RTS Thanks InterConnection!

RTS sends a BIG THANKS to InterConnection.org for helping us remove used software from our office! On Monday, InterConnection came to our office and hauled away a truckload of used computers, keyboards, printers, and more!

Thank you, InterConnection, for helping us with this project and for all you do meet your mission!

ABOUT INTERCONNECT.ORG

Our mission

Our mission is to make information and communication technology accessible to underserved communities around the world. We accomplish this mission by providing high-quality refurbished computers to non-profit and non-governmental organizations.

InterConnection is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

As a national organization that refurbishes and ships computers and laptops worldwide, we are focused on reuse instead of recycling, and are committed to the highest standards for clean, green computer recycling and disposing of parts and peripherals.

What we offer

• Computer training and education to low-income volunteers. Low-income volunteers gain valuable hands-on computer hardware training in our Seattle Learning Center while refurbishing second-hand computer equipment so we can ship it to underserved communities worldwide.
• Low-cost computers to non-profit and non governmental organizations around the world. Providing computers helps organizations struggling to make a difference with access to communication and resources.
• A way for people and businesses to safely and charitably dispose of their used computer equipment. We make it easy, too.

How we help the environment

• Promote reuse as an alternative to recycling. We extend the life of working computers by refurbishing them for reuse.
• Provide safe disposal for toxic materials contained in computer equipment. Equipment that can't be refurbished for reuse is recycled according to stringent environmental standards.
• Keep computer parts and equipment out of landfills. We work with local recycling experts to ensure that no parts or equipment end up in landfills.

VISIT: www.interconnection.org

SRD 2012 Top Sponsor Highlight: Howard S. Wright

Introducing one of our top Spring Rebuilding Day 2012 sponsors, HOWARD S. WRIGHT!

Howard S. Wright will be joining us for their third year of partnership in April. We are thrilled to have their team involved. In 2011, Howard S. Wright helped Ruth, an elderly and disabled homeowner living in Ballard. In 2010, the group helped Wesley, a disabled homeowner living in South Seattle, creating one of our most inspiring homeowner stories of the year. We are excited to see Howard S. Wright's impact this year!

Let's hear from Howard S. Wright!

How did Howard S. Wright first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle? How many years have you participated?

A number of our employees wanted to work together with some of the unique skills that we possess and give back to the Seattle community to those most in need. This will be our third year of group participation and sponsorship.

Why does Howard S. Wright support Rebuilding Together Seattle?

It is an opportunity to help others. Also it is a great team building experience for our employees.

Share a little bit about the rebuilding day experience for your team – what’s it like for your employees/volunteers? What is your favorite part of the day?

Our team works hard, sweats a little and smiles and laughs a lot. It brings much joy to provide our people, tools, materials, and expertise to help those that are unable to help themselves. Two of our most memorable projects were constructing wheelchair ramps for people confined to a wheel chair. Providing them access to the outdoors, and freedom to do the things in life they enjoy cannot be put into words.

Do you have a favorite memory with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

Just seeing the joy in peoples faces at the end of a successful day of hard work stays with us for a very long time. Specifically seeing the smile on Wesley's face (our homeowner from 2010) and the thank you letter received from Ruth (our homeowner from 2011) is our favorite memories.

While helping Wesley for the day, we sent his dog to the groomer! Wesley’s best friend looked like a million bucks and the joy in Wesley

A l’s eyes was priceless!

Thank you, Howard S. Wright!

Dear Volunteers with Rebuilding Together Seattle:

How can I ever thank you enough for all that you did for me in April?

I appreciate so very much. I'm so happy every day looking around at all the

things you did for me, especially the ramp, so now I can get down to the

public sidewalk with my power chair. May God bless each and everyone of

you and meet all your needs. Thanks again,

Ruth Andrews

Volunteer of the Month: Jesse Holgate

Jesse volunteering in the community

Jesse has been a huge asset to RTS since joining our Site Preview Team. He is always willing to preview prospective homeowner applicants and has been especially instrumental in completing previews for homeowners that we hope to help on Spring Rebuilding Day in April. Jesse is also a member of the RTS Young Professionals Society and has volunteered on Rebuilding Days!

Now, let's hear from Jesse!

1. How did you get involved with RTS?

I was researching Seattle-based volunteer opportunities to become more involved in the community and utilize my skills as an Architect. Initially, I contacted Rebuilding Together Seattle (RTS) to learn more about the Young Professionals’ Society. The opportunity to volunteer as a member of the Site Preview Team came about during discussions with RTS about ways to become involved.

2. What do you enjoy most about working with our organization?

Homeowners are truly appreciative of the help that RTS provides. It’s rewarding to see the excitement from homeowners about the possible improvements to their homes. Continuing to the next home comes easily after a great site preview. The improvements by RTS come full circle from the first preview through to work completed by work parties, and then go beyond the physical changes to a home by making the homeowner’s day-to-day lives better after volunteers depart.

3. What do other volunteers say about RTS?

All of the RTS volunteers I’ve met are committed and excited about the RTS mission. The Site Preview Team members take pride in representing RTS by being the first in-person contact with homeowners.

4. Why do they want to volunteer their time?

Volunteers give their time to help deserving homeowners live independently in a healthy and safe environment. We’re able to make improvements that a homeowner may not have the physical or financial capability to make happen. Something like additions of hand rails or grab bars can make a tremendous difference.

5. What about RTS’ mission are you drawn to?

RTS truly is a neighbors-helping-neighbors organization. Volunteers know that homeowners need and appreciate all of the volunteer hours that go into their project. RTS has extremely skilled volunteers in nearly every trade imaginable to make sure that any work that is done for a homeowner is not just completed, but completed right.

Thank you, Jesse, for all your hard work!!

Spring Rebuilding Day Sponsor Highlight: Emmanuel Episcopal Church!

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, who had been involved with RTS in the past, returned as a new sponsor group in 2011 for Spring Rebuilding Day! With a successful SRD project under their belt, we are excited to see how they will come together to complete another transformation this spring.

Welcome back, Emmanuel Church Mercer Island!

Spa for a Cause is THIS Saturday!

There's never been a better excuse to get pampered! This Saturday, March 3rd, Spa Envy will be donating 15% of all sales to Rebuilding Together Seattle to help homeowners in need.

There are only a few openings left! Book your appointment today by calling Spa Envy at 206.985.1166. Spa Envy will be open on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK EVENT!

Spa Envy Info:
5025 25th Avenue NE # 105 Seattle, WA 98105
206.985.1166
www.spaenvyseattle.com
Click here for a list of Services (with pricing) at Spa Envy!

RTS sends a BIG thanks to Spa Envy for making our event possible!

SRD 2012 Top Sponsor Highlight: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati Foundation

Rebuilding Together Seattle (RTS) is excited to introduce another one of our top sponsors: The Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation!

Last year, the firm's Seattle office (through the support of the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation) sponsored their first house project with RTS on Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 with roughly 50 volunteers (photos below). This year, the group will join RTS for a second year to restore the home of a family in need on Spring Rebuilding Day 2012 (4-28-12).

Let's hear from the group!

1. How did WSGR first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle? How many years have you participated?

WSGR participated in the 2011 National Rebuilding Day with Rebuilding Together Seattle as part of a series of special, firm wide community service events in honor of the firm’s 50^th anniversary.

2. Why does WSGR support Rebuilding Together Seattle?

As part of the firm’s commitment to the communities in which our employees live and work, WSGR supports numerous community service activities, including home and non-profit community-facility renovations for those in need, such as last year’s project with Rebuilding Together Seattle.

3. Share a little bit about the rebuilding day experience for your team last year. What was your favorite memory?

Volunteer Team Captain Jenni Loreti reflects upon her favorite memory from WSGR-Seattle’s rebuilding day experience last year: “A group of 10 or so volunteers used a large tarp to haul plant debris from the back of the house to the dumpsters in the front of the house. Even though we were getting pricked by blackberry thorns the whole time, we were all smiling and laughing as we carried the tarp to the dumpster. Boy, did we come up with a solution to those blackberry thorns!”

Thank you for your support, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati!

RTS Thanks the South Park Bridge Construction Management Team!

RTS sends a big thanks to volunteers from the South Park Bridge Construction Management Team for their help this weekend!

10 volunteers were able to help Bill, a veteran homeowner living in South Park, who needed new stairs to get out of the front of his home (a boat house!). Tim Lane (pictured top right), a member of the volunteer team (and a RTS Board member) had the following feedback on the project:

"Bill is very happy with his new stairway and I think we all take comfort in knowing that he can safely get to his front door now. There’s no doubt he especially appreciated the stairs on this slippery frosty morning."

Thank you, volunteers!