Star Agent, John Saunders, Partners with Trader Joes to Fight Hunger

Star Broker/Associate Proves One Person Can Make A Difference

Broker/associate John Saunders of Star/Harbour Homes, made a connection. With that one simple connection, he made a difference to the lives of many people in Orange County. Noticing the collection barrel for Orange County Food Bank at his office, for Star Real Estate's new partnership to fight hunger in the local community, John contacted the manager of the new Trader Joe's, Ron Crespo, at the Harbour Mall off Algonquin in Huntington Harbour and asked if he would contribute the excess stock which goes to waste each week. The result is an approximately $15,000/week commitment from the store, open June 12th, to provide food each weekday to the O.C. Food Bank and to Restoring Every Soul in Christ on the weekend. With nearly 456,000 people at risk for hunger every month in Orange County, this generous contribution will make a difference in the lives of those struggling in these challenging times.

Dean Zitko, manager of Star/Harbour Homes, says "When Star started this partnership with O.C. Food Bank, we were looking for a grass-roots response from our local area, with neighbors helping neighbors. John took this effort to another level." Modestly, John Saunders wants to inspire others to think and take action. "It was a simple connection. I noticed the contact number for the Food Bank on our collection barrel. I knew that excess food is donated from stores of this size and just asked whether they had made arrangements yet. I just connected Kristin Kvesic, Manager of the Donated Food Program for the O.C. Food Bank, who makes sure that the donations are picked up every day during the week, Iris Davoodi of Restoring Every Soul in Christ, who ensures the weekend pick-up, and Ron Crespo, the Trader Joe's manager, who both deserve credit for their commitment."

Saunders has been to Swaziland to help sow plants that boost the immune systems of the many people ravaged by AIDS. He also has personally met and aided the homeless near his home. When asked why, he replies, "I have seen the difference one person can make in this world. Whether it's to take the time to talk to someone on the streets, or to actually take action on their behalf, a small gesture can make an enormous difference to one who has nothing. It's a matter of perspective. We get so caught up in our possessions or concerns, and don't notice the opportunities to help that go by every day. I have become more attuned, in recent years, to those opportunities. I hope that others will be inspired to look around and see their opportunity to do good works. It heals the soul and the spirit."

The opportunity to help is still available. In an on-going commitment to fight hunger, Star Real Estate will be collecting public donations of non-perishable food items like canned meats and fish, canned soup, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal, and rice. Just a few of items of food can make a difference to a family or an individual in need. Your donations will be delivered to the Orange County Food Bank monthly.

You can also donate online at  www.StarRealEstate.com. You can choose the groceries you want to donate, or simply choose a dollar amount.

A long-time Realtor, John has been licensed since 1974. He started in the Harbour area, and has re-connected with many friends and associates in the area. Before making any real estate decision, call John Saunders at 951-818-5052. E-mail him at TeamExcell@Ymail.com

Star Real Estate is one of Orange County's leading independently owned real estate companies, with a network of over 300 experienced Realtors, and 6 neighborhood offices. Star Real Estate Divisions and Entities of Star Real Estate include: Terra Mortgage; Advantage One Escrow; Star Investment Group; Star Business Brokers; The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (Relocation).