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.
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 Southern California Happily Supporting The Grape Festival
Windermere Real Estate Southern California and its agents are known for supporting their local communities with energy, time and financial contributions–as individuals, as the leading real estate company in the Coachella Valley, and through the Windermere Foundation, which contributes a percentage of every real estate sale toward local community services.
Agents from the Windermere Indio office, located at 81-703 Highway 111, for the second year in a row, enjoyed the opportunity of participating in the Grape Festival presented by The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mecca and the church’s volunteer group, ‘Angeles de la Misericordia’ (Angels of Mercy). Windermere, a Gold Sponsor of the event, actively participated with agents staffing a booth at the Festival, helping raise funds to be utilized to assist and feed the homeless during the agricultural picking season. In addition to Windermere agents staffing the booth and collecting individual donations, the Windermere Foundation presented a $500 contribution to this important cause, helping to make a real difference in the lives of the recipients.
“There are many ways to support the communities here in which we live, work and play,” said Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. “Windermere and our agents derive immense personal satisfaction from contributing their time, effort and money to local community service projects and providers. The Sanctuary does important work here in the Coachella Valley, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Jennie’s not the only golfer in the family! Bob and Jennie’s ‘wonder dog’, Riley Rose, is a golf ball retriever (she’s also an English Golden Retriever, but she doesn’t like to brag). She recently donated 5,000 golf balls to the First Tee Junior Program. And nobody hunts golf balls like Riley Rose…she hones in on wayward balls thought lost to mankind, carrying them gently back to the growing pile for contribution to worthy junior golf programs…so far, 8,000 and counting!
Windermere ‘owned’ the 18th hole with a Platinum Sponsorship in the 2011 Annual Golf Tournament, the proceeds from which benefit the Palm Springs USO and the California Desert Association of Realtors Scholarship Fund. The Windermere Golf Team played as a GREAT scramble team does – everyone contributed great shots and great putts!
Windermere Agents spend a day of fun & laughter, teaming up on the golf course.
Ramon Godinez hit a fabulous shot out of the bunker to three feet. Allan Grushkin hit a long second shot onto the green from a difficult spot in the rough with a strong wind against him. Dean Wartelle smoked a couple of awesome drives near the finish. And a few of Carol Hochsprung’s fairway tee shots answered some of her partners’ errant hooks and slices, too.
There was lots of fun and laughs during the “birdie-full” afternoon of 18 holes, followed by a buffet dinner at the La Quinta Country Club. Huge thanks for the generosity of the many affiliates, sponsors, and volunteers for their talents and efforts. AND, props to the staff of CDAR for their continued good spirit and dedication to all of us hard-working people in the real estate industry!
Windermere Agents, Brokers & Staff show their patriotism in the La Mesa Flag Day Parade
Windermere Real Estate proudly participated in the city of La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 4. Agents and staff from Windermere’s La Mesa office were joined by fellow ‘Windermerians’ from other offices across Southern California, with their banner-festooned, hay-bale covered Windermere float ‘sailing’ along the parade route past cheering, patriotically dressed spectators.
Waving to the crowd, Windermere Agents, Managing Brokers and staff laughed and handed out balloons, fans, bottled water and flags. Windermere, which hosted an Open House on May 18 to dedicate its new La Mesa office at 8131 Allison Avenue, has clearly settled in to its great new La Mesa community, and its agents are already providing their legendary Windermere service to their clients.
Bob Thomas, riding to support people living with AIDS
Windermere’s Bob Thomas, from the Palm Springs Main office, is currently pedaling 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles.The AIDS LifeCycle 10th Anniversary ‘Ride to End AIDS’ is taking place from June 5-June 11…but the preparation for these participants has been going on for months and even years.
Bob’s been extending his riding exercises with fanatic dedication. Over the weekend of May 21, he saw two tough rides totaling 140 miles, with plenty of hills and lots of wind. Throw high temps into the mix, and it’s a tough go for sure!
But Bob is up to it, and he’s surpassed his $10,000 fundraising goal, enough to provide critical medications for a person with AIDS for about six months!!
“In the early years of the epidemic I lost a lot of close friends – almost more than I can count,” says Bob. “I am riding not only to pay tribute to those lost but also to those living today with HIV in the hope that their lives can be made just a little bit better because of the medical science and care that the ride helps support.”
If you’d like to support Bob with his ride, you can donate directly to AIDS LifeCycle by clicking here.
