroes; the REALTOR® goal to build one of 27 homes in San Juan Capistrano . During the grand opening the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce did an official ribbon cutting and Wachovia Banking Leader, Robert Schacht was presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of Senator Tom Harman . Robert Schacht noted, “Wachovia is very interested in participating in the real estate community and to show our support to our REALTOR® partner by helping raise money towards their $250,000 pledge.
Sponsors who made the Wachovia Grand Opening possible were Howard Lane of Commonwealth/ Land America Title, Celestina Rodriguez with Heritage Escrow, Joann Pennington with Concord Escrow, Cindy Le hman with Paradise Escrow and Bella Reggazza Medical Spa.
For more information in hosting an event to benefit “REALTORS® Building homes for Heroes, contact Teryll Hopper of the Orange County Association of REALTORS® at Teryll@ocar.org
Bowling to Build
June 18th 2007
Team Shimizaki of Countrywide and affiliate Lisa Baird held a fun-filled afternoon of bowling to benefit the “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project. The event featured bowling teams, silent and live auctions, and a payout for REALTOR® strikes by Laguna Escrow Services.
According to Dana Dever of Countrywide Mission Viejo “the event could not have been possible without the generous support of Kristin Monji of Habitat for Humanity, Ron Cohen of Zia Jewelers, Dave Hanna of Hanna’s Bar and Grill, Linda Shimizaki of Optical Shop of Aspen<, Laguna Escrow Services, Labbie Olfatmanesh of OC Portraits, and David Findeisen of First American.”
Thank you everyone!
Close of Escrow is a Great Time to Contribute
June 2007Recently REALTORS® have been using the close of escrow as their opportunity to make a financial contribution towards the “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project. One REALTOR® in particular has used the close of escrow to contribute $1,000 towards the project. Former OCAR Board of Director Jerry LaMott of Prudential California Realty in Laguna Niguel has made two separate $500 contributions at the close of escrow. We would like to thank Jerry LaMott for his generosity towards this great project.
Keller Williams Realty of Huntington Beach has also added “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” to their list of charities that their agents can contribute to at the time of escrow.
Re/MAX REALTOR® Peggy Coon Makes Largest Contribution to “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project
May 24, 2007
On May 24, 2007 Peggy Coon of Re/Max Huntington Beach made a $10,000 contribution to the project. To date this is the largest individual contribution made to support the project. Peggy Coon’s contribution was the one that took the project over the $100,000 mark. The contribution also further exemplified the commitment of OCAR members in Huntington Beach to the “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project. When asked why she chose the “REALTORS® Building Homes for Heroes” Project” Peggy Coon stated, "Our heroes have sacrificed more than can be imagined for all of us. Our industry has been very good to my husband and I. We could not think of a better way to say thank you."
HOUSING TRUST AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF ORANGE COUNTY INK $500,000 PRE-DEVELOPMENT LOAN FOR "HOMES FOR HEROES" DEVELOPMENT.
May 21, 2007
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and the Orange County Housing Trust have signed an agreement under which the Trust will provide a $500,000 pre-development loan to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for development of the upcoming "Homes for Heroes and Foundations for Families" in San Juan Capistrano.
“This loan allows us to start offsite development work for this important new neighborhood of homes,” said Sharon Ellis, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. “It will also serve as an important catalyst for additional funding that we need to raise through contributions.”
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is now asking families to apply for home ownership opportunities in this milestone community. The organization is also asking for financial support from the community to get the building process underway. An anonymous donation of $250,000 was recently made, but another $6.5 million is needed before the actual building process begins.
"We are inviting families to apply for these homes," Ellis explained. "Once we have the families and the funding, we will recruit volunteers to help the families build the homes. But construction cannot even start until all funds for the homes have been raised."
To read the entire News Release please download this PDF file.
Has American Home Shield Home Warranty Representative Janet Austin Turned into a “Bag Lady?”
No! But if you see Janet lugging trash bags of empty water and soda bottles to the Recycling Centers, it's not because she's turned into a Bag Lady. It's because she is filled with passion for the Habitat for Humanity Project and has created a simple way that we all can raise money to build our REALTOR® home in San Juan Capistrano.
“Let's turn trash into a treasured home for a hero. If everyone
will toss their water and soda bottles into our recycle containers, I'll
trade them in for money to help build our REALTOR® home,” said Austin.“I'll provide containers at the REALTOR® Marketing meetings on Wednesday
in San Clemente and on Thursday in both Laguna Niguel and
Laguna Hills.”
Please join us in this simple effort to make a big difference! Habitat for Humanity of Orange County expects to begin building 27 homes in the summer of 2008, 14 of
which are slated for combat wounded veterans.
Printing Janet's flyer and posting it in your office is another way to help, you can get the file here.
Janet Austin Makes Largest Individual Donation to Habitat for Humanity’s
“Homes for Heroes” Project.
When you ask for help, some people just go above and beyond.
OCAR would like to recognize and personally thank Janet Austin of American Home Shield for personally donating $7,000 to the “Homes for Heroes” project. This donation is our largest to date.
Janet, who was recognized as Affiliate of the Year in 2005, has been an OCAR member since 1996 and has been an active participant in numerous OCAR Charity events, including the Golf Tournament, the Beach Party and the Bowling Tournament.
Thank you so much Janet for your generosity and your willingness to step forward for this worthwhile project!
HOMES FOR HEROES
Harman Report
Honorary Advisory Committee
...The homes reserved for disabled veterans will fully comply with all of the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With the casualties resulting from the war on terrorism mounting at an alarming rate, the timing for this project could not have been better. When completed, the project will provide a helping hand to combat-disabled veterans in their effort to achieve the American dream of homeownership.
The Orange County Realtors have pledged to raise $250,000 to be applied towards the overall 7 million dollar cost to build the 27 homes. The realtors of Orange County are to be complemented for their generous support of this most worthy project. If you would like to know more about how to help disabled veterans secure affordable housing, please contact the Habitat for Humanity of Orange County at (714) 434-6200. Or better yet, visit their WEB site at www.habitatoc.org. They are always looking for volunteers willing to swing a hammer and put in a good days work at one of their construction sites.
Tom Harman
California Senator for the 35 district
To read the entire report from Tom Harman Report please go to http://republican.sen.ca.gov/opeds/35/oped3732.asp
City celebrates homes for heroes, foundations for families (11/10/2006)
City officials celebrated a first-time Habitat for Humanity housing development for San Juan Capistrano and first-time project for the Orange County-based organization that will include building homes for combat-disabled veterans.
“Our community is very excited to be working with Habitat for Humanity on this precedent-setting development that provides not only affordable workforce housing but also will offer the same to our disabled military vets,” said Mayor David Swerdlin.
The 27-home development includes 13 duplexes and one single-family home. The homes, which will complement nearby homes in architectural style, will boast wood-framed construction with stucco exteriors and concrete-tile roofs. Habitat for Humanity will use volunteer labor and donated funding, services and building materials to build the project. Construction is expected to begin next year. ...
To read the entire article please go to the City of San Juan Capistrano Official Website http://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/news_detail.asp?ID=659
HOMES FOR HEROES
Volume1 Issue3 edition of the Fifth District Report.
Pat Bates - Supervisor for the Fifth District
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County will be starting a new neighborhood in San Juan Capistrano. Fourteen of the 27 affordable homes will be targeted to veterans with combat-related injuries and/or surviving families of deceased veterans. Homes for Heroes is a pilot program of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and is intended to provide affordable housing for an underserved demographic within Orange County. This new community will offer veterans a wonderful area in which to live, and a helping hand to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. For more information, please click here and here.
Pat Bates
Supervisor for the Fifth District
To access Pat Bate's Newsletter please go to http://bos.ocgov.com/Fifth/newsletters/Volume1Issue3.htm
