We were pleasantly surprised at the number of people who managed to arrive safely to the 7th President’s Appreciation and Awards Gala on January 17. The snow started mid afternoon and did not let up until later in the evening.

The evening began with a reception of almost 600 guests amidst cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The reception featured the perfect performance by The Margo Jamieson Trio.

While dinner was being served guests enjoyed a performance by George Thomas Entertainment. George worked the crowd, ensuring that there was a packed dance floor all evening long.

Later on in the evening, guests enjoyed a special tribute to the 128 committee, council, task force and ad hoc volunteers. They were reminded that the key to our success rests in our volunteers. Because of their efforts our association thrived and was able to advance our goals and objectives in 2008. “Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless!”  said Ann Cosens, 2008 RAHB president and host of the evening.

Tamer Fahmi, Broker of Record of Hearth & Home Realty Inc., Brokerage was in shock when his name was called as the newest honorary life member. Tamer joined RAHB in 1976. He has served on many committees of RAHB, OREA and RECO. Tamer is a past president of both RAHB (1995) and OREA (2005) and has been involved with several community organizations and charities.

The formal part of the event continued with the presentation to our 25 year long service recipients. This group of members began their career in 1983. When they started the average selling price of a home was $66,500, there were 21,000 listings on MLS® with only 8,850  sold and Dave Brown was the president of our association.

Following the 25 year presentation, we honoured eight members who celebrated 40 years in real estate. They joined the association in 1968 in the same year that IMAX technology was invented and the crew of the Apollo 8 entered into orbit around the moon. The average property price was $22,000, 11,000 listings were placed on MLS® and only 5,700 were sold. David Minnick, also a 40 year recipient, was not able to attend.

The long service presentation ended with mention of our only 50 year recipient, George Gligoric, who was unable to join the festivities.

The gala concluded with the non-stop dancing and costume changes by George Thomas. Accolades from the members continue to be well received.