Neighborhood Involvement - Windermere Real Estate Southern California | Windermere Real Estate Southern California

Posts Tagged ‘Neighborhood Involvement’

Windermere Agents and Clients Help Make Music for Thermal Students

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

The students of Oasis Elementary School in Thermal have something to sing about, or rather with, thanks to the great work of Windermere Southern California agents Roger A. Sullivan and Camille Pfeifer.

Windermere’s La Quinta office has been involved with the Oasis Elementary School for several years. They have adopted three of the four 4th grade classes, plus the Special-Ed class. During planned visits each year, Windermere agents deliver much needed school work essentials at the start of each year; yuletide visits bring a soccer ball plus other gifts and goodies for each child, and a year-end visit in June augments the summer reading program. Each of these visits is overseen by La Quinta’s Managing Broker, Sandy Beakey, who shared, “Giving back to the community is what we do at Windermere. It is part of our philosophy – at the agent, office and brokerage level, including the great work of the Windermere Foundation.”

So when Camille Pfeifer recently emailed her fellow Windermere agents that her clients, Sam and Nancy Weiss, were willing to donate a beautiful Sohmer & Company Walnut baby grand piano, Roger Sullivan immediately jumped on the opportunity. Making numerous calls to local businesses, Roger’s end goal was to not only get the piano donated to the Oasis Elementary School in Thermal but to have it delivered in full glory – repaired, tuned and ready to play.

Roger successfully enlisted the help of On Time Moving Services of Cathedral City and Steve Salmacia of A 440 Piano Works in Palm Desert, who stepped up with a great response time and plan of action. Oasis Principal Dora Flores was incredibly pleased by the generous donation and the additional time and care that was put into helping restore the piano to its full glory. Dora shared that the school’s cheerleaders were already working on a routine to include the new piano and that’s just the beginning.

Windermere La Quinta Roger Sullivan Piano Thermal Donation

Roger Sullivan seated with Dora Flores, Principal of Oasis Elementary School in Thermal

“My fellow agents have been extremely generous with their time and money. For me, just seeing the smiles our visits bring and hearing the thanks from the students for what we are able to provide them is a thousand-fold return on our efforts. It’s inspired me to stretch a little,” shared Roger, who has been a constant in the outreach efforts for the Thermal school.

Roger hopes that the restoration and donation of the piano is just a beginning to helping Oasis Elementary augment their musical resources. If you have a musical instrument that you would like to donate to the school program, contact Roger by email or phone, and he will make sure it’s put to good use.

Roger can be reached at (760) 610-3245 or by email at Roger@RogerASullivan.com.

Tags: Coachella Valley, Community Support, La Quinta, Neighborhood Involvement, School Supplies, Schools and Education, Windermere Real Estate
Posted in Charity | No Comments »

Windermere Offices Gather Together & Spread Holiday Cheer

Monday, December 31st, 2012

Windermere Real Estate Southern California and SoCal Coastal offices and agents celebrated the holiday season with individual office lunches where they helped spread the cheer by supporting local toy and food drives for organizations and families throughout the Coachella Valley, Orange County and San Diego County.

“We are so grateful to be closing another record-breaking year in real estate sales at Windermere,” said Bob Deville, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate Southern California. “As always, it is a priority at Windermere to give back to the communities that we serve through our Foundation grants and other company-sponsored events. We are fortunate to have the caliber of agents and staff at Windermere who continue to exceed our expectations by giving additionally of their money, time and resources.”

Coachella Valley

Palm Springs

Agents from Windermere’s Palm Springs offices jump-started the holiday early by submitting 9 huge baskets for the Palm Springs Association of Realtors’ Autumn Auction. The proceeds from benefitted the local charities supported by PSAR. Realtor® Ronnie Starr spearheaded the gift basket committee and Windermere agents’ entries raised over $2,600. Windermere’s Palm Springs South office also celebrated a little holiday cheer by giving their office staff a little extra holiday love!

Windermere Agents in Palm Spring South sharing some holiday cheer with their support staff.

Cathedral City

Managing Broker Danail Jekhov and Windermere agents from the Cathedral City office gathered together for some off-time fun with an old-fashioned potluck and White Elephant gift exchange. A fun time was had by all – even if Danail got his crock pot snatched away!

Agents and staff from Windermere’s Cathedral City office sharing in the holiday spirit.

More images available to view at http://goo.gl/8w6Eq

Rancho Mirage

Meanwhile at Rancho Mirage, Office Manager Laurie Huizar and her Santa Committee members - Toni Garmisa, Donna Malouf and Pat Richter - put together a tree, collected children’s gifts, whipped together a holiday dinner and purchased gift cards for their adopted family from a nearby school with donations and contributions from agents and staff. Santa’s Committee members met with the mother of the family and get everything transported to the family home before the kids got home from school. What a great way to start the holiday weekend!

(pictured from left to right) Donna Malouf, Pat Richter, Laurie Huizar and Toni Garmissa

Ready for on-time holiday delivery!

Palm Desert Portola

Windermere’s Palm Desert Portola office exchanged holiday wishes over a potluck while gathering children’s toys for the Toys for Tots campaign and canned goods for Martha’s Village. Managing Broker Sandi Richardson played hostess to all her wonderful agents and staff, directing the gift and donation deliveries while Debbie Sander and Sharon Vincent gathered up the toys.

Windermere Portola Palm Desert Office Holiday 2012

Happy holidays from the agents and staff at Windermere’s Palm Desert Portola Office.

Toys for Tots Windermere Portola Holiday 2012

Sharon Vincent and Debbie Sander from Windermere’s Portola Office

Palm Desert San Pablo

Alongside Windermere’s Palm Desert San Pablo office potluck, Windermere agents and staff participated in their 1^st Annual Holiday Cookie Exchange with the national non-profit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Managing Broker Bryan Arnold carved his way into the holiday meal while Donna wrangled the participating cookie exchange entries. The cookie exchange raised over $600 for the charity.

Windermere’s Bryan Arnold carves up the holiday feast.

Donna oversees the 1st Annual Cookie Exchange at Windermere’s San Pablo office.

More images of Windermere’s Palm Desert Portola and San Pablo office parties available here - http://goo.gl/dqIxq

Indian Wells Main & Indian Wells Luxury Homes and Estates

Managing Broker Charlie White hosted a holiday breakfast during their office meeting before the holiday weekend, catered by Windermere Realtor® Kerry Anderson and her It’s A Grind coffee house. Agents gathered to share in the spirit of the season and began working on their goals for the New Year. An always-entertaining crew from Windermere’s Creative Department joined in the fun!

Windermere's Indian Wells Main & Luxury Homes and Estates offices

Happy Holidays from the agents and staff at Windermere’s Indian Wells & Luxury Homes and Estates offices!

Emily joins in the holiday fun with Kristina, Crystal and Emmanuel from Windermere’s Creative Team. Director of Creative Services Craig Bernardi is ready for the holidays to begin!

La Quinta & Old Town La Quinta

Windermere’s La Quinta and Old Town La Quinta offices made their second journey of the year to the Oasis Elementary School in Thermal, visiting their adopted fourth grade classes. Thursday’s delivery of 91 giant gift bags included toys, household items and books for all students. The bags lined every possible hallway in Windermere’s La Quinta office, and Roger Sullivan wrangled the 7-vehicle, 16-agent caravan together to get the goodies delivered!

Gift bags for the students lined every hallway in Windermere’s La Quinta main office.

The final destination for this set of Santa’s helpers’ gifts.

Sorted, divided and ready to deliver!

Many more pictures of Windermere’s La Quinta offices holiday visit to Oasis Elementary available here: http://goo.gl/tcdOA

Indio

Windermere’s Indio office, spearheaded by Managing Broker George Baca, distributed 22 gift boxes throughout Indio and Coachella and collected over 500 gifts for the Toys for Tots campaign. Marines from the base in Twentynine Palms arrived on Thursday to collect the toys with a near empty van but left full to the top! After the Marines departed, more toys were delivered to the office, and agents shuttled them to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

Windermere’s Indio office’s collection for Toys for Tots.

See more of the pictures from Indio’s toy drive here: http://goo.gl/VUgqv

Orange County

Laguna Niguel

Agents and staff from Windermere’s Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel offices gathered together on December 13^th to share in the spirit of the season with a holiday potluck. They invited their partners from Mortgage Capital and affiliated services to join them and were surprised by an early visit from Santa!

Dave Black, Pam Spadafore and Torey Severino

Santa drops by Windermere’s Laguna Niguel office for an early visit.

San Diego County

Carlsbad

Community-minded Windermere agents in Carlsbad and Solana Beach had an amazing Thanksgiving Food Drive for North County Community Services and Feeding America San Diego. They collected over a ton of food. Kudos to the Chris Gorno Team, Judy Goldberg, Elizabeth Kaser and Amanda Schlegel for spearheading the task!

Chris Gorno packing in all of her collected donations.

Elizabeth Kaser putting it all together.

Solana Beach

Windermere Carlsbad and Solana Beach agents and staff, in cooperation with North County Association of Realtors® and the California Association of Realtors’® Holiday CanTree Food Drive, collected an additional 5 carloads of food! Managing Broker Brent Consedine and Realtors® Judee Adams, Liz Nederlander Cohen, Lori Sykes, Valerie Macleay, Niko Esposito and Helen Angell coaxed the crowd of shoppers at the Vons in Solana Beach to give big for the cause.

Judee, Liz, Loir and Brent hand out bags for customers to fill and return with donated grocery items.

Valerie Macleay- Niko Esposito- Helen Angel FB

Valerie, Niko and Helen keep the momentum going!

La Mesa & La Mesa Village

Windermere Agent Phil Hessling organized the troops in our La Mesa and La Mesa Village office for a blitz of holiday spirit. Agents donated time, money and much effort to adopt a needy family in cooperation with the local Our Lady of Grace Church’s Angel Program. Family #98 with children aged 8, 10 & 12 received both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner as well as gifts for Christmas and gift cards for future household purchases. Agents gathered donations as well, while participating in La Mesa Village’s Christmas in the Village, where they held a drawing for a Nook® to raise money for the family.

Windermere’s Phil Hessling and Don Bauza kindly greet the folks at Christmas in La Mesa Village.

Christmas in the Village – La Mesa Village

Hillcrest Mission Hills

Windermere Agents and staff from our newest and fast-growing Hillcrest office gathered together at Managing Broker Kirk Gregor’s home for their first holiday celebration. Newly opened in mid-October, this dedicated team of real estate professionals is clearly forming tight bonds within the community and ready to ring in the New Year!

Jarrod and Kathleen enjoying a little eggnog.

Wishing you a safe and festive holiday season from Windermere’s Mission Hills Hillcrest office!

Tags: Bennion and Deville, Carlsbad, Cathedral City, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Hillcrest, Indian Wells, Indio, La Mesa, La Quinta, Laguna Niguel, Mission Hills, Neighborhood Involvement, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palm Springs Central, Palm Springs South, Rancho Mirage, Real Estate, San Diego, Solana Beach, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
Posted in Agents, Charity, Office Fun, Staff, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Ericka Teta Joins Windermere Carlsbad Office

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

Ericka Teta, Windermere Agent in Carlsbad

Windermere Real Estate SoCal is pleased to announce the addition of Ericka Teta to their Carlsbad office, located at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, #217. An experienced Realtor® herself, Ericka is the daughter of a successful real estate agent and custom homebuilder as well as the wife of an architect.

“Real estate has always been a huge part of my life,” said Ericka. She continued, “I love that being a Realtor® allows me the opportunity to combine my research and negotiating skills along with my love of people, community and fine homes.”

Ericka has a tremendous knowledge of the North County coastal real estate market including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside and the Santaluz community. Well connected and active in the communities in which she serves, Ericka has been recognized by the local Kiwanis for her community service with the Girl Scouts, American Red Cross, National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, among others.

“Ericka is a savvy, detail-oriented agent who is really tapped into local business development and the community at-large,” said Managing Broker Brent Consedine. “We are excited to have her in the office and look forward to assisting her in further growing her business.”

“At Windermere, I am surrounded by the best of the best – the best agents, the best partners to assist with my clients’ needs, and the most updated and innovative tools that allow me to provide my clients with the most comprehensive service possible in today’s market,” said Ericka.

Tags: Carlsbad, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate Agent, San Diego, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate, Windermere SoCal
Posted in Agents, Press Release, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Windermere Sustains Family YMCA of the Desert

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

Windermere Gives Family YMCA a check for $4,250 towards their Sustaining Campaign.

Windermere Southern California staff members present Susie Harvey, 2nd Vice President, with a check for $4,250 at the Family YMCA of the Desert.

On the sunny afternoon before Thanksgiving, Windermere Real Estate Southern California Managing Brokers Don Rossignol and Sandi Richardson along with Human Resource Director Troy McFadin and Realtor® Lori Webb-Carroll delivered a check for $4,250 to the Board of Directors meeting at the Family YMCA of the Desert.

Susie Harvey, 2^nd Vice President of the Family YMCA, received the check on behalf of the Board and shared some of her thoughts. “We are truly blessed to live in an area with community partners such as the Windermere Foundation that generously contribute to the Family YMCA of the Desert. Windermere is a shining example of a how to give back to the community and make it count.”

Every time a Windermere sales associate sells a home, a portion of the commission goes to the Windermere Foundation. The Windermere Foundation donates a portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold towards supporting our local community through low-income, homeless families, education, medical research, the Arts, and food banks.

One of the first principal recipients of Windermere’s contributions in the Coachella Valley has been their partnership with the YMCA. Since the collaborative program began in 2006, Windermere Kids at the Y has continued to positively impact the before and after school enrichment and childcare needs of low-income families.

“Windermere Real Estate has been a supporter of Family YMCA of the Desert for the past six years with Sustaining Campaign donations exceeding $60,000. We are particularly appreciative of Windermere Real Estate’s adoption of the Jean Benson preschool facility in Palm Desert. This preschool serves over 90 children every day and provides enrichment programs to children aged three to six. Windermere agents’ generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless valley youth,” said Brian Holcombe, Board President at the Family YMCA of the Desert.

The Family YMCA of the Desert is the largest licensed childcare provider in the Coachella Valley serving over 3,400 kids at 42 program sites from Palm Springs to Mecca. These sites deliver programming that fulfills the YMCA’s mission of promoting “For Youth Development; For Healthy Living; and For Social Responsibility.”

The Y gives kids, families and adults a safe nurturing place to engage in a number of activities where we build character and self-esteem to benefit all. Rewarding activities at the Y allow participants to develop valuable skills while gaining self-confidence, leadership abilities, social awareness, fitness and knowledge about health and nutrition. The Family YMCA of the Desert works to create balance in the lives of participants.

“Windermere’s continual contributions have been critical in our Sustaining Campaign that fuels important drivers of our mission at the YMCA including tuition assistance and program development,” said Terry Bona, Director of Fund Development at the YMCA.

“We are extremely proud of our agents, brokers and staff whose continued generosity of resources and spirit of giving back has helped us make a difference in the lives of so many,” said Bob Deville, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate Southern California.

Tags: Bennion and Deville, Broker, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Neighborhood Involvement, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate, YMCA
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Windermere Agents Haul In A Ton For Local Food Banks

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Elizabeth Kaser, Windermere Real Estate agent in Carlsbad, gathered over 750 pounds of food for the North County Food Bank.

Agents from Windermere Real Estate SoCal’s Carlsbad office knocked on doors and distributed empty grocery bags to homes throughout Carlsbad and Oceanside in November. Their goal was to collect as many filled bags as possible to donate to the North County Food Bank and Feeding America San Diego in time for the holiday season. Windermere agents knocked on almost 1,100 doors and collected over 2,300 pounds of food.

“My neighborhood was extremely generous, and I had many people fill up bags in addition to the ones I had left,” said Elizabeth Kaser, Windermere agent who collected over 750 pounds of food from her work in the Spinnaker Hill neighborhood.

Elizabeth had steep competition from Team Gorno’s (a.k.a. Chris and Angelo) work in their Hanover Beach Colony. Agent Amanda Schlegel also hauled in a hefty portion from her work in the Summerwind and Mission Santa Fe neighborhoods. Judy Goldberg hauled in over 300 pounds of non-perishable groceries this year. Judy and Team Gorno were returning participants from last year’s drive.

“At Windermere, community service is something that we encourage at every level of the company. Besides the grants made from the Windermere Foundation and the work we do collectively on our Community Service Days, our agents, brokers and staff take on additional service-based projects that help support a host of area charities and residents. We are proud to recognize the work our agents do on behalf of the communities we serve,” shared Bob Deville, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate SoCal.

Tags: Bennion and Deville, Carlsbad, Community Support, Neighborhood Involvement, Oceanside, Real Estate Agent, San Diego, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate, Windermere Real Estate SoCal
Posted in Agents, Charity, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Windermere Real Estate Agents Train to Lead

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Windermere Agents from Palm Desert San Pablo office

Robin DuFault & Diane Williams

There is more to being a real estate agent than just showing homes and giving price evaluations. Agents are consistently called on to provide information on current market trends, community resources and upcoming local attractions as well. Two of Windermere Real Estate Southern California’s agents from the Palm Desert San Pablo office (44-350 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 101) are ready to take their knowledge of the local real estate market to the next level through the 10-month Leadership Coachella Valley seminar series. Robin DuFault, commercial real estate agent, and Diane Williams, Executive Premier Director, were accepted into the 2013 class that will kick off its year next Thursday with a mixer at the IW Club in Indian Wells.

Leadership Coachella Valley is a program “designed to identify, motivate and develop future community leaders. The program encourages involvement by providing knowledge and perspective on valley-wide needs and concerns. Participants meet with community leaders in a forum and group discussion settings,” according to the organization. The Leadership program consists of monthly day-long seminars, tours of local facilities and hands-on work with local organizations. The seminar series covers broad issues that impact the Valley from government to agriculture to energy to transportation.

“I am excited to learn more about the direction that our local industry is heading and how it will impact the job market,” shared Diane Williams. “Employment has a direct impact across industries, and I feel the knowledge that I gain from the Leadership program will help articulate the gap between employers and the unemployed. We need to come up with creative solutions that enhance and stimulate growth across our Valley.”

“Besides polishing my leadership skills, I am excited to see all of Coachella Valley’s hidden jewels and get a more holistic sense of the innumerable natural and community resources we have available to us. It will aid me in being a complete resource for future clients,” added Robin.

Both agents also expressed their desire to stimulate a discussion on Valley-wide identification and branding, the promotion of local businesses and, of course, the incredible networking they will be able to tap into with the current class members and past alumni of Leadership Coachella Valley.

David Cantwell, Managing Broker for Windermere Real Estate Palm Springs Main office (850 N. Palm Canyon Drive), is an alumnus from the class of 2004 and he shared, “Diane and Robin are superb selections for this year’s class. My experience with the program has expanded my awareness of the big issues in our Valley and helped increase my network of businesses and local resources.”

Windermere Real Estate Southern California prides itself on its family of professional agents who work to promote and support the communities in which they sell.

Tags: Bennion and Deville, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Neighborhood Involvement, Palm Desert, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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Long May It Wave

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

The City of La Mesa’s annual Flag Day Parade also commemorated La Mesa’s Centennial, and was enjoyed by all. Charlotte Reed, a Windermere agent in the La Mesa Office at 8131 Allison Avenue, describes the festive event in her own words:

“The City of La Mesa’s annual Flag Day Parade could have just as easily been called the Windermere Flag Day Parade! Seems we were everywhere. When I arrived at 7:45 am, Kirk Gregor, Director of Office Development, was leading the troops to magically transform our rented trailer into a flag-covered float. In addition to that impressive float featuring those happy smiling Windermere faces, our new La Mesa Village office (8295 La Mesa Boulevard) was busy with agents distributing helium balloons to the parade revelers. Topping it off, everyone sang Happy Birthday to La Mesa and under the big Windermere tent at the end of the parade, Windermere agents helped serve 500 hot dogs provided by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Another great community event for La Mesa and the La Mesa Windermere offices.”

Windermere Float Adorned with Flags

Agents & Staff Celebrate Flag Day

Proud to Be An American

Kirk Gregor, Director of Office Development

Flags and Balloons

A Group of Patriotic Windermere Staff & Agents

The Back End of the Float

Happily Waving the American Flag

Great Support of La Mesa's Flag Parade

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Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Community Support, Events, Flag Day, La Mesa, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, La Mesa Flag Day Parade, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
Posted in Agents, Events | No Comments »

But Wait, There’s More

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

Don Garrison, Winner of Jensens Fine Foods Gift Card

Congratulations to the latest recipient of a $50 gift card for Jensens Fine Foods!

Don Garrison of Palm Springs also submitted a ticket in the Windermere Palm Springs South Smoke Tree Commons spring promotion, and became yet another happy winner in our most recent drawing.

Don, originally from Paris, Texas, and now a full-time Palm Springs resident, also maintains a vacation getaway in downtown Seattle. In 1989, Don first came to town from Scottsdale, Arizona, for Palm Springs White Party (yep, it’s 23 years old, believe it or don’t!). As happens so often with visitors to our sandy paradise, he was hooked on the Coachella Valley’s sun, mountains and blue skies, cactus, sunsets and gorgeous nights. He loves the locals, the visitors, and our incomparable casual lifestyle, with endless opportunities for walks, hikes, and chilling with his rescue Dobermans. Laid back. And why not? This is the life!

Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Coachella Valley, Gift Card, Jensen's Fine Foods, Neighborhood Involvement, Palm Springs, Palm Springs South, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate, Windermere Real Estate Southern California
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Windermere Agent Supports Charity Run

Monday, July 9th, 2012

Manny Lising, agent with Windermere’s Carlsbad office (300 Carlsbad Village Drive #217) celebrated his birthday in May by running with his team in the Green Flash 5K Charity Beer Run/Walk.

The Beer Run culminated at San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing Company, where Manny and other hot, exhausted and very satisfied participants basked in that warm glow which comes from working for a very worthy cause.

Proceeds from the event support the programming at Access Youth Academy, a non-profit 501(c)(3) serving San Diego’s underprivileged, first-generation youth (www.accessyouthacademy.org). The race, complete with jogging strollers, dogs, and teams wearing running outfits they’d designed themselves, was a great success, perhaps at least in part because the first 200 registered runners (over the age of 21) received beer taster vouchers. Says Manny: “We took 4th place for raising the most money as a team. I must say, it was the most enjoyable and gratifying thing to do on my birthday…to give back to those in need!”

Tags: Access Youth Academy, beer, Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Carlsbad, Clubs and Organizations, Community Support, Events, Green Flash 5K Charity Run, Neighborhood Involvement, non-profit, Real Estate, San Diego's Green Flash Brewing Company, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
Posted in Agents, Charity, Events | No Comments »

Windermere Fans for Life

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Each year, Windermere agents throughout the Western United States celebrate Windermere’s Community Service Day by initiating and supporting local projects benefiting the communities where they live, work and play. For their 2012 Windermere Community Service Day event, Coachella Valley Windermere agents have again chosen to support the volunteer Nightingale Society of the Visiting Nurse Association of California. Now in its eighth year, the VNA ‘Fan Club’ partners with senior centers across the Coachella Valley to distribute fans and portable coolers to the desert’s ill, injured and hospice patients. For last July’s Windermere Community Service Day, Windermere agents contributed more than 250 fans to the Nightingale Society drive.

“We are delighted to again support the VNA with this worthy cause,” noted Charlie White, Managing Broker, Windermere Indian Wells offices. “The summer temperatures take a toll on everyone, but the heat imposes an extra burden on those who are recovering from an illness or otherwise not at 100% strength.” For “2012 Windermere Fans for Life,” each of Windermere’s 16 Coachella Valley offices is currently collecting new electric fans of all styles: table-top, oscillating, floor stand, window and box fans to help our desert’s in-need neighbors to stay cool and comfortable during the summer months. Tuesday, July 10, has been designated as the date for each office to deliver its collected fans. Members of the public who would like to contribute in support of this important cause are invited to drop off all styles and sizes of fans (in original packaging) to any of the Windermere Coachella Valley offices prior to Tuesday, July 10. Contributions of fans are tax-deductible and receipts are available.

Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Service Day, Community Support, contributions, Donation, Indian Wells, Neighborhood Involvement, Nightingale Society, Visiting Nurse Association of California, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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Cinco de Mayo Was Celebrated…and Windermere Agents Were There

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Nobody brings more energy and joy to a celebration than a group of Windermere agents, and Indio’s 2012 Cinco de Mayo party was no exception. On Saturday, May 5, a couple thousand happy revelers filled 5 city blocks, enjoying festivities that included a music stage featuring live Mariachi bands and colorful Spanish dancers, and a classic and ‘low rider’ car show showcasing great cars from across the Valley. We don’t need to mention (but we will) the unbelievably tasty food available everywhere. Of course, Windermere Real Estate agents were right in the middle of things, with their own Windermere booth staffed by nearly a dozen of Windermere Indio office’s finest!

And for extra credit, Cinco de Mayo is:

1. An 18th century term meaning ‘Hold the mayo.’

2. Old Latin for the practice of re-gifting birthday presents.

3. Not the Mexican equivalent of our 4th of July, as sometimes defined…it is the celebration commemorating the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo (or as it is called in Puebla, Mexico, ‘El Dia de la Batella de Puebla’) is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, where the true Mexican Independence Day is observed on September 16.

See? For history stuff, go to Wikipedia. For the ultimate Southern California real estate experience, Windermere is FANTASTICO!

Awesome Flickr Gallery Error - Photoset not found

Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Events, Indio, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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Windermere Springs Into Community Events

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Windermere Southern California Participates and Sponsors the La Quinta Easter Egg Hunt

Windermere Southern California Sponsored and Participated in the La Quinta Park Easter Egg Hunt

Windermere agents are known for supporting the communities where they work, live and play, and agents from Windermere La Quinta (47-250 Washington Avenue), Old Town La Quinta (78-065 Main Street Suite 100), and Indio (81703 Highway 111) offices can usually be found at the center of what’s happening. On Saturday, April 7, Windermere partnered for the ninth year with the city of La Quinta for the annual La Quinta Park Easter Egg Hunt. Kids in four age groups found 8000 eggs (in two minutes flat), and 75 children in several age groups competed for stuffed animal prizes in the Chalk Drawing contest. On hand to report and help judge the festivities from KMIR 6 were Gloria Rodriguez, Today Anchor, and George Severson, News Director. Windermere balloons were everywhere, and the Easter Bunny willingly posed for photos with an endless stream of happy kids. Also on Saturday, Windermere co-sponsored the Indio Desert Recreation District’s event (at Community Center Park on Clinton Street). Included were egg-hunting, face painting, potato sack races, a hula hoop contest, and raffles for sporting goods. Windermere agents handed out Windermere balloons and chocolate, with news coverage again provided by KMIR Channel 6 News. And rounding out a day chock-full of Springtime fun, Windermere also co-sponsored with Coachella Recreation District the holiday event at Bagdouma Park, where more than 300 kids in 3 age groups hunted for brightly colored eggs, had their faces painted, and cavorted in the bouncing ball races. A special thanks to Windermere Indio agent Carmen Aceves, who hopped happily into her role as assistant Easter Bunny.

Tags: Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Easter, Easter Bunny, Egg Hunt, Events, Indio, La Quinta, Neighborhood Involvement, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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Windermere Steps Up for the YMCA

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

Left to Right: From Windermere’s Indio office: Elizabeth Robles, George Baca (Managing Broker), Carolina Diaz, Josie Thomas. From Windermere’s Indian Wells offices: Charlie White (Managing Broker). From Windermere’s Rancho Mirage office: Don Rossignol. From Palm Desert Portola office: Sandy Richardson (Managing Broker). Craig Bernardi, Creative Director, Windermere Southern California.

Windermere believes strongly in helping build and support strong communities. It’s a huge part of the Windermere culture, and it is evident in both formal corporate support and in the efforts of individual agents, who contribute their time and money to countless personal causes and services.

One of these important community services long supported by Windermere and its agents: The YMCA. Recognizing the important work the Y does throughout the year for our communities across Southern California, the Windermere Foundation has once again contributed $5000 to this venerable institution. “We really appreciate the opportunity to support the YMCA here,” notes Bob Deville, co-owner, Windermere Southern California. The services and support they provide for the kids, and for entire families, and we take a lot of pride in being a part of it.”

To learn more about Windermere, visit www.WindermereSoCal.com.

Tags: Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Neighborhood Involvement, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate, YMCA
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Judy Genton Walks for Alzheimer’s

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Many people are unaware of the difficulties of helping a loved one deal with Alzheimer’s disease, an illness sometimes nicknamed ‘the long goodbye’ because as the condition slowly advances it steals the memories of its victims, who for years can remain in good physical health.

Judy Genton of Windermere Real Estate Southern California

Judy Genton, an agent with Windermere’s Indian Wells Main office, knows the challenges faced by family members and caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s. In 2011, she became a caregiver for the second time in 3 years. With the same dedication and drive she shows to her buying and selling real estate clients, she is working to support the fight against this condition. Judy recognizes and supports the work of the Five Star Club, an Eisenhower-sponsored day care center for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and a support center for caregivers. “If you’ve had or have someone close to you affected by this disease, you know how hard it is to see a family go through it,” says Judy. “The Five Star Club provides invaluable support and assistance to these families.”

On Saturday, March 3, as part of her dedicated effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s, Judy is participating with the Five Star Club Team in the Alzheimer’s Association 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She encourages those who would like to support this important work to join the Walk and/or donate. “The pressures brought on by this disease are difficult to comprehend. The support and relief provided by organizations such as the Five Star Club can be unbelievably instrumental in helping family members and other caregivers get through,” says Judy.

Tax-deductible contributions to the Five Star Club Team will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association. Details about the March 3 walk in Palm Desert, as well as information on how to donate, can be found by clicking HERE.

If you’d like to talk with Judy about your real estate needs, she can be reached at 760-773-3958.

Tags: alzheimer's, Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Community Support, Eisenhower Medical Center, Events, Five Star Club, Indian Wells, Neighborhood Involvement, Real Estate, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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Windermere Agents Ride Like The Wind!

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Where in the world can 10,000 bicycle riders come together for fun, camaraderie, PERFECT weather, and a smorgasbord of worthy causes?

Why, PALM SPRINGS, of course!

On February 10-11, Windermere agents once again participated in the Tour de Palm Springs, the largest ride of its kind in the Western United States.

Windermere participants this year included Carol MacFarlane, Michelle White, Don Rossignol, and Tianna Woods.

“The Tour is just a great opportunity to do good things for good people, and have lots of fun doing it,” says Don Rossignol, Managing Broker, Windermere’s Rancho Mirage office.

Tour de Palm Springs is an annual event which raises money for an impressive roster of non-profit Coachella Valley organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Animal Samaritans, Desert AIDS Project, Martha’s Kitchen, Palm Desert YMCA, and Pegasus Riding Academy. Last year, the Tour raised more than $225,000 for local charities. For more information, go to www.TourDePalmSprings.com.

Photo (l to r): Carol MacFarlane, Michelle White, Lliam Jones, Don Rossignol, Tianna Woods, and Allison Williams

Tags: Bicyclist, Bob Deville and Bob Bennion, Clubs and Organizations, Coachella Valley, Events, Neighborhood Involvement, Palm Springs, Tour de Palm Springs, Windermere, Windermere Real Estate
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