Press Release: Richard A. Zuber Realty
Fr: Jane Stahl, stahlmarketing, janeEstahl@comcast.net , 610-367-8066, 610-367-9449
Re: Zuber Realty Pledges On-going Support for Newly Established PFC Travis Zimmerman Memorial Fund
Date: May 21, 2006

Contacts: Richard A. Zuber, richzuber@comcast.net , 610-639-0787, Connie Dolansky, brend60@aol.com , 610-310-0977, Tom Moore, Berks County Community Foundation, TomM@bccf.org , 610-413-0644, Shawn Haviland, shawnhaviland@hotmail.com , 610-310-1818, 610-845-7568, Kylene Bertoia-Hart, 610-845-3007, Linda Weinberger, lweinberger@boyertownasd.org , Anna Leffel, aleffel@boyertownasd.org , Janet and Scarlet Kulp, jkulp62588@aol.com , Marianne Deery, 610-367-4513, innkeeper@twinturrets.com

Zuber Realty Demonstrates Lasting Support for Military
Through Travis Zimmerman Memorial Fund

In response to an outpouring of community support following Boyertown's first casualty of the war in Iraq , Zuber Realty was inspired recently, along with the Berks County Community Foundation, to create a lasting memorial to assist the community in its efforts to honor and express gratitude for military services rendered. The Travis Zimmerman Memorial Fund has been established in the wake of the young private's “supreme sacrifice.”

The fund follows the impressive efforts of Boyertown High School junior Scarlett Kulp, her family: parents Janet and Rodney, Sr. and brother Rodney, Jr Kulp ; John Leffel and daughters Anna and Melinda--neighbors of the Zimmerman family--who began fundraising several short weeks ago toward securing a Bear Fever bear to be created in Travis's honor.

Bear Fever, Boyertown's public art project, has generated 43 fiberglass bears throughout the community since its inception in August 2003, sponsored by assorted businesses and individuals and decorated by local artists.

“I was highly impressed by this young woman's initiative and became aware that Scarlett had touched a chord within our community eager to demonstrate their support of our military men and women,” explained Zuber. “No matter what the cause of our country's military actions, our patriotism in this community is high, and we are eager to let our military know of our gratitude.”

“I felt a need to do something to further the efforts of these good folks as well as create a lasting memorial, one that will not only help us remember the selflessness, the sacrifice, and the service our military demonstrate every day, but also help to encourage and support them following their tours of duty in some way.”

The “team” not only raised funds for the bear but also found their own artist—Kylene Bertoia-Hart—and arranged with Cowpainter's, Inc., the company in Chicago that creates the fiberglass forms, to create a specially-designed standing bear in a saluting position to honor Zimmerman and all who are called to volunteer for military service.

Hart's only child Kyndi died at 21 of an undiscovered heart defect, Hart turned to painting and has been very successful; she has done portraits and landscapes most of which were commission pieces. She studies with Shawn Wyeth (of the acclaimed Wyeth family), her sister who teaches privately, and others. She is excited about helping another family heal after the death of a child.

In addition, the group raised awareness about the project triggering a “Hats Off to Travis” day, scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2006, at Colebrookdale Elementary School , one of Travis's alma maters.

Linda Weinberger, counselor at Colebrookdale and coordinator of the special tribute to Zimmerman, is certain that his loss will assist young people in the area to understand fully the true meaning of Memorial Day.

On Memorial Day itself, a tribute to Travis is planned for the annual service at Fairview Cemetery on Monday, May 29, 2006. During the ceremony, Shawn Haviland, new to Zuber Realty following 8 years of service in the U.S. Navy, will introduce the Travis Zimmerman Memorial Fund and offer the continuing efforts of Zuber Realty in raising funds for this perpetual tribute.

“After spending 8 years with the U.S. Navy, I really wanted to help Travis's friends seeking to honor him and our military,” explained Haviland, 29.

“I want to stress that Zuber Realty's efforts will be on-going,” said Rich Zuber; “every year our staff will work to renew our commitment in raising awareness and in offering expressions of gratitude toward our military men and women.”

The details of the fund will be finalized at a later date, but could be viewed as a kind of Boyertown G.I. Bill, explained Tom Moore of the Berks County Community Foundation. “I'm enormously grateful to be part of this discussion with Mr. Zuber. An effort like this, with this mission, has the power to transform the community in a significant way,” Moore explained.