Event Coverage
SILVAR REALTORS® Honor Veterans
SILVAR members honored the country's veterans this week, including their own, at the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club. More than 150 members and guests enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres, beverages and live music, while bidding on fabulous items at the live and silent auctions on Wednesday night. Thanks to the generous donations from sponsors and members who bid generously, the event grossed over $45,000 for the SILVAR Veterans Scholarship Fund.
The SILVAR Veterans Scholarship Fund is a new component of the Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation's focus on education. The scholarship fund will support eligible U.S. veterans and eligible dependents of deceased veterans residing in SILVAR's traditional service area who wish to further their education.
Leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance was Bill Weseloh, a longtime SILVAR member and U.S. veteran. Tina Kyriakis, also a SILVAR member, sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." Serving as masters of ceremonies were Santa Clara County District 5 Supervisor Joe Simitian, who also was the evening's auctioneer, and Lehua Greenman, Silicon Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation trustee and chair of SILVAR's Membership Committee. The Committee already began planning the event in the spring.
SILVAR President Chris Isaacson and Greenman welcomed guests to the special event. They recognized special guests present, including San Mateo County District 4 Supervisor Warren Slocum, who is also a U.S. veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam 1966-67. They noted the country's veterans have made many sacrifices "so we can live free and with liberty."
A highlight of the event were the presentations of the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition "for outstanding and invaluable service to the community" from U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo and a Certificate of Commendation from the County of Santa Clara presented by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® and all REALTOR® Veterans.
The presentations were followed by a recognition of all U.S. veterans present at the event, including those who had registered, but were unable to be present that evening. Recognized at the podium were Supervisor Slocum, Bill Weseloh (U.S. Army), Frank Limon (U.S. Army 1965-68, Vietnam, 1965-67), Mike Frangadakis (Vietnam, 1967-70, currently serving in the California State Military Reserve); Derrick Felton, (U.S. Army, 1988-1992, Persian Gulf), Tom Gordon (U.S. Air Force 1984-1988, Edwards Air Force Base, CA.); Steve Trolan (U.S. Army, 1981-85, Fort Shafter, HI, 1987-1994, U.S. Army Reserve, 12th Special Forces GP - ABN); Larry Tringali (U.S. Navy Corpsman, 1967-69), Kelly Hutter (U.S. Air Force, 1985-1993), Bill Moody (U.S. Army, Vietnam, 1966-68); John Tripp (Pacific Theater, 1947-1956); and Joe Brown (U.S. Air Force 1969-1973, Vietnam 1970-71).
On behalf of all U.S. veterans, Gordon, who was the special guest speaker of the evening, thanked SILVAR for creating a scholarship fund for veterans. He noted when veterans come home, "there are gaps … they are ready for something better. Getting an education is one of the things that can help us to lead a fuller life."
As he opened the live auction for bidding, Simitian reminded everyone that proceeds would go to the veterans scholarship fund. "We need to show them we care enough to say thank you and tangibilitize our appreciation for their service," said Simitian.
A lively bidding ensued, with loud cheers as Simitian encouraged individuals to raise their bids even more. The successful event culminated with Kyriakis leading everyone in "God Bless America."
Thank you to the very generous sponsors of this event: MLSListing Inc., Menlo Park-Atherton District, Palo Alto District, Los Altos-Mountain View District, Cupertino-Sunnyvale District, Los Gatos-Saratoga District, Silicon Valley Young Professionals Network (YPN), Mr. & Mrs. Theodore H. Geballe, Putnam Lexus - Redwood City, Putnam Toyota – Burlingame, Opes Advisors - Palo Alto, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage - Los Gatos, Stagers - San Carlos, Palo Alto University, Terri Couture - Coldwell Banker Los Altos, Taube Family Foundation, First American Home Warranty, GENTRY, The Almanac, Janet Witkin - Referral Realty Cupertino, Zepp Family Trust and Hutton Mortgage - Los Gatos.
Special thanks to SILVAR's Membership Committee for their hard work and efforts in making the event a success: Lehua Greenman (chair), Leslie Butlar, Trish Eby, Bonnie Kehl, Mark Milano, Clayton Nelson, Ryan Nunnally, David Tonna, John Tripp, Jane Volpe and Janet Witkin.
Photo Gallery
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.