San Francisco, CA - August 22, 2011 - Fourteen of Zephyr's top-producing agents have committed to participation in edMatch, a new independent non-profit organization for local businesses and individuals to "match" funds raised in San Francisco's public schools. The funds are then distributed to all 113 schools on a per-student basis.
edMatch was established to ease the distress of budget shortfalls and economic cutbacks by involving the community in a simple and easy-to-use manner. When consumers choose businesses that participate in the program, everyday purchases and services will have a portion automatically donated to San Francisco schools. Through this method the schools will have more money to invest in programs, parental involvement will increase and the students will be better prepared to face the challenges of life, career and workforce.
edMatch has a vibrant steering committee comprised of active parents, PTA leaders and activists who are taking leaps toward making sure San Francisco's children are properly educated. The Advisory Board includes educators, business leaders and concerned citizens.
With California's current budget crises, public schools are at risk; new and innovative programs are necessary in order to bridge the financial gap. edMatch is unique because financial relief is provided to every school and every student in San Francisco. Some of its other flagship donors include miKind, Patxi's Chicago Pizza, and Squat and Gobble. More details about how it works and how to participate are available at edmatchsf.org.
Zephyr's 14 participating agents are Todd Wiley, who first introduced the innovative organization to Zephyr, Michael Ackerman, David Antman, Suhl Chin, Debra Christoffers, Matthew Goulden, Bobbi Levenson, Lorraine Meier, Luba Muzichenko, R. Lee Patterson, Marilyn Picariello, Andrew Roth, Michael Salstein, and Else Townsend. Ten percent of the gross commissions from business referred through the edMatch program will be donated to edMatch, which means that both Zephyr and the agents are contributing.
Zephyr's Community Page on its website has more details about terms and restrictions of the program at www.zephyrcares.com. Transactions must be referrals from edMatch, new and not already in progress, and agents must be informed in advance.
"We are delighted to affiliate with edMatch and for the opportunity to improve our public schools," said Randall Kostick, Chief Operating Officer of Zephyr. "What better way to give back to your community than to enhance the education of tomorrow's leaders," he added.
About Zephyr Real Estate
Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with $1 billion in annual gross sales in 2010 and a current roster of more than 200 full-time agents. In 2010, Zephyr launched its new website, which has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; and the local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six strategically located offices in San Francisco, a business center in Marin County, and serves a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.zephyrsf.com.