With a theme of "Tropical Nights," the festive event was held at St. Michael's Church in Saratoga and featured a live and silent auction. Top caterers and area restaurants donated food for the event, including Pat Smith's Extravaganza, Tapestry, Harry's Hofbrau, Kuleto's, Chart House, California Café of Los Gatos, Forbes Mill Steak House, Double D's and Max's.

Co-chairs Robert Reid of Coldwell Banker in Saratoga and Dale Anne Collings of Coldwell Banker in Cupertino attributed the success of the event to dedicated committee members, the attendance of more than 600 Realtors and affiliate members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, and the generous sponsors.

The Angel Sponsor for the event was Coldwell Banker of Northern California and the Diamond Sponsor was World Savings. Platinum sponsors included Bank of America, Windermere Properties, ReInfolink, Chase Manhatten, First Horizon Home Loans, Siamack Shariat of Bankers Network and Intero Real Estate Services. Many additional sponsors also contributed cash, auction items and in-kind donations.

One of the highlights of the evening was an auction item donated by Gino Blefari of Intero Real Estate Services that blossomed from the original offering of an elegant gourmet Italian dinner into four separate dining opportunities. Four lucky sets of bidders will be wined and dined by the Intero Management Team at the home of Gino and Joanie Blefari thanks to the generous contribution that netted $28,000 as part of the auction for the Housing Industry Foundation.

A nonprofit charity organized in 1989 by members of the apartment, real estate and building industries, the Housing Industry Foundation assists individuals and families to either remain in or return to stable housing through emergency housing grants. In addition, the group takes a hands-on approach by providing funding, in-kind donations and volunteers for special housing projects or renovations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The Housing Industry Foundation also supports efforts to identify long-term solutions to the lack of affordable housing in local communities.

"I am humbled by this huge contribution," said Debbie Wade, executive director of the Housing Industry Foundation. "We want to thank all of the people involved, especially the committee, for their hard work and participation in this successful event. This significant contribution will allow us to help individuals and families that are faced with a housing crisis to get back on their feet."

Last year the Housing Industry Foundation contributed more than $80,000 to begin a rehab project in East Palo Alto and anticipates donating $100,000 during the coming year, in addition to in-kind contributions and hands-on volunteer work, to complete the renovation of 44 apartments for low-income families. As well, HIF assisted 389 adults and 436 children on the verge of becoming homeless with emergency housing grants totaling more than $200,000. HIF also helps with disaster response and most recently provided support for the victims of the Santana Row fire in San Jose.

"We assist with rent, mortgage, utilities, repairs and security deposits on a one-time emergency basis," said Wade. "We also undertake rehab projects for local shelters and transitional housing programs to improve facilities for agencies who are helping previously homeless adults and families reestablish the skills and resources necessary for self-sufficiency."

Wade said that many people have an image of a homeless person in mind, but a homeless person could be anyone, including a next-door neighbor.

"The face of the homeless is changing. Under the right circumstances, anyone can become homeless—whether it's due to a long illness, an accident, a job loss or because of a fire or other disaster. The Housing Industry Foundation is here to provide emergency assistance without a lot of bureaucracy," said Wade. "Our group was founded by people in the housing industry, and their dedication to helping others makes our organization able to respond quickly when needed."

Many members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors actively participate as volunteers in Housing Industry Foundation shelter renovation workdays and other events, in addition to the Home for the Holidays fundraiser.

"This is an opportunity for local Realtors to make a difference in our local communities," said Silicon Valley Association of Realtors President Judy Jarvis Ellis of Alain Pinel Realtors in Palo Alto. "It's also another way Realtors can address affordable-housing issues by contributing something meaningful with volunteer time, as well as money, in support of a worthwhile cause."