Vineland, NJ

It truly is better to give than receive.

Today was one of the best days ever! Today was the day that all of the efforts of 'Operation Angel' came to fruition. Today was the day that 115 Army National Guardsmen & Guardswomen received a small token of our appreciation for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. The E Company 250 based out of Vineland, NJ served in Iraq/Iran from June 2008 to June 2009. When they returned, over 80% found themselves unemployed.

Operation Angel began quite simply to help put some food on their tables over the holidays. No one could have predicted the immediate outpouring of gratefulness from the civilian community. And the SPEED of that outpouring!

If any of you reading this is in doubt of the empathy of your fellow Americans, please doubt no more. Over $5,500 was raised utilizing a campaign via email, facebook and word of mouth. Over $5,500 was raised in approximately 2 1/2 weeks. 115 soldiers received a substantial box of food and there were toys & clothes, too. (The Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Mullica Hill, NJ donated toys, clothing and even a Christmas Tree!) A businessman from Sea Isle, NJ offered 2 of the unemployed soldiers potential jobs. A commercial Realtor offered information regarding weekly FREE lunches in Cumberland County, NJ typically well-attended by law enforcement. (Just think of the networking opportunities for the soldiers, let alone a tasty FREE meal!)

See what I mean? The outpouring of gratitude for the troops was immediate, speedy AND abundant. Thank you to all of the donors, notably the South Jersey Electrical Contractors Association, Chapters 1, 2 & 3. (A complete list of donors will be posted here in the future.)

Most of all, thanks to E Company 250. A BIG "HOARH" to you all!

Let's Hear It For The Boys - And Girls!

Saturday, Dec. 5th is going to be an AWESOME day! In Vineland, NJ, Company E 250 of the Army National Guard is having their Christmas Party. One of my clients, Lt. Katherine Rumberger will be receiving her command of this unit, just before the party.

I've never experienced the ceremony of an enlisted serviceman receiving his/her promotion. I am so excited! I am imagining that this will be an emotional experience for her family and friends. I count myself as the later.

So...let's hear it for Lt. Rumberger! And give a cheer for the brave men and woman of Company E 250! Thanks for all you do!

The Kindness of Strangers

I've been working on a food drive this week to benefit a division of the Army National Guard. It's a pretty straight-forward fundraiser. The Guardsmen need food.........the sponsors cover the cost of a generous box of food, purchased through a local church from Angel Food Ministries. (www.AngelFoodMinisteries.com)

This afternoon, I received an email from a nice lady who lives in the area. She wanted to sponsor 2 of food for a total donation of $60. I was thrilled! I sent her instructions and a thank you.

A little later, I received a 2nd email from this same individual. She began a story about her son who had suffered extensive, life-changing injuries in a car accident several years ago. She explained that he was, in fact, paralyzed and had not regained his ability to walk. There was no sense of anger, blame or pity in her story. It was matter-of-fact.

The next paragraph of the email surprised me. Her son wanted to do more. He instructed his mother to sponsor 10 boxes of food! 10! Instead of sending in a $60 check, this family will be sending in $300. Isn't that terrific?

A stranger with a heart-of-gold, for sure.

110 is the magic number

One of my clients, 1st Lt. Kathryn Rumberger, Commander for E Company 250th Brigade Support Battalion has brought to our attention some heart breaking news.

Katie (as we call her) is an Iraqi Veteran and is currently stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. She is in charge of 130 Army National Guardsmen out of Vineland, NJ. These brave men and women served in Iraq from June 2008 to June 2009.

Upon their return to our homeland, at least 80% (110) of them found themselves unemployed. Many families have very little food.

The Coldwell Banker Pino Agency (www.pinorealty.com) has created 'Operation Angel'and together with Angel Food Ministries (www.AngelFoodMinistries.com) it is our hope to give back to those who have given so much to us. Angel Food Ministries provides an abundance of food for a very small donation. $30 will supply steaks, ham, 2 varieties of chicken, tortillas, fish sticks, veggies, eggs, milk, dessert and more!

We are trying to provide meals for as many of these dedicated men and woman as possible during this holiday season.

110 is the magic number.

Can we count on you to help us reach this goal of 110? Please contact Chris Hooks via email, askchris@coldwellbanker.com or by phone, 856-628-2710

Thank you and God Bless America.

Save Your Home Conference

September 8, 2009 @ 6 PM

Temple of Yahweh
2128 Sunset Ave, Vineland, NJ

You are cordially invited to attend this workshop presented by representatives from New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency (NJ HMFA) and United State Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

They will be discussing the following topics:

• The New Face of FHA
• Stream Line 203K Rehabilitation Program
• Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Programs
• The Tax Credit Loan Program - $5,000
• The SMART Start Program - 4% NJ Grant
• The Live Where You Live Program - 5% NJ Grant
• The First Time Home Buyer Program - 0 pts Loan

This event is for families interested in learning how to buy their first time home, prevent foreclosure, and/or refinance an adjustable loan.

This event is also great for real estate professionals that want to raise their level of awareness of the many programs available for their clients. Therefore, if you are a realtor or a loan officer - come out to this great educational event.

Guest Speakers

Migdalia Murati
Senior Account Liaison
FHA Office of Business Development
HUD Regional Office
1 Newark Center
Newark, New Jersey 07102
973.776.7316

Stephone, D. Mickler
Outreach Officer
NJ HMFA
637 South Clinton Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08650
(609) 278-7545