Story of Giving from Gil Rivera

Thank you for the opportunity to give thanks. This year has been challenging and yet much more rewarding than years past. Every effort goes noticed in this marketplace! I am thankful for a great many blessings including the professionals who stayed in the real estate business this year. At the height of the market a few years ago, professionalism amongst many newcomers to the real estate industry was difficult to find. Business calls often went unanswered because many agents could sell a home before the sign was installed in the front yard. These days, the core of the industry continue to strive for excellence.

I am also grateful for the opportunity that real estate has given me to spend time participating with my family this year in community, school and sports events. The camaraderie that one encounters at these events has been extra kind and heartfelt this year as many feel blessed to be surviving the toughest economy in decades.

My family participates in volunteerism thru Lanterman State Developmental Center which borders Pomona, Diamond Bar and Walnut. The Center, which opened in 1927, consists of 21 client residences, 1 acute hospital unit; a variety of training and work sites; a Vocational Training Center; and recreation facilities, including a swimming pool, playgrounds, camp, carousel, equestrian center, track, and a ballpark. Other entities housed on campus include a Research and Staff Training Building, the UCLA Student Immersion Research Program, a Child Day Care Center for community and staff members' children, Credit Union, and the California Conservation Corps. Over 400 clients currently are provided 24 hour care on site.

My family participates thru volunteering on Sundays to take dozens of wheelchair bound and bedridden clients to Church services from 9am-12noon. The disabled clients range in age from mid-20's to 85 years old+. My children have learned to work with the "disabled" and respect them for the many "abilities" they do have. We give thanks for our blessings every time we leave that facility and we also ask that we be as blessed as the clients in their humility, faith and innocence.

Finally, I am grateful for Tim Harrison and the HLC Team at Broadview. I have referred several clients to Tim and associates because they are straightforward, dedicated to doing the right thing for the client, and hardworking. My clients have never walked away from a deal with negative comments about Tim or the staff. Rather, they thank me for referring such a great team.

Looking forward to a blessed and thankful 2010!