East Bay Real Estate

Hunger never takes a Holiday!  The Food Bank Pantry is almost empty, and the need is GREAT!

Every month there are 70,000+ meals served in Contra Costa and Solano Counties!!!  And with because the financial stress of the last year and specifically the last few months the need for meals has skyrocketed, and the Food Bank  resources have shrunk.  Unemployment is rising, the economy is still being impacted each day by the credit meltdown, and people are acting from fear when it comes to meeting the needs of their specific family.   The East Bay real estate communities are banding together with a commitment to find people like you to help.

The Food Bank warehouse is located in Concord, California, and it is huge!  If you stop by there this week, the shelves are almost bare.  The demographics of the East Bay range from incredible wealth to incredible poverty - all within a 20 mile radius.  Those with a loaf of bread need to share a slice of it with someone.  Those with only a slice of bread need to share a bite with someone.  It is even more important for us, in these uncertain financial times, to live out the words, “Service Above Self”.

The Food Bank is the one at the front lines of providing meals to those in need in our community.  They desperately need our help - NOW.  In Contra Costa and Solana Counties 33% of the people receiving emergency food are children and 21.4% are over 50 years old. The Food Bank has created a method for you to “shop on line”  in order to fill their Pantry.  Also, any cash donation allows them to purchase $6 worth of food for every $1 donated!  With the need so great, please take action today.  It will only take a few moments of your time and the meals served because of your kind help will sustain thousands less fortunate than you.  And, if you are driving downtown Danville this next week, please drop off any non-perishable food or checks made out to the Food Bank to our office at 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200, Danville, in the Rose Garden Center.  Or, contact me  and I will come and pick up any donations from your home or place of business.  Until next time…your East Bay lifestyle detective remains on duty.  

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WCR is committed to serving the needs of woman in the East Bay real estate community - both Realtors and those women at risk!

For the 24^th year Women’s Council of Realtor’s  Bay Area chapter produced and hosted their annual “Enchanted Nights” Fashion Show.  This year’s elegant show was held at the Palm Event Center  in the heart of the Livermore Valley wine region.  The event is one of the many that WCR hosts during the year as they support the needs of women.  Karen Kohne,  the current president of the Southern Alameda chapter, shared their Mission Statement. “We are a network of successful Realtors empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.  Through our influence as successful business professionals, women will effect positive change in the real estate profession and within the broader community we serve.”

The Fashion Show models are all local Realtors and service providers.  WOW!  There were some beautiful people who volunteered to be the models!!!  They even invited me as the token “old guy”.  All of the women and men’s outfits were donated by Helen Lyall’s  elegant women’s boutique, and the Men’s Warehouse  in Pleasanton.  This event would not be possible without the direct support of these gracious and professional merchants.  Sue Evans Photography  also provided many of the photos for the models.  The Fashion Show was in at the same level of excellence that we have seen at the Luxury Real Estate conferences. In fact, it may be a GREAT idea for LRE to start an international Fashion Show supporting community needs.  I will report back on that idea.

WCR’s members live their Mission/Vision each day with this group of professionals - both women and men, serve their community in very significant ways.  For example, one of the organizations they support is Shepard’s Gate  in Livermore.  Shepherd’s Gate has earned the reputation for rebuilding shattered lives. Since 1984,  they have helped over 8,700 battered and homeless women and children. They provide a safe haven for women and their children who are homeless because of abusive relationships, addictions, loss of financial support and other factors.  Our real estate community has GIVING BACK as a key value statement.

In addition to their work in supporting community needs, they sponsor a monthly educational seminar for the real estate industry.  WCR is one of the key organizations that focus on life long learning for our industry.  Some of the presenters that have been a part of the 2008 education programs have been California Associate of Realtor’s leadership team, real estate attorneys sharing key legal issues regarding Realtors and consumers, and even a panel of Realtors sharing their best ideas for a market that is in midst of one of the most dramatic shifts in past 20 years.

Again, this is not a group just for women.  Even the leadership teams of many of the WCR chapters include men who recognize the benefits of being a part of this dedicated group of professionals.  I have been a member of WCR for years.  Contact me  if you want more information about this group, or if you just want to buyer or sell real estate.  Our team is standing ready to serve.  Until next time…your East Bay life style detective remains on duty.

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2008 “Stand Down” serves 600 homeless veterans at the Alameda County Fairgrounds August 7th - 10th!

Another example as to how your real estate community and its service-providers continue to give back to the needs of the Bay Area was demonstrated again last Friday morning at 5:30AM at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  Members of the Realtors Marketing Association served breakfast to a “village” of war veterans.  Every two years the Diablo Valley Vietnam Veterans Association arranges for an entire “tent city” to be set up in the East Bay so homeless veterans can be served.  “Stand Down” is a term used during war to describe the practice of removing combat troops from the field and take care of their basic needs in a safe place.  That is exactly what has been created for 600 homeless veterans this week.  The RMA contracts Ruggie’s Restaurant in San Ramon to supply ALL the food they serve.

Realtor Mike Weber - a member of the Diablo Valley Vietnam Veteran’s, is the person who continues to invite the real estate community to be a participate in supporting this important project.  They always say YES!  Some of the services available for these lost, but not forgotten veterans are;

• Medical facilities to serve their health needs - including dental, plus a follow-up care program;
• A “field court” with County judges to fast-track clearing up legal issues that may be preventing these veterans from securing employment;
• Job placement services that also assists them in having DMV re-issued drivers licenses;
• Assisting with identifying residential opportunities; 
• A complete barber shop, new clothing, shoes and other basic clothing needs.

The Diablo Valley Vietnam Veterans were inspired to create the first East Bay Stand Down in 1999 in order to provide a respite from the “streets”.  In the midst of all the services provided the commitment of is to treat each of these veterans with respect and dignity.  Most of us are unaware, and maybe don’t want to know, that there are over 250,000 homeless veterans on the streets of our cities on any given night.  Just in our Bay Area there are over 7,000 homeless veterans!  An even sadder statistic is that a BIG number of these veterans have little or no contact with Veteran Administration for either medial or financial aid.  Stand Down directly addresses the issue that cannot be ignored any longer - aiding and assisting veterans in need to improve their lives, no matter how difficult it may be to do so.

The first Stand Down was held in San Diego in 1988.  It has now been integrated into over 200 cities around the country with over 100,000 veterans and their families being served.  A key objective is to break the cycle of the homeless epidemic within the veteran community.  These are the men and women who have served our country, and we need to make sure they are not forgotten.  A quote that is appropriate for their mission is, “A community is often judged by how well it takes care of its own.”  Serving the needs of those who have served to protect and create Freedom in the world is a worth activity for all of us to consider.  Please contact Stand Down or Jim Walberg if you want to personally get involved, or to make financial contributions.  Also, contact me any time to find out about other service opportunities for Bay Area community projects.  Until next time…your East Bay real estate detective remains on duty.

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The East Bay rocked last night at Blackhawk Country Club’s Amphitheater with a Kenny Loggins Concert!

Who would have ever guessed that Blackhawk Country Club would be the location of an unforgettable world class concert with Kenny Loggins?  If you clear out tennis court #1, and set up tables on the court and all around the tennis court amphitheater you have the most wonderful and intimate setting for a concert.  Last night this location at the Blackhawk Country Club was another magical moment happening in the East Bay.  To a sellout crowd who paid some BIG dough for a ticket which included dinner, Kenny WOW’d them!  He and his band had the audience dancing in the isles singing along with 30 years of his many hit songs , and even a few new ones from his latest album - “How About Now?”.

Berkeley Honda and it’s owner, Steve Haworth, were one of the few corporate sponsors that allowed this evening to happen.  Steve and his company are key supporters of the Wheelchair Foundation.  Not only does Berkeley Honda sell one of the best cars on the road - Honda, they are committed to giving back to their community.  As you have read in my past articles, I want to hangout with people that have the values of “service above self”.  This company is one of them.  And, their leader, Steve Haworth, is leaving a legacy behind of being the auctioneer at many of the Bay Area’s key fundraising events…from the Lazerex Foundation annual dinner, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation auction held last year in Danville.  He is also the most sought after auctioneers at most of the school and sports fundraisers in the East Bay.  He personally has raised millions of dollars with his skills as an auctioneer in getting people to open up their check books and give BIG to causes that are critical to the service to our community, schools, and those less fortunate.  Within nine minutes last night Steve was able to have people contribute $40,000 to the Wheelchair Foundation as they purchased items such as a week’s trip for two to Paris, a two day Cal / Oregon football game event ending at the Claremont Hotel for four people, and even an two day wine country event for four people that went for almost $4,000!  He is a marvel to watch as he passionately involves the audience in contributing to this worthy cause.

In the audience was the president of the Wheelchair Foundation - David Behring.  David’s father, Ken Behring - who built Blackhawk Country Club, was so moved by those he has met over the years during his world travels that could not walk, that he decided to make a difference in their lives by providing them a wheelchair.  This simple idea has exploded into the world’s most effective organization that provides mobility to those less fortunate.  The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Blackhawk, leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to EVERY child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. This simple idea that Ken had five or six years ago has now delivered over 750,000 wheelchairs worldwide as it continues to keep its promise.  Several years ago they partnered with Rotary International - an international service organization that has created matching grants for the purchase and distribution of wheelchairs.  A person can now donate just $80 for a wheelchair, and these two foundations will pay the rest of the cost!  So, you can make a difference today by going to their website and contributing $80 knowing that the small amount of money you just gave provided mobility for someone who has never walked.  How cool is that?

So, what does Kenny Loggins, Berkeley Honda, and the Wheelchair Foundation have in common - hearts of service.  Don’t forget…to whom much is given, much is required.  There are opportunities around us everyday where we can make a difference.  It is just a matter of paying attention and then acting.  Last night was one of those unforgettable moments.  Until next time…

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Jim Walberg reminds us that hunger doesn’t take a Summer vacation!

The Summer months are the most critical time for food needs in the Bay Area.  Click on Summer Food Drive TODAY, and go shopping for those less fortunate than you.  With kids about to get out of school for the Summer, there will be thousands of them who will not have a meal because of not being in school.  The Food Bank is the one at the front lines of providing these meals to our needy kids.

According to the Nation wide report on hunger and food insecurity from The Center on Hunger and Poverty entitled, “Hunger and Food Insecurity in the Fifty States: 1998-2000.” California has grown to be the 5th largest economy in the world and yet, in spite of our amazing agricultural abundance, over a million people are hungry and 5 million live in fear of hunger.  In fact, California ranks as the 15th worst state for food insecurity with hunger by the US Department of Agriculture. California is actually above the national average in percentage of households living under these conditions.

About half of food stamp eligible people in California DO NOT receive food stamps. In fact, in the last five years the number of food stamp participants dropped 40% from over 3 million to less than 2 million.  Three million children in California are eligible to receive free or reduced priced school meals, and though the National School Lunch Program feeds many of them, 70% of these children do not receive school breakfast. About 2 million children receive free or reduced price school lunches but during the Summer,  less than half received lunch.

FACT: In Contra Costa and Solano counties more and more retired or disabled people on fixed incomes are being forced to choose between food, rent, medical care, or prescription drugs.

FACT: 33 percent of the people receiving emergency food in Contra Costa and Solano counties are children and 21.4 percent are over 50 years old.

FACT: While the Federal Poverty Level is $20,650 for a family of four, a startling 65.9 percent have incomes under $15,000, while 73.1 percent of the clients of emergency food programs have an income less than 130% of poverty.

FACT: 78.5 percent of families who use emergency food programs in Contra Costa and Solano counties report that the food they bought just didn’t last and 41 percent of adults reported they did not eat for a whole day because there wasn’t enough money to buy food.

FACT: 26.4 percent of residents using emergency food services in Contra Costa and Solano counties are homeless, or in shelters or transitional housing.

Today is the day to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in the Bay Area.  Again, all you have to do is click on Summer Food Drive.  No excuses,  just do it.  Thanks for your kind assistance during this time of great need.  Until next time…

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Diablo Black Mens Group knocked them dead with the “Cobbler Shack” today!

OK, so I am the “rookie” with the Diablo Black Mens Group.  But, what I didn’t know is that their annual food booth at the San Ramon Wind Festival was selling peach cobbler and ice cream.  The “rookie” gets to be the ice cream scooper.  I am 60 years old and do you have any idea what scooping ice cream does to one’s tennis elbow and carple tunnel syndrome?  Well, I am at home tonight with ice on my right arm, a glass of wine in my left hand, and I have already taken three Advil.  Who would have even imagined that there would be such an action packed fund raiser within two weeks of joining this group.  And, I just completed the 18th Annual Blackhawk Food, Wine & Film Faire at the Blackhawk Car Museum for my Rotary club last week, which was another over the top event from an effort and planning standpoint.  You will find me down at Body Works in Danville this week for a serious deep tissue massage.

All kidding aside, there was a ton of money raised by the DBMG for their scholorship fund the past two days at the San Ramon Wind Festival!  It was a lot of hard work, but it will contribute a significant amount of funds to scholorships to young African-American men starting college. We even sold out of the cobbler and ice cream by 3:30PM today because of the crowds that kept lining up for this great treat at the Festival.

So, I am through with the breakdown of the booth, loading the truck, and high-fiving the DBMG crew, and I am walking to my car.  I run in to lots of friends attending the event asking how it went with our fundraiser.  And, who should I run into is Dr. Brent Waterman - the doctor that assisted me with completing so many high endurance sporting events over the past 20+ years.  He is my chiropractor, and he is the past president of the Danville Lions Club and the past Lions Club member of the year!  Dr. Brent is not only a dear friend, but he is a giant in the world of community service in the East Bay.  He was standing in the middle of the walkway passing out coupons for the Taste Of Danville Event coming up next week.  I promised him that I would assist him in passing out the fliers to the real estate community.  And, I promised him that I would give the event a plug on my blog site.  So, here are the details.  It is the 14th Annual Spring Restaurant Walk in Danville - 6PM to 9PM.  It is the only “Progressive Dinner” in the East Bay;  The Peasant & The Pear; Tower Grille; Primo’s Pizza; Beverages & More; Starbuck’s Coffee; Sideboard; La Ultima New Mexican Food; Bridges Restaurant; Amber Bistro; Basil Leaf Cafe; China Paradise; FAZ; Masala Indian Fusion; and Taqueria El Balazo!  Can you believe the ticket price is ONLY $25!!!  Call (925) 275-1990 for tickets!  It is always a sellout, so call TODAY!  Your East Bay real estate detective continues to explore all of the events you will ever want to know about!!!

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A white East Bay Realtor / Community activist, and a white graduating college senior continue to blur the color lines of our world.

History was made last week as Jim Walberg  - an East Bay Realtor was inducted into the Diablo Black Men’s Group, and Joshua Packwood (a U-Tube Link) was chosen as the Valedictorian of Morehouse College - the all-black men’s college outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Both of these men are white and both realize that color lines are drawn by everyone, and they hoped that it would not prevent them from making a difference in worlds in which they live and serve. Both me subscribe to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s statement, “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salary or the size of our automobile, rather than by the quality of our service to others and our relationship to humanity.“

The Diablo Black Men’s Group

The Diablo Black Men’s Group began in the mid 1990’s as an outlet for Diablo Valley African American men. By 1999, the group had evolved into an organization of men who wanted to see their collective influence to enhance the lives of their members and families as well as make significant contributions to the community in which they live. They encourage each member to appreciate liberty and all that it encompasses, including embracing community involvement.

DBMG is committed to support activities with the goal of improving the health and welfare of their citizenry. In addition, DBMG is actively involved in promoting the education of the impact on heart disease, prostate cancer awareness, and health screening of African American men in collaboration with the Alta Bates Summit Ethnic Health Institute, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society with support from the ChevronTexaco Corporation. Additionally, DBMG helps socially and economically challenged Bay Area youth pursue cultural and educational opportunities through their college scholarship programs.

Morehouse College 2008 Valedictorian

Founded over 144 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse College has focused on the mission to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. A private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse realizes this mission by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students. In addition, the College assumes special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people. Founded in 1867 and located in Atlanta, Georgia, Moorehouse is an academic community dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service, and the continuing search for truth as a liberating force.

Editors Note: Some of the Morehouse College graduates who have made a significant difference in our lives and the world: Martin Luther King Jr. led the country through one of its most transforming civic movements; David Satcher resuscitated the issues of health care disparity and access; Maynard Jackson taught the world the value of diversity and equal access as the first African American mayor of Atlanta; Donn Clenendon scored in the history annals and was part of a miracle when he was named a World Series MVP; and Shelton “Spike” Lee continues to challenge how the world views blacks in life with critically acclaimed films. These are just some of the Morehouse Men.

In 2004 Joshua Packwood became one of the “Morehouse Men”. The 22-year-old from Kansas City, Mo., graduated on May 18th with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics. He could have gone elsewhere, to a school like Columbia, Stanford or Yale, but his four-year journey through Morehouse has taught him a few things that they could not have learned at any other university, and he makes it clear that he has no regrets. The Morehouse College professors chose the Valedictorian, and he was their candidate of choice because of his academic accomplishments and his contribution to the college. He graduated as a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and will be joining Goldman Sachs in New York City.

“I’ve been forced to see the world in a different perspective, that I don’t think I could’ve gotten anywhere else,” he said. “None of the ‘Ivies’, no matter how large their enrollment is, no matter how many Nobel laureates they have on their faculty … none of them could’ve provided me with the perspective I have now.“

It is important for all of us to make a positive difference in worlds we live in everyday. Now it is your turn. Let us know what you are doing with the legacy you are leaving behind…

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The Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club has been a key supporter of community service in the East Bay for almost 20 years!

Rotary International is a worldwide community service organization that addresses both local and international community service needs. The Danville/Sycamore Rotary Club was chartered in April of 1989. Today it has a membership of about 55 business and professional people who have a keen interest in Service Above Self as a personal value statement. Over the past years, Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary has raised over $500,000 in funds in order to give back to local and international service projects – from providing dictionaries to all of the third graders in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, to delivering hundreds of wheelchairs to non-walkers in Mexico with the Wheelchair Foundation headquartered in Blackhawk. It has won the Community Service Award several times from The Town Of Danville.

Service Above Self is a “virus” that is caught because of the modeling of parents and friends during a person’s life time. Jim Walberg caught this virus from his parents who were constantly involved in local and worldwide service projects as long as he can remember. Kirk Bailey is also one of those people who caught the “virus” at a young age. His roots are in Northern Nevada, but he grew up in Walnut Creek. After his college studies, Kirk moved to Tahoe and started a real estate publishing company in the Reno/Tahoe area. That launched a very successful career in the publishing business. He was a member of the Reno Rotary Club because of wanting to give back to those less fortunate. What he didn’t know when he joined the Reno Rotary Club was his grandfather was a former president of the club. His dad is also a long time Rotarian, and Kirk continues the tradition of Service Above Self.

Kirk moved back to the East Bay several months ago to launch a new and innovative real estate magazine that will be delivered to the homes in Alamo, Diablo, Danville, Blackhawk and San Ramon in just a few weeks. Since he arrived back he has been checking out local Rotary Clubs in which to continue his community service. Yesterday, May 13th, the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club inducted Kirk as their newest member. Jim Walberg was his sponsor and Jim’s real estate company is already one of the charter members of Kirk’s new real estate publication, HomeFolio.

Kirk not only has been a member of Rotary for several years, he has walked the talk of service by participating in Rotary International’s Polio Plus program that has vaccinated the children of the world since 1985 against polio. As of today over 99% of polio cases have been eliminated from the world because of their commitment to this project. Two years ago, Kirk traveled to Africa to participate in one of the inoculation projects, which profoundly changed his life and intensified his commitment to Service Above Self. The Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club is honored to welcome Kirk to their club and looks forward to his contribution to improving the quality of life within our East Bay community and the world.

If you would like more information about Rotary and how you may get involved in this important group of professionals who are giving back to their communities in significant ways, please contact Jim Walberg and he will provide information for you. Congratulations, Kirk!

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The 18^th Annual Blackhawk Film Festival is May 15^th!  Don’t miss it!

For the last 18 years the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club has hosted the Blackhawk Food, Wine, & Film Festival at the Blackhawk Car Museum. This is THE social event of the year that has raised over $500,000 to support the needs of East Bay community service needs. And, Realtor, Jim Walberg, plus many other Realtors have supported this important event. The format is elegant, from walking up the steps to the Blackhawk Car Museum to entering the front door and stepping into a gourmet lovers delight.  There are only 900 tickets available each year, and it is always a sellout!  The donation for an entry pass is $50 this year and it is THE bargain for these types of East Bay social events.

The event always has a movie theme and this year it is Marilyn Monroe!  So, you will be watching some of the classic Monroe movies ever made. Before the movies begin there is a two+ hour food and wine reception in the Blackhawk Car Museum. Not only will you be previewing one of the most extensive classic car collection in the world, but there will be 30+ East Bay restaurants, plus over 25 wineries from Northern California pouring their best wines - such as Bodegas Aguirre Winery from Livermore Valley.  It is a time for the culinary and wine communities to show off their “stuff”…and they have dazzled the guests each of the past 18 years.

Rotary International focuses on serving the needs of local communities and the world. They took on the project of eliminating polio in the world in 1985 and completed this daunting project by 2007! Each of the local Rotary Clubs focus on their local community service needs and the Danville/Sycamore Rotary Club has done such an outstanding job that they received the community service award from The Town Of Danville for several years since they were chartered in 1989.

At last year’s Blackhawk Food, Wine & Film Festival this Rotary club raised $80,000 to support local East Bay community projects.  They expect to exceed this amount at their 2008 event on May 15^th.  They also feature local school entertainment groups. The last several years the San Ramon High School Jazz Band wowed all the guests. Besides the food, wine and entertainment, the Festival has a live auction, silent auctions, and raffle opportunities throughout the evening. These items range from charter sailing vacations, cases of premium wines, dining opportunities at your favorite restaurants in the East Bay, JEWELRY, and much more!

The event is always looking for corporate sponsors, businesses who want to feature their products, and restaurants and wineries.  This is a “must” event for 2008!  It is an unforgettable night of entertainment, gourmet moments, dazzling wines, auction opportunities, and non-stop fun.  For more information contact me and I will send you information as to how you can be a part of this unforgettable night as a guest or as a sponsor.  Stay tuned…I will keep you updated as to more specific details of this event in the next month.  

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The Lazarex Foundation is creating treatment opportunities TODAY!

Miracles are happening everyday for cancer victims because of the Lazarex Foundation and their commitment to find ways for treatments after most doctors have given up on them. Last July, Ann Marie and I ran into Steve Haworth at Piatti’s in Danville for a glass of wine. During our conversation, Steve asked us if we would be his guest at an event at the Blackhawk Museum where he was to be the auctioneer for a big fundraiser. We agreed to join him, not knowing anything about the event or the organization that was to benefit from the auction. (Steve has literally raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations around the State as one of the best auctioneers you will ever see in action.)

We arrived at the event and learned it was benefiting the Lazarex Foundation. What a night! It was not only extremely moving, but one that raised over $300,000 because of Steve Haworth’s skills as an auctioneer to support cancer treatments for cancer patients who have failed with conventional medicine. They are providing access to new and promising treatments, such as Rexin-G which is being developed for FDA approval through Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation. During the event they introduced a young man, Ian, who was able to participate in the Rexin-G treatment program after being told there was no hope left with any conventional treatments. He walked into the event, went on stage and told his remarkable story of the effect this treatment had on saving his life.

So, we enjoyed the evening and spent some money and did not give it much more thought, other than the work the Lazarex Foundation was doing seemed incredibly important to cancer patients. Fast forward….last month I learned that a dear friend of ours, Tami Keeler had joined the Foundation in a key administrative position, and they had opened their offices in Danville with Dana Dornsife as their president! Tami called me up last week and asked if I would join the founder, Dana Dornsife, and her at The Peasant & The Pear for lunch last Friday. I asked Tami, “Why me?” Tami replied that she knew I had a passion for service to others and maybe there would be some synergy opportunities discovered. So, I had lunch with them.

WOW! What a lunch was had. There are truly angels on earth and Dana Dornsife is one of them. You may remember one of my favorite phrases, “To whom much is given, much is required!” Dana and her husband, David Dornsife, are two people who “walk this talk” everyday! Below is a portion of a press release that is a specific example of their commitment to serving the needs of others. This $400,000 grant was awarded personally from David and Dana Dornsife!!!

SAN MARINO, CA - Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation announced today that the Company has been awarded a $400,000 grant by the Lazarex Cancer Foundation to expand and support ongoing cancer gene therapy clinical trials for advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Rexin-G(TM) is the world’s first targeted injectible gene therapy vector to be approved for use in clinical trials in the USA and abroad. When injected intravenously, Rexin-G(TM) seeks out and destroys metastatic cancer, without the systemic toxicity generally associated with chemotherapy.

Please check out the links on this posting and see if there are ways you might want to get involved with this incredible organization. You can even call up Dana for a lunch. Or, if Tami ever calls you to schedule a lunch with Dana, say yes! It will change your life. Until next time…contact me if you would like more information about the information in this article!

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