I have chosen the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation as the CEA 2008 Charity. Breast cancer has touched many in CEA and the real estate industry - so many of our members and associates have had family and friends affected by this horrible disease. Several of our members are survivors - I am so proud of them and their strong desire to be well! My sister died of breast cancer two years ago, as well as two of my nieces, her daughters, mostly due to lack of proper medical care because of their financial situation and the rural area where they lived.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is working to make health exams and medical care available to all people, regardless of their income. The Foundation is rated with four stars for charities, the highest rating a charitable organization can obtain from Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org), indicating that a high percentage of contributions goes directly to women’s health services and breast cancer prevention.

There are different chapters of the foundation throughout California - I am sure there is one in your area. You may contact them to speak at your regional meeting, to explain better what they are about. Decide how you want to become involved - there are so many ways. Monetary donations are needed; please send your check to CEA, payable to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

For more information about the Susan G. Komen Foundation: http://www.ceaescrow.org/charity.html

You know how to rally for a cause! I appreciate your generosity and enthusiasm for this important cause - I expect us to raise a sizeable amount of money this year - escrow people are the best!

Thank you for all you will do for this wonderful organization.

Deb Perry, CSEO, CEO
President, California Escrow Association