On the Town: Realtors raise charity money with auction
Throughout the year, the Burbank Association of Realtors stages many fundraisers to raise money for its foundation, with its annual CSF Auction standing as the group’s premiere event. This past week, presented under the theme “Live From Burbank, It’s Thursday Night Live,” a Who’s Who of Burbank Realtors gathered to enjoy an evening of dining, entertainment and bidding on great items at their Magnolia Park facility.
Between the Realtor rivalry of bidding on items that included a VIP experience at Disneyland with dinner at the park’s illusive Club 33, a skybox suite for a Los Angeles Kings game, VIP tickets for a taping of “Conan” and lunch with Burbank Mayor Dave Golonski, the assemblage was treated to the comedic styling of HGTV’s “House Hunters” host Suzanne Whang and the music of the twice Emmy-nominated Gary Stockdale, who was an original member of the Brian Setzer Orchestra.
The evening, coordinated by CSF Auction Committee members Dan Soderstrom, Marion Chase, Linda Roberts, Marty Del Cid, Meegan Bevere, Karen Volpei-Gussow, Mike De Grandis, Lisa Matzner and Courtney Korb, saw more than $25,000 raised.
Among those whose presence made the evening a success were BAOR President Chris Rizzotti and his wife, Shelly, who is busy championing the cause of banning the sale of live animals in Burbank pet shops, the organization’s President-Elect Eric Benz, City Clerk Zizette Mullins and City Treasurer Debbie Kukta.
Others who enjoyed the evening and helped the cause included Barry Gussow, Dana Snodgrass-Russo, Barry and Angela Burnett, Laureen Endoso, Linda Barnes, Mario Iacobellis, Mark Beltran, Mike Napiltano, Brad and Nancy Korb, Susan Sebastian, Alexandra Kelly, Alisa Cunningham, Barbara Howell, Bill Toth, Brenda Lantieri, Candy Peak, David Fogg, Donna Tritten, Catherine Francis, Chris Habitz, Caleb Gonzalez, Steven Marx, Marion Goodman, Julian Munoz, Grace Farenbaugh, Jim Paul and Bryan Ochse.
Founded in 1922, the BAOR mission statement calls for its members to develop, provide and promote programs and services that improve their ability to conduct business successfully with integrity and competency.
In 1986, the BAOR expanded its mission and commitment to the community by establishing the Burbank Association of Realtors Community Service Foundation. Through this charitable arm, local Realtors have raised funds and provided support, both financial and in-kind, to Burbank schools and numerous charitable organizations including the Burbank YMCA, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Family Promise and the Kid’s Community Dental Clinic.
DAVID LAURELL can be reached by e-mail dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
