Author(s): Trainor Fairbrook
Gary Funamura presented the 14th Annual Humanitarian of the Year Award to Rob Thomas of Colliers International at the Broker of the Year Awards on March 11, 2010.
This award was established to recognize and honor the Sacramento area commercial real estate professional who has made the most significant individual contribution to charitable or philanthropic organizations or other community activities. In conjunction with this award, our firm makes a $5,000 contribution to the charity selected by the honoree.
This year’s award recipient Ron Thomas selected the Jenna and Patrick’s Foundation of Hope. The Foundation was established by Ron’s partner and friends Kevin and Theresa Partington whose twins Jenna and Patrick were diagnosed with Cystinosis in 2006. The Foundation’s mission is to support and promote research, to find a cure or treatment for Cystinosis, and provide support to affected individuals and families. Cystinosis is a rare metabolic disease that affects approximately 500 people in the United States (mostly children), and about 2,000 people worldwide. Ron Thomas was a Founding Board member of the Foundation, and continues his service on the Board today.
The Broker of the Year event has become the largest annual celebration of its kind in Northern California recognizing the accomplishments of the Greater Sacramento commercial real estate community. Awards are given in six categories: office, retail, industrial, apartments, land and investments. A “Broker of the Year” will also be selected. In addition, ACRE will designate several categories for special recognition. A portion of the proceeds went to WEAVE.