On Thursday, Dec 13, 2007, The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board held its Annual Appreciation Luncheon.At this event the Board honors and shows its appreciation to REALTORS® who have volunteered countless hours to better their association. The Appreciation Luncheon is also the venue for special awards given out to recognize outstanding achievements by everyday people. These awards are the “Community Service,” our charitable donation, scholarship/bursary presentation and the awarding of Distinguished REALTOR® of the year.This year’s “Community Service Award” was presented to Karen Gyorgy, who has volunteered countless hours over the past 25 years. Karen is a committee member of the Amherstburg Horticultural Society. She has volunteered her time for the Hanging Basket Program, Art by The River and Erie International Wine Festival. She donates considerable time and effort to the betterment of the community, above and beyond the call of duty.Congratulations go out to the following scholarship and bursary winners. These four (4) Two-Thousand Dollar ($2,000) awards are given each year to help promote the higher education of the sons and daughters of REALTOR® Members. Congratulations to: Robyn Jones, daughter of REALTOR® Stephen Jones, St. Clair College Scholarship Award and Joshua Kolm, son of REALTOR® Anna Kolm, University of Windsor Scholarship Award. Also to Casey Stevens, daughter of Chris Stevens, University of Windsor Bursary Award and Laura Sequeira, daughter of REALTOR® Vic Sequeira, St. Clair College Bursary Award.The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board is proud to announce that the Distinguished REALTOR® of the year award for 2007 goes to Mr. Bob Pedler. Mr. Pedler, Broker of Record for Bob Pedler Real Estate Limited, has been active in the real estate profession and a Member of our Board for the past 47 years. Mr. Pedler has served as President of WECREB, OREA, and CREA. He has served on numerous committees aimed at improving all aspects of the services provided to our Members and has been active with many community fundraising and charitable organizations.Proceeds of The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board Golf tournament held on June 20th, 2007 were given in support to Windsor Essex Care For Kids Foundation and the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, as well as various other local charities.Proceeds from this year’s Silent Auction held at the WECREB Gala on December 7th, resulted in the total of Thirty-Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) being donated to Windsor Regional Hospital for the new Siemens 64 Slice CT Scanner. The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. benefited, as well as various other local charities.The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board accepts nominations year-round for the “Act of Bravery” and “Community Service” awards, if you know of anyone deserving of recognition please send in your nominations. The “REALTOR® of the year” is nominated by his/her peers in the industry.The Windsor-Essex County Board of REALTORS® is recognized as the voice and source for real estate by providing education and essential services to maximize professionalism and business opportunities of our Members so they are able to make a valid contribution to our Communities.For more information contact Board President, Phil Dorner (519-966-6432).