The Alternative Press

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Jersey and Rockland County, N.Y. was the principal sponsor of the Maplewood Rotary Club’s 15th annual “Affair of the Heart Gala,” a fundraiser for the Gift of Life International program.
Coldwell Banker N.J./Rockland President Hal Maxwell, Regional Vice President John Bradley, Coldwell Banker in Maplewood Branch Vice President Michael Pennisi and Coldwell Banker in Short Hills Branch Vice President Scott Anton presented a generous donation from the company at the gala, which will help sponsor a mission to Siberia to provide medical operations for 30 children.

The fundraiser included a cocktail hour, delicious food, live and silent auctions, live music and dancing. Furthermore, the Maplewood Rotary Club’s Citizenship Award was presented to Maplewood Firefighter Joe Callaghan, who donated a kidney to fellow firefighter Mike Snell. The Maplewood Rotary Club selected Callaghan, believing he embodies the club’s motto -“Service Above Self.”

For 15 years, the Maplewood Rotary Club has supported the Gift of Life program and is directly responsible for saving the lives of over 100 children. The Maplewood club has hosted eight children, several of them multiple times, for surgeries and follow-ups at local hospitals. The club’s largest impact, however, has been sponsoring international missions wherein medical teams travel to countries and perform surgeries where they are currently unavailable. This year, the Rotary Club pledged to sponsor a mission to Siberia to perform operations on 30 children
who would otherwise have little hope of survival.

“Coldwell Banker is honored to be part of these life-saving efforts,” said Maxwell. “The involvement of our sales associates in the local community spans beyond serving the needs of current and future Maplewood residents, but in supporting the generous spirit of Maplewood.”

Coldwell Banker in Maplewood Sales Associates Angel Calvosa and Caroline Gosselin are active Maplewood Rotary Club members and exemplify how one serves their community in both their professional and their personal lives, said Maxwell.

“Each year, the list of children in need grows longer,” said Bradley. “Nonetheless, the Maplewood Rotary Club continues to pledge their time, to open their homes and to raise funds for these children. Each year, due to these efforts, children’s lives are saved.”