Despite what you may think about the Real Estate Market, one thing is for sure, Contra Costa Realtors in Motionmembers reinvest in their communities by giving to local charities.  Their donations to Five local charities, (Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, Christmas for Everyone, St. Matthews Scholarship Fund, CCAR Scholarship Fund, and Toys for Tots), totaled over $18,000 this holiday season.

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County is an incredible organization.  With donations down this holiday season the Food bank is grateful for every dollar it receives.  While it is great to donate canned and other non perishable goods, the real strength of the food bank is with the donation of cash.  For every dollar the food bank receives they can buy $6 worth of food.

Larry Sly, Executive Director was on hand to receive the donation from the Contra Costa Realtors in Motion in the amount of $2,565 or $15,390 worth of food! That's enough for about 700 Family Holiday Dinners. 

Remember that just because the holiday season is over there are still lots of people without enough food out there.  Please remember to donate to the food bank year round.  They are especially hard hit during the Summer when kids get out of school.

 Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The idea came from Bill's wife, Diane. In the fall of 1947, Diane handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas. When Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane told Bill that he should start one.

Sgt. Derrick Ligert, U.S. Marine Corp, brought his Color Guard to present the Flag and collect several boxes of Toys.  In addition to the Toy Drive, Contra Costa Realtors in Motion gave a donation of $6000 and raised an additional $2934 by auctioning off donated table prizes, even a Marine was auctioned off for charity.  That's a total of $8934.  With the Marine's discount that's an additional 1000 toys.

There are always enough toys for the younger kids.  The most looked over group is children between 10-13, mostly boys.

Education is an important factor in growing a community.  The Contra Costa Realtors in Motion supported two Scholarships this year, St Matthews Scholarship and The Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation. $1000 was given to support the St. Matthews Scholarship and $4745 was raised for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation.

The CCAR Scholarship Foundation fosters the highest standard of professionalism in the real estate industry by providing college scholarship grants to aspiring students in the fields of finance, business and real estate.Mary Chatton Brown, CCAR Scholarship Foundation President accepted the the check for $4745.  The Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships for students from central Contra Costa County enrolled in classes with an emphasis on Business, Finance or Real Estate. 

Over $47,000 was awarded in 2007 to 15 students.  The deadline for applications for the current year are usually due by early May.  Check their website for details and deadlines.

Mary Perez, Founder of Christmas for Everyone accepted the donation from Contra Costa Realtors in Motion. The donation of $1500 was a welcome check for the charity.

Christmas for Everyone's goal is that no one spends Christmas alone.  Volunteers provide free transportation to and from the host church. Each person receives a new gift, and almost new clothing. They serve a Traditional Christmas meal, provide entertainment for both children and adults. Food and a gift can be delivered to the homebound upon request.
 

Many member of Contra Costa Realtors in Motion donate their time on Christmas morning to help serve food and provide merriment to those in need.  Our member always say they receive so much more by giving back to the community than they receive through business.

Danke Schoen ~ Nate Ellis

Nate Ellis "Mr. Danke Schoen" is the Vice President of the Contra Costa Realtors in Motion (CCRIM) real estate marketing group.  Nate Ellis specializes in assisting First Time Home Buyers with no money down by leveraging Down Payment Assistance in the form of grants and "silent seconds".  Nate Ellis is a certified lender for the City of Walnut Creek, City of Concord and City of Pittsburg First Time Home Buyer program, as well as several other San Francisco Bay Area Cities.  Nate Ellis is also the Chairman of the Mt Diablo Housing Opportunity Center (MtDHOC) steering committee.  The MtDHOC acts as the central resource for Contra Costa County's housing needs and education regarding: First Time Home Buyers, Foreclosure Prevention, Senior Housing and Landlord and Tennant resources.  Nate Ellis is also a Certified Money Management Volunteer (CMMV) for Money Management International and assists people with credit evaluation and financial education.  Nate Ellis is a certified CalHFA, CalPERS and FHA Lender.  Nate Ellis is a Loan Officer for Residential Pacific Mortgage 3201 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA 94507.  Equal Housing Lender. Any rates or programs quoted or referenced are not guaranteed and are subject to terms and conditions.  All offers and programs may be withdrawn at any time. ©Copyright 2008 MrDankeSchoen Nate Ellis  http://www.cahousingblog.com/   Nate@BuilditBuyitRefiit.com  Help a Teacher, Cop, Firefighter or EMT be a  Good Neighbor.