Each year, Coachella Valley dons its finest evening wear and pays homage to its Hollywood roots by welcoming filmdom’s finest directors, producers and actors to the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. Held over a ten-day period (this year January 5-16) and now in its 23rd year, the Festival is recognized as a major player in the world of cinema, offering a sophisticated, high profile venue for hundreds of films, many from first time independent artists and studios. Windermere recognizes the many benefits of being host to an event as important and prestigious as the Festival, and for 2012 continues its sponsorship at the Platinum level. “There are a multitude of reasons so many have chosen to make their first and second homes here in the Coachella Valley,” says Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. “One of the greatest of these is our incredible diversity of lifestyles, social and recreational opportunities. The Palm Springs International Film Festival spotlights an important facet of our appeal: a broad range of entertainment options and personal interests. When the Festival and other grand events bring visitors to Palm Springs and its neighboring communities, they fall in love with this place. They have done so for decades, and with all we have to offer, that’s not going to change.” Among the many characteristics continuing to draw people to the Valley, Deville credits a strong real estate market which includes affordable prices in every range, an exceptional inventory of properties from weekend condo to million dollar estates, and savvy buyers and sellers who more than ever recognize the desert’s great opportunities. “It’s a wonderful place to live, to work, and play,” says Deville. “There’s a strong sense of community which ties us all together here.” Windermere and its agents are noted for support of important local services; individual agents devote time, effort and money to a multitude of causes important to them, and entire offices join together throughout the year for various causes. “Windermere appreciates the opportunity to support the Palm Springs International Film Festival each year, in part, because we advance many of the same causes, including one of the most vital: educational and enrichment programs tailored for the Coachella Valley.” Proceeds from the PSIFF help to fund scholarships to low income students.
Windermere Real Estate Southern California is synonymous with community service in the Coachella Valley. Windermere offices sponsor a great number of causes throughout the year, and individual agents contribute their own time, money and effort to myriad other agencies, services and interests. With involvement by agents from Windermere’s La Quinta, Old Town La Quinta, Indian Wells Main, and Indian Wells Country Club offices, Windermere Real Estate is sponsoring a special screening of the documentary, ‘The Wrecking Crew’, about the musicians who played with the greatest musical stars of the 60s: The Mamas and the Papas…The Beach Boys…Cher…and Elvis Presley…all backed by this Los Angeles Sessions musicians group. Though the documentary has earned international awards and critical acclaim, distribution costs have kept the film from market. Proceeds from the Windermere presentation will go toward licensing so the film can be enjoyed by those whose lives were touched by this music.50/50 raffle tickets benefiting the Windermere Foundation will be sold during the event, with prizes to include musical items signed by Crew members. The Windermere Foundation is one of the ways Windermere agents give back to their communities–funded with a contribution from every Windermere real estate transaction, the Foundation raises money for programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance, and other services to those in need.
The event, being held Sunday, January 29th in the main ballroom upstairs at the Indian Wells Country Club, begins at 6:00 with a Meet and Greet and cash bar, with screening at 7:00. On hand to represent the many artists in the film will be Denny Tedesco, producer/director, and three members of the Wrecking Crew: Bill Pitman, ‘Master of the Danelectro Guitar’ (Wild Wild West TV theme); Don Randi, who played piano for both Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s Las Vegas performances; and Hal Blaine, whose drumming marked such recognizable hits as Paul Revere and the Raiders ‘Cherokee Nation’.
Tickets ($15 General and $10 for Seniors) are available online, Click Here.
Each year, Realtors® with the North County Association of Realtors lend support for a one-day food drive at area grocery stores to benefit The Community Resource Center, an organization dedicated to helping women and children, individuals, and families live safe, self-sufficient lives by providing critical assistance in the areas of domestic violence services, food programs, and emergency and transitional housing assistance.
This year, the Solana Beach Windermere office got involved by sponsoring and staffing a ‘Can Tree Holiday Food Drive’ at the Solana Beach Vons, the first time this site has been utilized in the 11-year history of the event. According to event organizers, Windermere’s Vons location was the busiest site this year, collecting the most donations from local shoppers. “Part of our Vision at Windermere,” explained Brent Consedine, Branch Manager for the Solana Beach Windermere office, “ is to be an integral part of the communities we serve. This event enabled our agents to demonstrate that commitment…and we had fun, too.”
Windermere agents love to jump in and support their communities. They’re involved year round, both with formal Windermere fundraising events, and with time, effort and money contributed to their own personal projects. Dave Whitson, Windermere La Quinta agent (47-250 Washington Street) and Delta Sierra RV Club Toys for Tots Co-Chair, is proud of the unmatched success of this year’s Toys for Tots Drive, held December 10 at the Outdoor Resorts RV Resort in Indio.
This is the second year Windermere has taken part by collecting new toys for the program at a number of its offices across the Coachella Valley. Participating offices included Palm Springs Main, Palm Springs South, Palm Springs Midtown, Cathedral City, Palm Desert San Pablo, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and Indio. The evening’s highlights included an introduction of Veterans, prize drawings, and the opportunity for the ladies to ‘Dance With a Marine’ for a $5 contribution to the Toys for Tots Drive. The dances and the raffles contributed thousands of dollars more to the kitty, donations which will enable the Drive to purchase even more toys for deserving kids this year. Attended by over 300 people, the event was sponsored by the Marine Corps, Windermere Real Estate, Delta Sierra, Outdoor Resorts Indio and Desert Shores Resort, and WalMart. Dave Whitson, co-host and MC for the evening, welcomed four young Marines representing Toys for Tots from 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, and later, everybody was treated to a wonderful dinner. But the main focus of attention in the room was the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by just some of the 2,000+ gifts collected for this year’s Toys for Tots Drive. “This was the most successful drive we have had in 9 years,” says Dave. “There were so many toys the Marines had to come back Sunday with a second truck…and 800 of the toys were collected and donated by Windermere agents.” Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California, added, “We’re thrilled to participate again this year in the Toys for Tots Drive. Helping to give kids great holiday memories really brings the season home.”
Windermere’s Wendy Forrester (Solana Beach office at 124 Lomas Santa Fe) went the distance, walking 60 miles in 3 days…all the way to downtown San Diego. Wendy met her Susan G. Komen ’3-Day for the Cure’ fundraising goal, and joined 5,000 others marching in pink across the finish line. “I appreciate your past support, and I’m honored that so many have donated again this year,” she said. Wendy, a cancer survivor herself, was proud to be a part of the celebration. Net proceeds from the 3-Day are invested in breast cancer research and community programs. “I’ve survived this, and now I want to help others. I walked in the 3-Day because I can.”
At its recent business meeting, agents and staff at Windermere’s Indio office at 81-703 Highway 111 showed solid support in the drive to raise Breast Cancer Awareness. Aside from showing off their fabulous fashion sense and happy sunshine smiles, Windermere agents are known for getting behind a variety of community issues, supporting services and programs across the Coachella Valley. Click here for a roster of agents at the Windermere Indio office.
Windermere Indio Agents Supports Breast Cancer Awareness in PINK!
Windermere Southern California has built itself upon a firm foundation of principles, ethics and practices. We know that by being familiar with where we come from, we can better plan where we’re going.
This weekend, agents from our Windermere La Quinta office (47-250 Washington Street) and Old Town office (78-065 Main Street, Suite 100) are helping to bring a little history to Lake Cahuilla Park! In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the La Quinta Museum is presenting a re-enactment of four Civil War battles.
Windermere Southern California is one of the local sponsors of this exciting event, and admission is FREE. Click here for more information.
Check it out in this bit from the La Quinta Cove newsletter:
“The year 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. To commemorate this, the City of La Quinta, the La Quinta Museum, Historical Society, Riverside County, and several corporate sponsors will sponsor a unique weekend. Saturday and Sunday will see scores of members of the American Civil War Society come to Lake Cahuilla and literally set up camp and fight some battles. In addition, the encampment will have hospital, chow wagons, and other elements common to the Civil War.
On Saturday (19th) the park opens to the public for FREE at 9:00 a.m. and battles will be “fought” with cannons and muskets at 11:30 and 3:00. The park will close at 5:00 that day.
On Sunday (20th) the park is open from 9-3:00, with church services at 9:00 and battles at 11:00 and 2:00. Each battle will be different. Guests are invited to ask questions of the “soldiers” to learn even more about this critical period in our nation’s history.
Also, vendors will offer food and souvenirs. Don’t miss this truly historic event…bring the kids and the cousins and the neighbors. Remember, it’s free!
One of the many important distinctions between Windermere and other real estate companies is the presence of a full-time, dedicated NON-COMPETING Managing Broker in each of its offices. This means that agents, whether relative newcomers or 20-year veterans, have a knowledgeable go-to source for additional guidance and insight. It’s important work…and these Managing Brokers take their responsibilities very seriously.
Sandi Richardson & Marilyn Bauer, Managing Brokers for Windermere Southern California
That being said, once in a while these hard-working Windermerians have been known to allow themselves an occasional silly moment…as shown here in a snap taken last month at the California Desert Association of Realtors (CDAR) event with Franklin Loan Center.
Just in case you don’t recognize these two without their serious hats on, that’s Sandi Richardson, Managing Broker of the Palm Desert Cook/Hovley office, and Marilyn Bauer, Managing Broker of the Palm Desert San Pablo office.
Roy’s Desert Resource Center of Palm Springs, which aids Coachella Valley’s homeless, is bracing itself for severe cutbacks expected by the end of the year. The County of Riverside, as well as most of the member cities in the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) are forced to cut back $400,000 each year from the $2M annual budget; Desert Hot Springs has been forced to withdraw its contribution completely.
One of the dorms at Roy's
Tor Buck, an agent with Windermere’s Palm Springs South office at 2465 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 605, contributes considerable time and effort to the Friends of Roy’s Foundation, a community support group for this increasingly important desert resource. Tor notes that Friends of Roy’s is stepping in to raise funds to help make up for the annual shortfall. Jewish Family Services, which administers Roy’s Desert Resource Center, has had to cut back from 135 beds to 100 beds, at a time when the community’s needs are increasing.
Tor Buck of Windermere Southern California supports Roy's Desert Resource Center
“By joining with other community organizations in support of Roy’s, we plan to increase awareness of Roy’s mission. Roy’s is an invaluable asset to the Valley, working against great odds to aid individuals and entire families,” says Tor. “By working together, we can offer Roy’s clients the opportunity to return to satisfying and productive lives.”
Join in supporting Roy’s by registering for a unique experience: The Palm Desert Century Bike Ride on Saturday, November 12. The Ride will consist of 20, 32, 50, 60, 70 and 100 mile turnarounds, with donations benefiting Roy’s. Ride will start and finish at 74-902 University Park in Palm Desert. Don’t ride? Friends of Roy’s still needs volunteers to work the water-rest stations, parking lot, set-up/tear down, etc.
For a map and additional information, or to volunteer to help, contact Tor Buck at 760-969-3119 or Tor@WindermereSoCal.com.
“Our valley’s homeless face a serious issue which, unfortunately, continues to grow,” said Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. “Windermere and its agents have long been a supporter of Roy’s Desert Resource Center, and we applaud and support Tor and Friends of Roy’s in these efforts.”
Windermere has opened the doors to its new office at 27941 La Paz Road, Suite A with a grand opening event Laguna Niguel will be talking about for a long time to come. With its vast expanses of glass and upscale furnishings, the space has an exhilarating, open feel that brings Laguna Niguel’s wonderful climate and coastal ambiance inside.
Windermere agents and staff enjoyed giving tours to an appreciative and constant flow of eager clients, public officials and visitors, who happily mingled while enjoying wine, margaritas, and a colorful buffet of exceptional specialties prepared by Windermere’s next door neighbor, Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant. On hand for the ribbon-cutting festivities were Laguna Niguel Mayor, Gary Capata; Kirk Lapple, Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the County of Orange, the California Assembly, Senate, and House of Representatives.
“We’re gratified beyond words for the warm welcome we’ve received from the City of Laguna Niguel,” said Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere SoCal. “From day one, we knew we’d made the right decision moving into the Laguna Niguel Marketplace. Our Windermere agents are reputed for providing legendary customer service to their Buyers and Sellers, and Laguna Niguel locals clearly appreciate what we have to offer. We’re looking forward to a long and happy relationship with this great city.”
Tomorrow, October 22nd, Patrick Jordan and the Patrick Stewart Properties team will be walking for their fourth year in the Palm Springs DAP AIDS Walk. The goal they set for themselves for this year’s event is $10,000, and based on the large number of supporters who have signed on to sponsor them, there’s a pretty good chance they will meet that goal.
“We appreciate your unwavering support in helping the men, women and children who rely on Desert AIDS Project services,” says Patrick. “With over 30 new DAP clients per month, the myth that AIDS is over is just not true. AIDS is not over.”
To sponsor the Patrick Stewart Properties team or to make a donation, click HERE.
This just in: The Patrick Stewart Properties team has SURPASSED their $10,000 goal! They’re at $10,500 and still rising! They’re now the #1 fundraiser team for this year’s AIDS Walk, and they’re not even slowing down! Congratulations on your success, guys, and thanks for all you do. Walk on!
If you’ve worked with a Windermere agent, you already know they are some of the hardest working folks around. But all work and no play…
That’s why once a year, the Bobs throw a two-steppin,’ spur-spinnin’ party to give all those Jacks and Jills a chance to kick up a little dust…and you better believe they know HOW!
Windermere Hoedown, A Day of Fun In The Country
So Sunday, September 25, here’s what went down: Right around 2:00, Windermere folks started pullin’ up to the Garner Valley Community Center. Now let’s back up a bit and tell y’all about this gorgeous place…you point yer ride up Highway 74 past El Paseo in Palm Desert…and you just keep climbin’ until you find yourself in one of the prettiest little valleys in the whole durn range. Log homes, horses, emerald pastures and fields of wildflowers. It’s flat-out paradise on a mountain road, and 20-25 degrees cooler than the desert floor! Anyway, back to the party…About 400 of Windermere’s finest brought their families out, and commenced to chowin’ down (cheeseburgers, hot dogs, potato salad…you know, vittles) and sippin’ on sodas (just enough beer, wine and soft drinks to keep from bein’ parched). Let’s see, what else…a dunk tank for keepin’ the young‘ns cool, a chicken drop to satisfy them bettin’ types…and horse n’ buggy rides, shuffleboard, horseshoe throwin’ and other goin’s on to keep everybody outta trouble. And then the boot-scootin’ started! Well, y’all never heard a better band than The Arrangements, headed up by Patrick Mahon from So-Cal Direct Lending. Talk about crowd-pleasin’ tunes, these boys gave it their all, and played ‘til sunset.
Windermere agents sure do love the chance to spend a little time together and catch up on what’s goin’ on, and I mean to tell you that Hoe-Down was more fun than a rodeo clown on rubber roller skates…Yee HAAAWWWW!
hard to train for the recent AIDS LifeCycle event, we just wanted to let you know that Jim finished the ride raising over $6,000 for the cause (that’s more than double what he raised the first year he rode in this event!!).
You may remember his challenge that if he received at least 10 on-line donations by his deadline, he’d shave his head…did he do it? YEP. Is he all rested and ready to go again? You betcha.
He looks very proud in that photo…and so do his mom and dad! Congratulations, Jim!
Jim Hladysh of Windermere Palm Springs South Rides for A Cause. Way to Go Jim!
Who doesn’t love a good party, right? One of San Diego County’s largest annual events– the La Mesa OKTOBERFEST–is revving up for this weekend: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 30-October 2. The celebration, which is expected to draw about 200,000 people, will take place along ten blocks of La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Street and Parking Lot, closed to traffic for the event.
This year, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the very first Windermere Real Estate Food Court, centrally located at the corner of La Mesa Boulevard and 4th Avenue, and offering an abundant selection of foods sure to tempt every palate. You can’t miss the horse-shoe layout of food booths with their tables, chairs and umbrellas…just look for lots of really happy people and some very yummyOKTOBERFEST edibles. Grab a bite and then come and say hello to the wunderbar folks at the nearby Windermere Real Estate booth.
So, let’s recap:
Free Admission: Check.
Cold Beer: Check.
Fun Food: Check.
Music and Entertainment: Check.
Arts, Crafts and LOTS MORE: Check. Check. Check.
Prost!
Hours: Friday and Saturday – 11:00 am to 11:30 pm / Sunday – Noon to 5:00 pm
Windermere Brea Office Agents and Staff Celebrate a Successful First Year!
Windermere Preferred Living kicked off its second year asTHE go-to real estate company in Brea by hosting a fabulous First Anniversary celebration at its 135 South State College office.
The glittering event, festooned with hundreds of blue and white balloons, was by all accounts the ultimate industry event in the beautiful city of Brea, attended by a huge number of real estate movers and shakers (including lots of folks interested in checking out some of the features and benefits of being a Windermere agent).
Included among the happy party-goers: John ‘OB’ Jacobi, President, Windermere Real Estate, on a visit to absolutely gorgeous Southern California…where our unbelievable agents and incredible weather draw people in from EVERYWHERE!
Congratulations toJames and Andrea Marquez, owners of the Windermere Preferred Living office! You’ve shown Brea how it’s done, and you’re sure to have even greater success in the coming years!
Each year, Coachella Valley dons its finest evening wear and pays homage to its Hollywood roots by welcoming filmdom’s finest directors, producers and actors to the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. Held over a ten-day period (this year January 5-16) and now in its 23rd year, the Festival is recognized as a major player in the world of cinema, offering a sophisticated, high profile venue for hundreds of films, many from first time independent artists and studios. Windermere recognizes the many benefits of being host to an event as important and prestigious as the Festival, and for 2012 continues its sponsorship at the Platinum level. “There are a multitude of reasons so many have chosen to make their first and second homes here in the Coachella Valley,” says Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. “One of the greatest of these is our incredible diversity of lifestyles, social and recreational opportunities. The Palm Springs International Film Festival spotlights an important facet of our appeal: a broad range of entertainment options and personal interests. When the Festival and other grand events bring visitors to Palm Springs and its neighboring communities, they fall in love with this place. They have done so for decades, and with all we have to offer, that’s not going to change.” Among the many characteristics continuing to draw people to the Valley, Deville credits a strong real estate market which includes affordable prices in every range, an exceptional inventory of properties from weekend condo to million dollar estates, and savvy buyers and sellers who more than ever recognize the desert’s great opportunities. “It’s a wonderful place to live, to work, and play,” says Deville. “There’s a strong sense of community which ties us all together here.” Windermere and its agents are noted for support of important local services; individual agents devote time, effort and money to a multitude of causes important to them, and entire offices join together throughout the year for various causes. “Windermere appreciates the opportunity to support the Palm Springs International Film Festival each year, in part, because we advance many of the same causes, including one of the most vital: educational and enrichment programs tailored for the Coachella Valley.” Proceeds from the PSIFF help to fund scholarships to low income students.
