All things Patterson-Schwartz | Patterson-Schwartz Blog

Fresh on the scene: Mid-Month Mixers hit networking circuit

Live music and laughter fill the air as a friendly game of cornhole gets underway in the parking lot of a seemingly quiet Hockessin office park. It’s late-afternoon on a crisp fall day and there’s not a starched suit in sight.

Business networking never looked so relaxed and fun.

October’s Mid-Month Mixer event at Patterson-Schwartz of Hockessin

The right event for right now

“We’ve been deprived of so much socialization over the past couple of years,” says Juan Fuentes, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate agent, assistant sales manager of PSA Greenville, and networking event committee co-chair. “Without a doubt, we are loving the return to office gatherings and in-person celebrations within the organization. The time seemed right to create opportunities to connect with the local real estate community at large. Our Mid-Month Mixer is meant to feel like a fun night out and not a straight-laced business meeting.”

Patterson-Schwartz hosted its first Mid-Month Mixer in September 2022 at Timothy’s Pub in Newark with great success. Over 100 attendees came out to enjoy drinks and mingle with colleagues and peers from the local real estate industry and its affiliates.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Company of Delaware partnered with Patterson-Schwartz to sponsor the event and played a big role in the launch by promoting the mixer, providing refreshments, and donating a generous raffle basket. Held in the late afternoon on a Wednesday, the bar was busy and the space was abuzz with lively conversation and the exchange of business cards.

A network of support

October’s Mid-Month Mixer was a more casual outdoor affair that put the spotlight on the company’s largest office and its hospitable spirit.

The back parking lot was transformed into a picnic area with tables, lawn games, and a makeshift bandstand. Friendly smiles welcomed everyone from new and experienced agents, to local lenders and home service providers. There were raffle and cornhole tournament prizes for a few lucky winners and special branded can koozies available to all attendees. But for many, the real reward was something not so tangible.

“These Mid-Month Mixers have been awesome!” Says first-year Patterson-Schwartz Greenville agent Kathryn Matic, who has attended both events.

“I’ve been introduced to and formed relationships with several agents in and outside the organization… and I think these connections and having that support from each other are crucial when doing business. All different types of agents coming together in a cool setting has resulted in some great conversations. Hearing about events like these, even my non-industry friends want to get their license and be a part of the real estate scene.”

Save the date

Future Mid-Month Mixer events for Patterson-Schwartz are in the works, including one in November on the Wilmington Riverfront.

“We love what we have started here,” says Angela Allen, Patterson-Schwartz agent, Assistant Sales Manager of PSA Hockessin, and Mid-Month Mixer co-chair. “It’s been great to see people interacting, forming new relationships, and sharing ideas.

“We look forward to continuing this effort with many creative variations and more partners in the upcoming months… Stay tuned!”

In the local real estate industry as an agent or affiliate? Follow Patterson-Schwartz on Facebook, Instagra m, or LinkedIn to learn about our Mid-Month Mixer events or send an email to midmonthmixer@psre.com to be added to our distribution list.

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage and offers a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We’ve been guiding home buyers and sellers since 1961, and invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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Real Local, Real People: PSA’s Angela Allen

Meet Angela Allen, the assistant manager of the Hockessin office and team lead for The Angela Allen Group! From assisting clients across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to patiently coaching new agents with business planning and education sessions, Angela knows the ingredients for success and applies it to everything she does. We sat down with Angela to learn a little more about her, what she does at Patterson-Schwartz, and why she loves her job.

How did you choose your career in real estate?

I have always had a love of real estate. When I was little, I would always take the paper flyer for the homes on the market in my neighborhood. I would study every fact about the home. Neighbors would see a “for sale” sign and they would call me to ask the price and details about the home — I was their go-to for real estate information! My husband is in the home building and land development side of real estate. He was the one that pushed me off the fence to get my license.

How long have you been at PSA?

I have happily been with PSA my entire career. I will be celebrating my 11th year in real estate in the fall! As a new agent, I was drawn to PSA for education as well as further career development training. The entire organization welcomed me with open arms and I felt like I was at home… at work!

What keeps you here?

The family-friendly atmosphere. Everyone is cheering for everyone else to succeed. The management and office support are second to none.

Tell us what you love about your job.

I love helping buyers find their first home or maybe their dream home. I enjoy assisting sellers close one chapter and move on to the next one. As an assistant manager, I thoroughly enjoy the interaction I have with our amazing family of agents. Watching them succeed and celebrating the big and little victories makes me love my job!

How do you like to spend a relaxing day?

My ideal relaxing day is spent on my boat on the river with my husband and son. With our phones attached to our hip, we are on call 24/7. Being on the water is my way of decompressing.

Ready to grow with us?

As you can tell, Angela believes helping and supporting others — whether they’re a client or a co-worker — is how we all succeed. If you’re intrigued by how you’ll be supported beyond your expectations, we’d love to chat with you about a career with Patterson-Schwartz!

About Us

Headquartered in the town of Hockessin, Delaware, Patterson-Schwartz has been lighting the way home for over 60 years. We are Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage with ten offices and over 550 sales associates and staff. We offer a full range of services including residential home sales and rentals, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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A Homecoming Celebration: PSA Chesapeake City 1 Year Later

On her birthday in 2021, Amber Durand received a call from her former Patterson-Schwartz sales manager, Chris Cashman. As calls with old friends typically go, once the well-wishes were expressed, the two got to chatting. Amber, who then-managed her own boutique brokerage, told Chris she was looking for a change.

Welcome home

Amber launched her real estate career in 2010 and spent ten years with Patterson-Schwartz as a member of the PSA Elkton and Newark offices. During that time, she successfully grew her business and established The Durand Group with a dedicated team of her PSA colleagues. Looking to expand into a different market, she decided to relocate her team to Chesapeake City and set up a shop as a small, independent brand with a different brokerage.

“I was proud of what I had launched in Chesapeake City, but I was ready to take things to another level,” says Amber. When Chris called her, she was already entertaining partnership offers from two well-established real estate companies.

“Talking to Chris, I realized I missed all of the good people and good systems in place at Patterson-Schwartz. He knew my style and history, and it wasn’t long before we were discussing a new opportunity to merge everything I had created on my own with the independent brokerage.” Summer 2022 will mark the one-year anniversary of Amber and the Durand Group’s return to Patterson-Schwartz.

2021 Ribbon cutting with Amber, her team, and members of the PSA family

Patterson-Schwartz Chesapeake City Grand Opening Celebration August 2021 with Amber Durand

A thriving team

Amber Durand and her 15-member (and growing) office have a diverse background and serve Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. They are a close-knit group with core members who have been involved since the beginning. Amber met her colleague, Dale Jackson, in pre-licensing school; the two quickly connected and joined Patterson-Schwartz as new agents together. Alison Adams was a team member with the Durand Group at PSA Elkton, and became Amber’s first independent agent to be hired when she opened her brokerage in 2019. And as often happens in real estate, Jill Lively was a former client who became a friend; she came onboard to assist with marketing & administrative support in 2014 before pursuing her real estate license with Amber’s guidance.

Amber likes to regularly gather the office for fun things like happy hours and community events, but she remains focused on creating career development opportunities for the Chesapeake City agents through sales meetings and “lunch and learn” workshops. She describes her management style as very hands-on and is eager to give her team an edge when it comes to the local market.

“Running my office independently, I find myself invested more than ever in the training and development of my agents,” says Amber. “I truly enjoy teaching and I pull a lot from my own experience. I want new agents to benefit right away from the knowledge I had to gain over years and years in the industry.”

Patterson-Schwartz Chesapeake City decorated for Memorial Day 2022

Love where you live

Located off State Route 213 along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, Chesapeake City features many historic homes, shops, galleries, fine restaurants, bed & breakfasts, and boating amenities. And while it is within easy driving distance of several large cities, the charming town maintains a “miles-away” feel.

“I was instantly drawn to this little waterfront village and knew it would be an excellent place to grow my brand,” says Amber, who lives within walking distance to her office, serves on the Chamber of Commerce, and recently decided to run for town council. “There’s a lot of exciting development opportunities here along with a strong sense of community. Our office loves participating in local events like the Sip & Stroll, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the car show.”

Originally intended to be Amber’s personal residence, 327 Bohemia Avenue serves as her team’s home-base. The restored historic home, built in 1874, has an inviting front porch, first floor meeting and lounge areas, upstairs office space, and a detached garage that houses an inventory of lawn signage and a curated collection of home staging items.

It’s as special and unique a space as the town itself.

About Patterson-Schwartz

Patterson-Schwartz is proud to have Amber back as a member of the PSA family. We’ve been lighting the way home for over 60 years and are thrilled to expand our services in Cecil County with the help of Amber and her Chesapeake City team. We are Delaware’s largest independent real estate brokerage with ten offices and over 550 sales associates and staff. We offer a full range of services including residential home sales and rentals, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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Patterson-Schwartz: Celebrating 60 Years Strong

On December 1, 2021, Patterson-Schwartz family members from across the company came together to celebrate the holiday season as they have in years past: at a favorite local venue decorated with hints of the company’s signature brand, a Toys for Tots donation bin filled to overflowing, and laughter and good cheer ringing throughout the halls.

But this year’s celebration was an extra special one.

Not only was it the first company-wide gathering after a year-long hiatus due to safety concerns, but it also took place sixty years to the day the company was founded.

There is so much of which to be proud, grateful, and optimistic about as we look back on the year leading up to this significant milestone.

Patterson-Schwartz 60th Anniversary ice sculpture, photo by David Heitur

Exceptional times, exceptional service

In 2021, we were honored to serve the residential real estate needs of approximately 4,593 individuals and families, transferring ownership of properties valued over $1.6 Billion in total. During a year that fluctuated between feeling close to normal and far from it, our team worked diligently to meet every challenge and deliver exceptional service. We are grateful for our amazing agents for going above and beyond, a dynamic leadership team at the helm, and a dedicated support staff who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

The commitment and perseverance of the Patterson-Schwartz family are the reason we are recognized as the number one independently owned & locally operated real estate brokerage in the State of Delaware year after year.

Being a good neighbor

At the heart of Patterson-Schwartz is an engaging company culture of support that translates into caring about each other and the causes close to the hearts of our colleagues and friends. Now in its 20^th year, the Patterson-Schwartz Foundation has generated over $1,360,000 in donations to local organizations since its inception.

But as the last year proves, we don’t just give back, we show up.

In 2021 we returned to in-person Build Days for Habitat for Humanity, teed up for good causes at our hometown golf courses, and prepped meals for neighbors in need. Foundation activity is already picking up speed for 2022, with continued support for long-time community partners like Meals on Wheels Delaware, and new charitable endeavors on the horizon with the Inaugural First State Half Marathon and Middletown YMCA.

Growth and development

The Patterson-Schwartz Successful Start and agent education programs continue to evolve, and we are thrilled with the results of our efforts to provide valuable business-building resources for both new and seasoned agents. Over the past year we launched a refreshed training program for new agents, introduced new tools and technology, and hosted coaching workshops, team meetings, and celebrations, both in-person and online.

We were pleased to welcome over 90 new sales associates in 2021, many new to the business, some experienced and looking to grow, and more than a few who returned for a homecoming. We relocated our Middletown sales center to a new, larger space, renovated our shared spaces in our corporate headquarters, and expanded our services into Chesapeake City with an office at the center of town. Our vacation rental services in Sussex County also continued to gain momentum.

Rising to the occasion

Today Patterson-Schwartz is home to a sales team and corporate staff of over 550 strong and ten locations that stretch from Brandywine Hundred, into Eastern Maryland, and down to the Delaware Beaches.

Our Successful Start 100 Days to Greatness program begins a new session in late January 2022, and has more than twenty participants enrolled. Plans are in motion to launch new and improve existing business and marketing tools for our sales associates. And, as always, we are hard at work creating fresh ways to reach buyers and sellers.

Whatever the future brings, Patterson-Schwartz remains committed to serving our customers, the local industry, and the communities we call home with the integrity and passion for adding value established by our founders.

Cheers to sixty years and the bright future ahead!

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent REALTOR® and offers a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert. We’ve been guiding home buyers and sellers since 1961.

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PSA Foundation Spotlight: Lasagna Love of Delaware

Home-cooked lasagna is considered by many to be the ultimate comfort food with its melted cheese, satisfying dose of pasta, and its ability to bring people together around a table.

At the beginning of the Pandemic, Rhiannon Menn of San Diego, California, was looking to help families in her community who were struggling. She started by baking and delivering seven trays of lasagna around her neighborhood. One year later, her Lasagna Love concept is now a national movement, with over 20,000 people cooking and delivering meals in their communities.

The PSA Foundation is proud to spotlight the local chapter of Lasagna Love and its efforts to strengthen our community one tray of homemade goodness at a time.

Cooking up kindness locally

Andrea Carbaugh of the Patterson-Schwartz Newark Office is a local volunteer for Lasagna Love. She recently shared with the PSA Foundation her experience with this grassroots organization gaining ground in Delaware.

“As the saying goes, we are all in the same storm, but not all in the same boat,” says Andrea. “When I was a teacher, I saw the effects of food insecurity on young children on a daily basis. And, as a busy real estate agent working long days, I know the struggle to get dinner on the table some nights! I love to cook, so last summer, when a random Facebook ad for Lasagna Love appeared on my feed, I jumped at the opportunity.”

She has been volunteering to make lasagnas for deserving recipients ever since.

Andrea Carbaugh of the Patterson-Schwartz Newark Office became a Lasagna Love chef in summer 2020

From one neighbor to another, with love

A Lasagna Love chef’s mission is to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families and individuals, and to provide a simple act of care during times of uncertainty and stress. To Andrea, being “matched” to cook for a family in her area seemed a simple way to show kindness, especially when she felt the daily news was full of nothing but negativity.

“The recipients have all seemed genuinely touched – their gratitude coming through in thankful texts. One family was in my own neighborhood – an eye-opening and humbling experience, to say the least. You absolutely never know who may be struggling.”

Delivery through Lasagna Love is contactless, keeping everyone safe and, in some cases, preserving the dignity of the recipient. Families may apply every 30 days, with volunteers who match frequency and distance parameters.

Andrea says she keeps herself prepared and organized by setting up an assembly line and making three lasagnas at a time.

“I make one for the recipient, one for the freezer in case I get a match when I have five buyers tours, and one for our dinner that night. There is support at all levels – even ‘Chef’ Facebook pages where everyone shares tips, recipes, and even sources for ingredients on sale!”

From prep to delivery, each batch of lasagna from Andrea’s kitchen is made with love

Lasagna Love in Delaware

In Delaware, there are over 120 Lasagna Chefs who await their meal assignments every week. On average, there are close to 65 weekly meal deliveries, with that number growing all of the time.

Their services have reached everyone from struggling or grieving families and those recovering from illness to over-worked frontline workers and sleep-deprived new parents. Most recently, the Delaware chapter provided 20 lasagnas to the nurses and staff who run unit 4A of BayHealth Hospital in Dover, a unit that is solely working with Covid patients.

Do you love to cook or know someone who would benefit from a homemade meal delivery? Click here to learn more about Lasagna Love and the many ways you can get involved. Monetary donations like the one from the PSA Foundation go towards the mission’s operations or volunteer chefs to reimburse them for their groceries.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

The PSA Foundation was created in 2001 and supports numerous local charities and organizations whose causes are close to the hearts of the Patterson-Schwartz family of sales associates, employees, and friends. We invite you to learn more about how Patterson-Schwartz is giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play, and to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

Patterson-Schwartz Opens New Middletown Office

Located in one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, the Patterson-Schwartz Middletown sales center is proud to announce it has relocated to 4417 Summit Bridge Road. The brand new 4,500 square foot office building by DSM construction features private parking, state-of-the-art conference areas, and expanded workspace for Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate and Fairway Independent Mortgage Company.

The new building is just around the corner from the office’s previous strip mall location. Opened in February 2001, the early sales office served the many new construction neighborhoods that started to replace the area’s vast farmland. In the subsequent years, residential, commercial, and industrial development has boomed, along with the population.

“Middletown is flourishing with new schools, new businesses, new jobs, and new housing opportunities. We are thrilled to be growing along with the community,” says Dave Watlington, Patterson-Schwartz Middletown Sales Manager. “We love having this amazing modern space for our agents to call home.”

Strong & Growing

Relocating during a pandemic had its challenges but the Patterson-Schwartz Middletown family of agents remained connected and strong.

To keep in touch with his team, Dave conducted meetings, round-tables, and education sessions over Zoom or chatted with the sales team via WhatsApp. Gifts celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary were distributed at a drive-up, mask-up event at the beginning of the year.

The Middletown sales center also welcomed many new agents over the last several months. There are currently more than 50 agents on the roster, 15 of whom joined the sales team in the first half of 2020. In addition to coaching from Dave, the new agents participated in an interactive, live-stream Successful Start program via zoom.

“Aside from it being beautiful & the perfect environment for incoming clients, our new office provides the agents with a lot more space for work, meetings, etc. As a Delaware brand, I see our new building as just another way Patterson-Schwartz shows care for the consumers & their convenience, as well as for the agents and the local community. I truly appreciate all the support and resources PSA provides.”
Rhonda Smith, Patterson-Schwartz Middletown Sales Associate

Lighting the Way

The Patterson-Schwartz Middletown sales center invites the public to visit our new home or to reach out to our agents via phone call, text, chat, or email. The new blue building and bright Patterson-Schwartz signs are there to light the way to expert local real estate guidance.

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New Patterson-Schwartz Lawn Signs Hit the Marketplace

Patterson-Schwartz is excited to announce the launch of our new lawn sign in the marketplace! The update features a modern, clean design while maintaining the traditional icon of our brand — the lantern.

2021 Patterson-Schwartz lawn sign rendering

Lighting the Way since 1961

As Delaware’s leading locally owned and operated real estate company for over 60 years, we take great pride in our brand and presence in the community. From our early office in Wilmington to our brand-new building in Middletown, we carried a version of our iconic lantern with us.

Did you know the carriage lanterns that hung outside of our former Delaware Avenue office directly inspired the iconic logo established in the late 1970s? They were refurbished and reinstalled outside of our current Newark sales center. This consistency in our brand shows that as much as we have grown, we remain true to our roots. Our lantern has always symbolized a warm glow of welcome and light to offer guidance.

1986 Patterson-Schwartz billboard with logo designed by Charlie Gaines of the company’s Marketing Department in the late 1970s

Iconic carriage lanterns flank the entrance
at Patterson-Schwartz Newark

When it comes to selling your home, our lawn signs in your yard are an extension of our commitment to provide superior guidance through the real estate process. And at Patterson-Schwartz, it’s the people connected to our company, especially the sales associates, who make the lantern on our brand shine by fulfilling that promise.

A Sign for the Times

During the last year, we saw many changes to our industry and our agents proved that they could pivot their business without sacrificing their commitment to customer service excellence. They learned new technology, used new tools, found new ways to connect, and forged ahead during uncertain times with care for the consumer.

A refresh to our lawn sign is just one way we invite you to experience what is new at Patterson-Schwartz and to get to know our brand and the sales associates lighting the way with the best tools, best resources, and the best expertise for the days ahead.

Long-time partner and local sign printer, PopDot Signs and Graphics, is busy bringing our vision to life, and we cannot wait for you to see us in a brand-new light.

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent REALTOR® with nine offices and over 450 full-time Sales Associates. We offer a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

PSA Foundation Spotlight: Renee’s Rescues

Our latest PSA Foundation spotlight is for the dogs! Renee’s Rescues is a local non-profit dog rescue specializing in the rescue and care of dogs and puppies saved from puppy mills.

Although based in Delaware, Renee’s Rescues supports rescue efforts across several states and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in particular. Their short-term goal is rescuing and safely adopting out puppy mill dogs and puppies to the loving homes they deserve. Long term, Renee’s Rescues works to stop the practice of puppy mill breeding by supporting local legislation and rescue efforts that increase awareness, provide stricter laws on breeding dogs, and advocate for animal safety and welfare. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, 100% of every donation goes directly to saving and caring for their dogs.

Dan Logan of the Patterson-Schwartz Hockessin sales office is a dog lover and long-time supporter of Renee’s Rescues. Over the years, he, his team of agents with the Dan Logan Group, and his golden retriever Isabelle have spread awareness, raised funds, and collected supplies for the local rescue through in-person events and Facebook campaigns.

Isabelle & Dan Logan of Patterson-Schwartz Hockessin

“My grown children each have two rescue dogs each from dogs from Renee’s,” says Dan. “I truly believe dogs are the perfect companions… Their loyalty and unconditional love can help owners through stressful times. The families that adopt from Renee’s receive something really special in return for helping these dogs overcome some tough situations of their own.”

A homeowner’s best friend

Dan is well-tuned into the special relationship between dogs and people. His golden retriever, Isabelle, passed her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test at 13 months and earned her AKC Community Canine designation at 2½-years-old. As a trained companion, Isabelle has gone everywhere with Dan over the last 8½ years. Pre-pandemic, they visited nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. They were also regulars at local community events, attended doggie daycare and swimming lessons, and even met some celebrities in their travels. They have never been apart overnight since she was a puppy.

These days public appearances are few, and community events are on hold. However, much to the delight of Dan’s clients, Dan and Isabelle are continuing to spread cheer by attending listing appointments, walk-throughs, and settlements together. Efforts to give back to the community also remain a priority for the Dan Logan Group despite the challenges. Along with a one-time monetary contribution from the PSA Foundation, Dan donates a percentage of his sales to Renee’s Rescues.

“Buying or selling a home is an important life event. Isabelle’s presence has a way of making the experience more pleasant, memorable, and far less stressful,” says Dan. “If we can help to make a difference in a rescue dog’s life at the same time, our service becomes a lot more meaningful than a business transaction.”

Now more than ever, non-profits need our support. To learn more about Renee’s Rescues, how you can lend your support, or how to become a much-needed foster home for a rescue dog, please visit their website. Follow Isabelle’s adventures at the Dan Logan Group Facebook page.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

PSA is among the nation’s Top 1,000 Power Brokers for 2021

RISMedia recently released the full Top 1,000 Power Broker Report for 2021. Now in its 33rd year, the report is real estate’s longest-running ranking of the industry’s most successful brokerages by sales volume and transactions.

This year’s rankings reflect the industry’s unwavering attitude to persevere and tackle challenges head-on, even amid uncertainty. As we sifted through the impact the of 2020 coronavirus pandemic here at home, Patterson-Schwartz focused on new ways to do business and remained steadfast in helping our clients buy and sell real estate.

According to the 2021 report, Patterson-Schwartz ranked #224 by volume with $1.4B+ sales in 2020, up 15.7% from 2019. By transactions, Patterson-Schwartz ranked #193 with 4,345 transactions in 2020, up 4.5% from 2019. Patterson-Schwartz appeared in the top 25% nationally for both categories. As a locally owned and operated brokerage listed among national brands, we are incredibly proud of the PSA family’s resilience, hard work, growth, and achievements that made our Power Broker status possible.

Click here to view the full report.

Locally Grown, Nationally Recognized

Headquartered in the town of Hockessin, Delaware, Patterson-Schwartz has been lighting the way home for 60 years. We are Delaware’s largest independent REALTOR® with nine offices and over 450 full-time Sales Associates. We offer a full range of services including residential home sales, purchase and rental; relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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PSA Foundation Spotlight: MOWD Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration

Dishes featuring double smoked-bacon chowder, spiced molten milk chocolate cake, and shrimp and grits with white wine butter sauce are designed to make your mouth water. But delicious culinary creations are not the only thing on the menu at the 2021 Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration event. This annual Meals on Wheels Delaware fundraiser serves up support for area seniors in need and is our PSA Foundation spotlight for April.

MOWD is a non-profit organization that supports the delivery of nutritious meals to homebound seniors, age 60 and above, who may be battling hunger, isolation, or loss of independence. By raising awareness and funds, MOWD helps the various statewide meal delivery programs coordinate the charitable contributions that aid in their mission.

A history of support

From a guest bartender event to a homemade soup cook-off, PSA has supported the Meals on Wheels effort through many fundraising events over the years. Several members of the PSA family also volunteer their time to the meal delivery programs. Patterson-Schwartz is a proud returning sponsor of the Celebrity Chef event for 2021.

The 2019 Patterson-Schwartz Guest Bartender event raised over $7000 for MOWD

Mike Clement, a member of The Crifasi Group of the PSA Greenville Sales Office, has served as Board Chair for MOWD since 2019. He also has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 2013 and as a Celebrity Chefs Brunch silent auction committee co-chair since 2005.

“So much can be gained from being a part of an organization like ours,” says Mike. “There is a sense of community and belonging to a network of like-minded individuals you can call friends. The best part of the experience is meeting our clients, the deserving homebound seniors across Delaware, who are so appreciative of the personal touch our home delivery programs provide.”

Now, more than ever, your contribution counts

Meals on Wheels Delaware supports five meal programs throughout the state. As a result of the pandemic, they have seen the number of home-bound seniors using their services increase more than 26%. In 2020, they reported the delivery of over 877,000 meals to 6,285 local seniors.

Like many recent fundraising events, the 2021 Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration has gotten creative with its format. The event taking place April 19 through 25 will continue to showcase local chefs, wine and spirit producers, culinary personalities, and of course, the fantastic food, but in a hybrid experience. Guests and sponsors have a choice of dine-in and take-out options, with a virtual component that features interaction with the participating chefs, entertainment, and an online silent auction. To learn more about MOWD, this year’s event, and how you can participate, please click here.