RAHB members were honoured for their time, talents and longevity at the annual Appreciation and Awards Gala on Saturday, January 19 at Michelangelo’s.

RAHB President Bruce Moran thanked committee, task force and council members for their service in 2012.  Moran noted in particular that “volunteers are vital to building our association and keeping it strong.  They are the driving force behind the scenes.  We would be lost without our volunteers.”

Moran went on to thank outgoing Directors Ann Forbes Arndt, Brenda McKinley and Bob Van de Vrande for their “countless contributions and dedication” in forwarding the interests of the association.

Awards Task Force Chair Margaret Reid joined Moran in presenting RAHB service awards to two RAHB members.  Bonnie Dowling (B. Dowling Real Estate Ltd.) received the Volunteer of the Year award for her many and continuing years of service on RAHB committees.  Jamie Edwards (J.M. Edwards Associates Inc.) received the Award of Merit for his many years of contributing to RAHB and to organized real estate.

Moran and RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe presented long service pins to the newest members of the long service club.  In total, 58 members reached their 25-year milestone in 2012 and 11 members reached their 40-year milestone.  One member – Joseph Finochio (Joseph Finochio Real Estate Ltd.) – completed 50 years of RAHB membership in 2012.

Twenty Five year1st Row (l-r) Donna Michel, Marilyn O’Blenis, Colleen Long, Anne Haynes,
Ingrid Cockburn, Ivan Lee

2nd Row (l-r) Michelle Russell, Kathy Brunton, Ann Hayes, Willie Brown,
Debby Court, Brenda Allen

3rd Row (l-r) Peter Racco, Heather Buchanan-Curren, Paul Ciardullo,
Marcel Brochu, 
Angelo DiStefano, Tim Mattioli, Jake Ellens

Twenty Five year21st Row (l-r) Dan Srdic, Sam Succar, Anthony Picone, Jim Duschl
2nd Row (l-r) Joseph Rosati, Peter Racco, Tony Rosati, Joseph Sponer, Dave Sohal

Forty year1st Row (l-r) Doris Stuart, Madeleine Agro, Hilde Muckle
2nd Row (l-r) Matt Bikich, George Kyprianou, Jim Mills

The last honour of the evening was the presentation of an Honourary Life Award to Ann Cosens (Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Real Estate) for her outstanding service to the real estate industry and the association.

After the awards were given and the speeches finished, the Dave Murphy Band took over and entertained for the rest of the evening.