Event Coverage
Realtors and Affiliates Present Over $50,000 to Benefit Palo Alto Schools
On Wednesday, April 11, Realtors and affiliates of SILVAR's Palo Alto District presented the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) with over $50,000 - the results of their very successful Palo Alto Realtors® Campaign for Partners in Education (PIE).
SILVAR Realtors, affiliates and guests gathered at Palo Alto's Garden Court Hotel to celebrate another successful PIE campaign yesterday. Michael Hall of Alain Pinel Realtors, co-chair of the Palo Alto REALTOR® Campaign for Partners in Education, announced 150 Realtors and 11 affiliates and brokers contributed to the campaign.
Hall said since the association became involved with the PIE program eight years ago, Palo Alto Realtors and affiliates have contributed approximately $350,000.
"The Realtor community is proud to make this contribution," Hall said. "We can be rightly proud of the high quality of education in the Palo Alto schools. We are parents too, and we know that our students work very hard. We want to acknowledge them."
Hall praised the school district and its teachers and students who have strived to live up to high standards.
"As Realtors, as professionals who help people buy real estate, we value the contributions the schools make," Hall said. "The number one question our clients ask before purchasing a home is schools. Our sellers reap benefits because of the great quality of our schools and we acknowledge the role our schools play in the process. Children are the hope of our future. Their education is the key to success in the work place."
On behalf of PIE, Board President Susan Bailey thanked the Realtors and affiliates during the event. Bailey said thanks to SILVAR Realtors and affiliates, PIE has been able to raise $2.1 million for the school system for this year and next.
"Thank you very, very much," said Bailey. "Partners in Education has really taken off thanks to all of you. The support of you Realtors is very important to us."
Palo Alto Partners in Education is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting Palo Alto public elementary, middle and high schools by raising money to meet classroom needs otherwise left unfunded.
"Every dollar you donate makes a difference in the classroom," Bailey stressed.
PAUSD Superintendent Mary Frances Callan echoed Bailey's thanks and remarked, "Your generosity goes directly to helping the districts 11,000 students and 17 campuses. We could not do what we do without your support."
The PAUSD superintendent enumerated programs being supported by PIE funds. They include art, home to school translations, math and science programs.
"I can assure you, there are staff members behind every dollar you give," said Callan. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR 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 Silicon Valley.
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 email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.