Event Coverage
Los Gatos/Saratoga District's Pumpkin Auction Raises a Record $6,195
This year's Los Gatos/Saratoga District Pumpkin Auction raised $6,195, breaking records of past years, thanks to the generosity of SILVAR members, from the individual and company donors who contributed auction items, to the members who bid generously and the skill and persuasiveness of SILVAR REALTOR® and California Association of REALTORS® 2005 president Jim Hamilton, who served as this year's auctioneer.
Proceeds from the auction will go to Operation Reindeer, a program the District has supported for many years. Operation Reindeer helps about 100 families in the area with food, clothing and gifts for the holidays. The District's Pumpkin Auction provides the seed money to start the Realtor-funded portion of Operation Reindeer. Individual Realtors also contribute to the fund as well as individual offices from real estate, title and mortgage companies. In addition to monetary contributions, many volunteers give their time to shop, wrap and help distribute presents and food certificates.
Hamilton, who is with Alain Pinel Realtors Los Gatos, opened the auction with a plea to members to think about the children who, through no fault of their own, are in need. He said when asked what they want for Christmas, many of the children don't ask for big things; instead, they ask for a pair of socks or new pajamas.
"Don't forget that this is for the children. Open your hearts and remember this is for the kids, so they will have a little better Christmas," said Hamilton. "Every single dollar counts. Make this happen for the kids."
So members did, amid a jovial atmosphere. As Hamilton egged them on, they bid actively on unique and beautifully decorated pumpkins and fall and Thanksgiving arrangements. Many of the items were especially handmade by the members and included big prizes.
The highest bid was $1,000 by Ed Graziani with Sereno Group for a Large Broomsters display donated by Coldwell Banker Los Gatos. Next were Nicki Banucci with Keller Williams Bay Area Estates, who bid $900 for 49ers tickets, and Bryan Russell with Banc Home Loans, who also bid $900 for a Candle Centerpiece with 49ers club level tickets.
Thank you to generous donors Alain Pinel Realtors Los Gatos - Jeff Barnett; Coldwell Banker Los Gatos - Doug Evans; Coldwell Banker Saratoga - Shawn Carroll; Intero Real Estate Services Los Gatos - Brian Crane; Keller Williams Bay Area Estates - Mark Von Kaenel; Sereno Group - Ryan Iwanaga; and Diane Chandler with Alain Pinel Realtors Los Gatos and Jo Preston with Montalvo Ventures Saratoga, who made several of the pumpkin decorations.
The District thanks Barbara Werner with Keller Williams Bay Area Estates, who led the charge this year, and helpers Diane Chandler and Denise Myrick, also with Keller Williams Bay Area Estates. Pelin Erdal with Sereno Group is heading Operation Reindeer this year.
Thanks to the Los Gatos/Saratoga District for helping make the upcoming holiday season a good one for many families!
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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.
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