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Published on 12/21/1998 All articles from this issue

PenWest members give back to their communities

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

The Peninsula West Valley Association of Realtors (PenWest) continues to take an active role in fostering community outreach and promoting Realtor goodwill, based on the association's actions in 1998.

PenWest comprises five districts. Los Altos and Mountain View; Palo Alto; Cupertino and Sunnyvale; and Los Gatos and Saratoga in Santa Clara County; and Menlo Park in San Mateo County. Each PenWest district program benefits the communities it serves.

Shannon Elam, PenWest public affairs manager, said a strategic alliance has been formed between PenWest and the Housing Industry Foundation to help those in need of housing in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

The nonprofit charity helps individuals and families either to remain in, or return to, stable housing and assists with special housing projects or renovations.

"The committee is made up of PenWest staff, Realtor members and HIF executive directors to help HIF raise money.

The committee meets once a month to determine fund-raising projects throughout the year," Elam said.

"Efforts range from large, extravagant year-end gala benefits to individual office or district parties to raise money."

This year's gala, Hope and Homes, presented by the Palo Alto District, raised more than $22,000 for the HIF.

The combined Los Gatos-Saratoga and Cupertino District raised $20,000 for HIF in the Home for the Holidays benefit.

November marked the 35th anniversary of the PenWest Los Altos-Mountain View Realtors Community Service Award. Each year Realtors honor an outstanding citizen who has contributed in a meaningful way to the quality, spirit and character of their communities.

PenWest selects a deserving recipient and holds a luncheon in their honor with community, local and state elected officials invited to pay tribute.

Elam provided a list of cash donations awarded during 1998 by the PenWest Los Altos/Mountain View district. They include: $400 to Mountain View Community Services Agency; $500 to Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade; and $700 to sponsor the Mountain View/Los Altos School District performing arts department's "United in Harmony."

Additional donations from the PenWest Palo Alto District are: $500 for Gunn High School Scholarships and $500 for Palo Alto High School Scholarships.

PenWest donated to the Mountain View/Los Altos Union High School District to underwrite the cost of producing the Annual Report Card to the Community, "Vision for Excellence - Preparing students for the challenges of the 21st Century."

"Realtors like to volunteer for beneficial activities in their communities. PenWest members annually volunteer to staff wine booths for Arts & Wine Festivals in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and Los Gatos communities," Elam said.