The event will be held on Oct. 16, 5:30­9 p.m., at St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 18870 Allendale in Saratoga. In addition to gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a buffet, there will be wine tasting, live music and dancing, raffle prizes and both a silent and live auction. Local business, including top caterers and restaurants, are supporting Home for the Holidays as sponsors or with donations of food, beverages and prizes.

The grand-prize drawing for a Club Med trip was donated by David Hunt of Coldwell Banker and Rebecca Hunt. The Angel Sponsor for the event is Coldwell Banker of Northern California; Diamond Sponsor is World Savings; and Platinum Sponsors include Bank of America, Windermere Properties, ReInfolink, First Horizon Home Loans, Chase Manhattan, and Intero Real Estate.

"In addition to being one of the biggest and best social events of the year, Home for the Holidays raises money for a very worthwhile cause," said Judy Jarvis Ellis of Alain Pinel, who serves as president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. "We are pleased to support HIF's efforts to help people who are facing a housing crisis, especially when housing affordability is such an issue in Silicon Valley today."

The Housing Industry Foundation is a nonprofit charity founded in 1989. Composed of members of the apartment, real estate and building industries, HIF works with other nonprofit agencies in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties to help keep individuals and families from becoming homeless by assisting them to remain in or find stable housing. The group also takes a hands-on approach by providing funding and volunteers for special housing and renovation projects.

"We assist with rent, mortgage, utilities, habitability repairs and security deposits on a one-time emergency basis," said Debbie Wade, executive director of the Housing Industry Foundation. "We also undertake rehab projects for local shelters and transition housing programs in which we perform needed repairs and improvements to the facilities. These programs all focus efforts on helping previously homeless adults and families reestablish the skills and resources necessary for self-sufficiency."

Last year, more than 300 Realtors attended Home for the Holidays. Tickets are available for $35 in advance or $40 at the door. For more information, contact the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at 650.949.9115.

Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.