Welcome
We welcome you to our seventh annual ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ fundraising event!
The Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® Housing Foundation (SCAORHF) is thrilled to invite you to this fun and tasty event on Nov. 3 at the Cocoanut Grove. This year we are welcoming back many of the restaurants that have consistently offered flavorful samplings from their menus during the past few years and excitedly await the cuisine being planned this year from our new entries.
‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ is one of the few community fundraising events that truly offers an affordable ticket. Our ticket price has remained the same at only $30, and allows you to continuously sample edible delights from over 30 restaurants and taste wines from local wineries from 5:30-9:00! You can take a break from your culinary adventure to shop from more than 100 items on our silent auction tables and know that all your gift buying is a tax deductible opportunity.
This event is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. We thank our Platinum Sponsor, US Bank – Caroline Ke Liu, along with our Gold Sponsors, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY and SERENO GROUP for financially assisting us in producing this seventh annual event. A special thank you to our media sponsors Coastal Homes for providing our printing needs, the Good Times, and the Santa Cruz Sentinel for helping us get the word out. It is with their help that we can bring our story about the SCAOR Housing Foundation and the ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ to the public.
We are extremely fortunate to have our booth sponsors step up in this challenging real estate market and want to thank each and every one of them for contributing financially to the event, providing silent and live auction items, and for partnering with some of the best restaurants in town. ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ happens as a result of the Santa Cruz County real estate community coming together to create a fundraiser that “Bridges the Gap to Homeownership.” The SCAORHF provides grants to help cover closing costs or HOA dues payments of low income, first-time homebuyers. We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of volunteers who work 
very hard behind the scenes to make this event happen every year. Thank you to the Housing Foundation Board of Trustees and to the ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ committee for donating hundreds of hours of assistance to both this event and to the Housing Foundation.
‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ is an incredibly fun and festive event. We invite you to come back again or come for the first time and bring others with you. We know it will be a sell-out, so please don’t wait to purchase your tickets (www.atosc.com). Come eat, drink, mingle, network and most of all, support a great cause and a nonprofit that is working to help local families and individuals become first-time homebuyers. By creating homeowners, we create neighborhoods that flourish.
We look forward to sharing a memorable night with you!
Sandy Kaplan
SCAOR Housing Foundation Chair
*Photos courtesy of Sarah Blade
A Taste of Santa Cruz General Information
The Event:
The Seventh Annual ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ event will be held on Nov. 3 at the Cocoanut Grove. ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ is a fundraiser for the Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® Housing Foundation with all proceeds going to fund the Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program administered by the Housing Foundation to benefit low income, first time homebuyers in Santa Cruz County.
Date, Time, Location
Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 9pm at the Cocoanut Grove Grand Ballroom and Bayview Room in Santa Cruz.
Fee and Registration
Tickets to the event are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and can be purchased online at www.atosc.com or at the SCCAR offices at 2525 Main Street in Soquel. For more information please call 831-464-2000.
Food & Wine
Thirty booth sponsors are pairing up with the best restaurants and wineries in Santa Cruz County to offers samplings of delectable food and exquisite wines. Consider doing your holiday shopping at our silent and live auction by purchasing one-of-a-kind items.
About Us
‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ raises more than $30,000 each year with proceeds going to fund the Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® Housing Foundation’s Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program. This program provides grants up to $1,500 for first-time, low-income home buyers in Santa Cruz County.
This event was first implemented in the fall of 2005 as a major fundraising event for the newly created SCAOR Housing Foundation. In the six years since this event has been held, $275,000 has collectively been raised with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward the Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program. The program provides grants to low income, first time home buyers in Santa Cruz County to cover closing costs. More than 120 families have been given the keys to their first homes due to the overwhelming financial success of ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’. For more information about this program and the Housing Foundation please visit www.scaorhf.org.
More than 800 people attend this culinary adventure, so purchasing your ticket in advance is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atosc.com or at the Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS®, located at 2525 Main St., Soquel, CA 95073. On our website you can find more information about the event, view a list of this year’s participating restaurants and wineries, and see what fabulous live auction items are being offered.
2011 committee list
Committee
Elaine Della-Santina KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
Barbara Dimitruk First American Title Co.
Loree Doan Stewart Title
Connie Landes SERENO GROUP
Genie Lawless David Lyng Real Estate
Jeanne Mulhern KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
Inez Pandolfi Century 21 Lad Realty
Sean Pate Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Andrea Schenk Santa Cruz Home Finance
Woutje Swets Vanguard REALTORS®
Staff
Kathy Hartman Executive Director
Norma I. Milete Member Services Director
Andrea Harbert Communication & Marketing Director
How You Can Contribute To The Housing Foundation
Even in the middle of an economic downturn, people need homes. With the changes in the market these past few years in Santa Cruz County, more potential homebuyers have decided to consider homeownership for themselves and their families. We believe the dream of homeownership should be attainable to the people who are the backbone of our community; our teachers, hospital workers, police force, salespeople, small-business owners, and more. The Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® Housing Foundation provides low-income, first-time home buyers grants to help cover their closing costs with the ‘Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program’ and HOA dues payments with the ‘HOA Dues Assistance Grant’. We, as members of the real estate community, believe in the concept of homeownership as a cornerstone for strong neighborhoods, pride of ownership, and wealth creation.
We are proud to state that no one who has qualified for a Closing Cost Assistance Grant has ever been turned away in the seven years since the program originated. The Foundation strives to make sure we keep our programs available for anyone who wishes to purchase a home in Santa Cruz County.
You are invited to help us help others by contributing to the SCAOR Housing Foundation. Please visit our website at www.scaorhf.org for more information or you can send donation checks directly to 2525 Main Street, Soquel, CA 95073 or call us with a credit card at 831-464-2000.
You can also support the grant program by attending the ‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ event and “shopping” at our silent auction and live auction! Come do your holiday shopping early, support a good cause, enjoy the offerings of dozens of local businesses and artisans and have a great time! See you there!
Space to taste
GRAB This weeks Good Times for List of Venders
A Taste of Santa Cruz – LIVE AUCTION ITEMS
Fiesta in Puerto Vallarta
Spend a week in Casa Vista Vieja, in an ocean view master bedroom suite in the beautiful Mexican Riviera town of Puerto Vallarta! This couple’s retreat is amidst the fun and festive flair of Old Town. Soak up the sun, swim up to the bar, enjoy the rooftop deck and outdoor kitchen and enjoy the hospitality that is Mexico. Enjoy this trip from June 2012-October 2012. Add on rooms for a discounted rate and invite the whole gang! Donated by Alma Donato, American Dream Realty
Sex In The City Goes to The Beach
Spend two nights at one of the famous “Six Sisters” homes in Capitola, with panoramic ocean views anytime from November 2011 through May 2012 (excluding holidays, depending upon availability) Sleeps 7-8 guests. Includes wine tasting at Cava Wine Bar and pizza from Caruso’s. Invite the girls and have some fun! Donated by Dede Harrington, Beach House Rentals
Tahoe Weekend Getaway for Eight
Bring your friends and stay in a gorgeous 3 bedroom, 3 bath artisan home perched atop Tahoe Donner’s Down Hill Ski Area for three nights. This stunning hand crafted log home is the epitome of a “Mountain Getaway” and is only a few minutes away from the Tahoe/Donner Ski area, cross country course, fitness center, heated outdoor pool and spa. Come for the summer and enjoy hiking, biking and more, or for the winter for snowboarding and skiing! Holidays are excluded. Donated by Woutje Swets, Vanguard REALTORS®
‘A Taste of Santa Cruz’ Restaurant Package
Enjoy the delectable variety that is Santa Cruz cuisine! This package includes gift certificates to many of the participating restaurants at tonight’s event. If a bite whetted your appetite for more, explore many excellent restaurants in the County with these certificates!
Come out and play in New Orleans
Enjoy one week in a lovely New Orleans flat located six blocks from the historic French Quarter on Royal Street. Visit and shop the local antique shops and art galleries, dine at one of the many culinary landmarks, and enjoy the vivid and playful nightlife! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath flat sleeps up to four guests. Subject to availability (approximately 30 weeks per year, excludes final Mardi Gras week) Donated by Terry Cavanagh, Pacific Sun Properties
Cozy Carmel Weekend Get Away for Two
Enjoy a laid back weekend for two with two nights in beautiful Carmel at the lovely San Antonio House Inn. This cozy bed and breakfast features unique rooms with tons of charm and only a half block from the beach. Leave the windows open and listen to the sounds of the surf at night and wake up to breakfast delivered to your door! Included in this package is a private Barrel Tasting and Vineyard tour at Parsonage Village Vineyards (for up to 10 people) and an evening of dining and dancing for two at El Palomar Monterey. Donated by Dan Fish, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
New England Beach Getaway for Eight
Enjoy a week of sweeping ocean views and fall foliage in this quaint Kennebunk Beach home in Maine. Wake up to a beautiful New England sunrise and end your day with cooling sea breezes and incredible sunsets. This oceanfront rental sleeps eight and is loaded with all the essentials that you and your family would need. A short drive or bike ride will get you to Kennebunkport shopping and attractions and the beach! Fine dining and family restaurants, art galleries golfing, biking, swimming, fishing and tennis. Bring the whole family for a beach front vacation! Available September 15, 2012 – November 30, 2012. Donated by Dave Deteso, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Capitola Cottage Long Weekend for Eight
Come experience all the wonders that Capitola Village and Santa Cruz County has to offer at this charming Capitola cottage three day weekend getaway. Entertain in the private garden patio or take a picnic two blocks to Capitola Beach with a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay. Intimate village shops, wine bars, art galleries, restaurants and coffee houses are just a few steps away. The large backyard is private and furnished with everything you need to relax or BBQ. The cottage sleeps up to 8 and features an outdoor shower, 2 plus baths and 1,300 sq. ft. Perfect for couples, friends, girls’ weekend away or a family get-away! Subject to availability. Donated by Lisa Sabini & Floors Etc.
Outrageous ‘3 Hour Tour’ Sailboat Trip
Climb aboard the ‘Outrageous’ with 12 of your closest friends! This beautiful 40’ sailboat will cruise your group around the bay for ‘3 hour tour.’ Take in the breathtaking coastal landscape that is the bay while enjoying delicious pizza from Pleasure Pizza and specialty brews! Donated by Barbara Booth, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Dinner on the Edge of the Bay for Ten
Enjoy a private dinner for up to 10 overlooking a breathtaking ocean front paradise. You and your guests will be delighted when personal chef, Rich Bergmann, prepares a delectable full course custom dinner. Along with your gourmet meal, Skov Winery will be pouring a selection of their Santa Cruz Mountain wines, paired with each course…including dessert! Gather your friends or family and be prepared to be pampered! Subject to availability, excludes holidays. Available 1/5/2012 – 7/30/2012. Donated by Kelley Trousdale, Century 21 Lad Realty
Your Corralitos Wine Trail Package for Six
Jump in a chauffeured Hummer limo with five of your fellow wine lovers and hit the trail…the Corralitos Wine Trail that is! Enjoy a private barrel tasting & vineyard tour at Windy Oaks, tasting & tour at Nicholson Winery, wine tasting at Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery and Pleasant Valley Vineyards. A delicious lunch and dessert from Freedom Bakery and Confections will be provided to keep you going! Subject to availability, please call wineries in advance to schedule. Tastings must be used on Saturdays during regular business hours and excludes Passport and Corralitos Wine Trail weekends. Limo use expires Aug. 31, 2012. Donated by Carl Worden, XChange Solutions
Surfing with ‘Wingnut’
Ride the waves with local surf legend and ‘Endless Summer II’ star Robert ‘Wingnut’ Weaver! Surf with an awesome dude and maybe pick up some new ‘totally tubular’ techniques! This surf session includes a Buell wetsuit. Dude, this package is a sweet deal! Donated by Robert ‘Wingnut’ Weaver
Exclusive Dining Venue for up to 50
Private dining venue, beautiful creekside setting, fabulous wine, check! Bargetto’s new private dining venue provides an intimate party atmosphere for your special occasion. This package includes 4 bottles of Bargetto’s finest and $150 towards purchasing more. You choose the date and provide the food – the perfect venue is waiting for you! Subject to availability. Donated by Bargetto Winery
Why Choose a ‘Local’ REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.
But if you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:
1. Your Local REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you.
2. Your Local REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
3. Your Local REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc.
4. Your Local REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required for your area
5. Your Local REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. Your Local REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
7. Your Local REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
8. When selling your home, your local REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
9. Your Local REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer.
10. Your Local REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR® you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. Your Local REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
12. Your Local REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
The Santa Cruz County Association of REALTORS® boasts an active membership of over 1,100 real estate professionals. Find your local REALTOR® or Affiliated Real Estate Service Company at www.mysccar.org.
A Taste Of Santa Cruz Profiles
April and Jamie
The Huerta Family have lived and worked in Santa Cruz County for ten years and had been trying for a long time to purchase a home. This teacher and his young family were able to make that dream a reality this year with the assistance of the Closing Cost Grant Assistance Program. ‘Your grant has been a tremendous gift. Thank you for your outrageous generosity and for believing in us and our dream’, says April and Jamie. This grant from the Santa Cruz Association of REALTORS® Housing Foundation helped the Huerta’s bridge the gap to homeownership and provided their children with “a beautiful, safe place to call home for many, many years to come”.
Carey and Chris
Carey and Chris Lavash were able to purchase their first home in 2009 utilizing the SCAORHF Closing Cost Assistance Grant. For them the transition from apartment to house has helped them to lead a healthier and more wholesome life. Their young son is now able to stretch his growing legs and run. Now, he wakes up to birds singing, not highway sounds. Values and themes they learned at his nursery school, Soquel Co-op, can be heartily enacted and taught right in their own safe and quiet backyard. Getting into their home was an intellectual, physical and emotional challenge. Having a brilliant real estate agent, an empathetic lender, and a Closing Cost Grant from the SCAOR Housing Foundation, lifted some worry from their minds.
