ONE MONTH AWAY from Spring Rebuilding Day!

That's right, volunteers! We are only ONE month away from the BIG DAY! Currently, our wonderful Project Managers are busy planning for 25 PROJECTS.

Interested in learning about the homeowners we'll be helping on April 30th? Good news - soon, we'll be releasing a NEW SERIES of posts ("SRD 2011 Project Previews") sharing about each of our Sponsor groups and their projects.

Want to volunteer on Spring Rebuilding Day 2011?

If you're not already a part of a volunteer group on Spring Rebuilding Day (April 30th), please email Sarah Ihrie at sihrie@rtseattle.org and we're happy to place you at a site.

Thank you to our MAJOR Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 Event Sponsors!

New SRD Sponsor (Tuesday Sponsor Highlight): Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Rebuilding Together Seattle is excited to announce a new sponsor, Emmanuel Church for Spring Rebuilding Day 2011!  Emmanuel Church has been involved with RTS in the past and we are looking forward to their returning partnership for Spring Rebuilding Day 2011!  

Welcome, Mercer Emmanuel, we look forward to an awesome Spring Rebuilding Day 2011!

Thank you, UnaDomanda!

RTS sends a BIG thanks to UnaDomanda for their continued support with our website! Check out the recent improvements at http://www.rtseattle.org.

• Sign up to volunteer with RTS online!


• Check out our new Youth Board Interest Form!


• Make a donation to RTS with Paypal!


• Read the latest edition of the RTS News!

ABOUT: UnaDomanda is a website design company from Seattle, WA working mainly with Non Profits and Small Businesses to provide new and affordable technology and more. To learn more about opportunities with UnaDomanda, please visit http://www.unadomanda.com/ or contact Zach Oliver at zachary.oliver@unadomanda.com.

Support RTS through the CGS Raffle!!

CGS Project Managers, Richard Petrone (L) and Kirk Anderson (R) join Linda Roche of Parkview Services (M) at their project site last April.

Calling all RTS supporters! This year, the Concierge Guild of Seattle (CGS) has organized an AWESOME raffle to help fundraise for their Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 project. CGS will be partnering with Parkview Services for the third year in a row, restoring a home in Shoreline. CGS's goal is to raise $2,000 to help cover the costs of ALL improvements at the home. They have a GREAT list of awesome prizes - now is your chance to WIN!

If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing raffle tickets or donating an item to the raffle, please contact Richard Petrone at rpetronecgs@gmail.com.

1. Hand blown glass bowl. Green and Blue stripes w/fluted top 2. $100 Gift Certificate from Ipanema Brazilian Grill 3. 2 $20 Gift Card from Ipanema Brazilian Grill 4. Tiffany’s Platter 5. $50 Gift Certificate from Barolo 6. $50 Gift Certificate from O’Asian 7. A haircut and style provided by Salon Azur (male or female)($50.00 value) 8. Pike Place Brewing Gift Box ($40.00 value) 9. One-night stay at Pan Pacific Hotel with free Breakfast and Free Parking 10. More raffle prizes to be added!

Meet the RTS handy helpers!

RTS Supporters - meet the newest members of the RTS Staff: Tonka & Lucy!



About Tonka (pictured above; left):

At just over 6 months, Tonka still has the puppy charm to win over just about anyone. Tonka was welcomed into Sarah Ihrie's (RTS Program & Marketing Manager) home in October 2010 after Sarah and her husband, Joel, met a new litter of Yellow Lab puppies. Soon after, Tonka became a regular at the RTS Office. Tonka is known for proving lots of entertainment to his friends (including recycling bin diving and paper shredding) and bringing smiles to the faces of our volunteers.

About Lucy (pictured above; right):

In early September, Margie Thirlby (RTS Executive Director) journied to Port Orchard, WA, to meet a rescue dog she identified on petfinder.com. Taking a leap of faith, Margie brought Lucy (a speculated Black Lab/Whippet mix) home to Seattle and shortly after, brought her to the RTS Office. Just over one year old, Lucy is a great office buddy - sweet, well-mannered, and sometimes a bit of a guard dog. Lucy and Tonka are best friends and play "Gladiator" and "Nap" for most of the day.



Please stop by the RTS Office to meet Tonka &Lucy anytime! Woof!

RTS Welcomes our NEW Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 Sponsors!

RTS welcomes our NEW Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 Sponsors! We are grateful for your support - thank you for making our mission possible!

MAJOR PROGRAM SPONSOR - The CWD Group

CORE SPONSOR - Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation

SPONSOR - Wright Runstad & Company

NON-PROFIT SPONSOR -

Emmanuel Episcopal Church (Mercer Island)

Thank you Youth Board March Donors!

The RTS Youth Board sends a BIG THANKS to our March donors for the Youth Board Annual Appeal. Thanks to your generosity, the Youth Board has been able to raise over $2,800 for their Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 (April 30) project!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Mary and Tom Herche

Lake Union Travel

Dave and Ann Kocer

Brenda and Tom Heflin

Jim and Mary Ellen Weber

Cathleen Clampitt

Bruce and M.A. Sangeorzan

Thomas Wilkes and Kathleen Greer-Wilkes

Lynne Berry

Ray and Rosemary Siderius

Tracy A. Lloyd

Bob and Kelly Crimmins

Robert L. Aigner

Pauline Bach

Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Ratti

Kary Doerfler

Robert and Martha Aigner

Glen A. Curda and Jeanne Marie Clavere

Chapin and Janet Day

Elaine Moody and Mike Taylor

Kristi and Brent Greene

Pat and Kathy Shultz

John and Suzanne Rettenmier

P.R. Morris

Layne Presho and Dan Dunne

Lee Ann Rasmus

To join others in making a donation to the Youth Board, please visit: http://www.rtseattle.org/make_donation.php. You can also mail a check (made out to "Rebuilding Together Seattle") to: 811 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109).

The RTS News is here!

Want to get the latest updates at RTS? RTS just released our Winter 2010-2011 issue of The RTS News, our quarterly newsletter.

Our latest issue will give you a great recap of the past few months and a preview of what's to come this Spring and Summer!

Direct link: http://www.rtseattle.org/RTSeattleWinter1011.pdf

To sign up to receive The RTS News or to read past issues, please visit: http://www.rtseattle.org/RTS_News.php

SRD Sneak Peak!

The RTS office and our wonderful Project Leaders are already busy planning their Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 projects!

While some sites are still to be confirmed (and mapped out), we wanted to give you a sneak peak at our site locations for April 30th! RTS is proud to support a diverse group of clients living in different georgraphic areas in and outside of Seattle!


Interested in volunteering on April 30th? Email Sarah Ihrie at sihrie@rtseattle.org.

New SRD Sponsor (Tuesday Sponsor Highlight): Wright Runstad & Company

Rebuilding Together Seattle is excited to announce a new Spring Rebuilding Day sponsor, Wright Runstad & Company!

"We are pleased to join forces with Rebuilding Together Seattle in 2011 and show our support of their goals and programs to improve the living conditions of low income homeowners and non-profit facilities," President Greg Johnson said.  "It will be a wonderful opportunity for our talented employees to use their skills for the benefit of someone in need of assistance."

"We welcome the opportunity to support the efforts of Rebuilding Together Seattle in helping to improve the quality of home living for a low income homeowner," said RTS Project Manager and WRC Director of Engineering, Jeff Kasowski. "We will bring a talented group of people together with a strong skill set for these types of projects and look forward to creating a safer, healthier living environment for someone in the program."

RTS Volunteer Coordinater and Office Manager for WRC, Corliss Perdaems, is also excited for Spring Rebuilding Day.  "We are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community and to create opportunities for our employees to work together as a team outside of their normal work environment," she said.  "Rebuilding Together Seattle answers both of these goals for us. Employees were quick to sign up and are looking forward to assisting a homeowner on the Spring Rebuilding Day 2011."

Welcome Aboard, Wright Runstad & Company!

Tuesday Sponsor Highlight: The Home Depot Foundation

Rebuilding Together Seattle is pleased to announce The Home Depot Foundation as a Spring Rebuilding Day In-Kind Sponsor!  The Home Depot Foundation will generously provide our Project Managers a total of $15,000 in Home Depot Gift Cards to use to purchase supplies for their projects on April 30th!

Thank You, Bishop Blanchet Faculty!

On Friday, March 10th, Faculty from Bishop Blanchet High School geared up for a service project at the house of June, a single mother of 5 boys.  The volunteers completed plumbing repairs, yard work, and major indoor cleaning!  Thank you to the volunteers who donated their time and skills to a very deserving homeowner in need.  A big thank you also goes out to the handy volunteers who brought their tools and donated materials for the plumbing repairs.  RTS Board Member, Anne Quigg, was instrumental in planning for the project and also gave her time on Friday, along with donating the costs of necessary tool rentals, to help out June and her sons.

A few pictures from a successful day!

Great Work Everyone!!

The results are in: Volunteers to wear BLUE on April 30th!

Greetings, Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 volunteers! Thank you to the 84 volunteers who took the time to vote for the color of of our official SRD 2011 Volunteer t-shirt!

The winning color is BLUE with 31% of the votes. 2nd place was Light Purple with 20.2% of the votes, followed by Grey with 17.9% of the votes, and Orange with 16.7% of the votes. Coming in last was Light Pink with ZERO votes. Glad we know how you all feel about light pink...

Stay tuned for our official color selection and design!

ASCE receives Ambassador's Award

On Wednesday, March 9, Rebuilding Together Seattle joined the Seattle Section of ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) for their group meeting at the Pan Pacific Hotel to present the RTS Ambassador's Award.

"The RTS Ambassador's Award is given to one of our outstanding Sponsor groups each year to recognize their long-term support to RTS," said RTS Director, Margie Thirlby. "This Spring, ASCE will partner with RTS for their 11th year in a row! We are truly appreciative of their continued partnership and look forward to another rewarding year."

In April 2010, the RTS Ambassador's Award was presented to the Center for Spiritual Living (CSL), for their 14th year of participation. The CSL looks forward to their 15th year with RTS this April, where an expected 100 individuals will make improvements at Horace Mann School in Seattle.

(Above, L to R): Tim Lane (RTS Board of Directors and ASCE member), Val Gorder (RTS Board President), Margie Thirlby(RTS Executive Director), Arthur Fleming (ASCE member and RTS Project Manager), and Melissa Wu (ASCE President Elect) join RTS in celebrating ASCE's acceptance of the RTS Ambassador's Award

CONGRATULATIONS, ASCE!

Week 2 Youth Board donors!

RTS thanks our most recent Youth Board Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 donors! Thank you for making the Youth Board project possible - we look forward to helping Debra and her family on April 30th!

Glen A. Curda and Jeanne Marie Clavere
Bruce and M.A. Sangeorzan
Lee Ann Rasmus
Dave and Ann Kocer
Mike Taylor and Elaine Moody
Thomas A. Wilkes and Kathleen Greer-Wilkes

Lynne Berry

SUPPORT THE YOUTH BOARD!

The RTS Youth Board needs to raise $4,000 in order to help Debra and her family in South Seattle! For more information on the Youth Board's Spring project and how you can support their efforts, please visit: http://rebuildingtogetherseattle.blogspot.com/2011/03/week-1-youth-board-donors.html

Week 1 Youth Board Donors!

RTS thanks our first donors of the Youth Board Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 project! Thank you for your support of our Youth Board and their upcoming efforts in April.

Mary and Tom Herche

Tracy A. Lloyd
Brenda and Tom Heflin
Jim and Mary Ellen Weber
Robert L. Aigner
Pauline Bach
Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Ratti
Lake Union Travel
Kary Doerfler
Cathleen Clampitt
Robert and Martha Aigner

SUPPORT THE YOUTH BOARD!

The YOUTH BOARD is a service group of high school students that support Rebuilding Together Seattle and its mission through volunteering year-round. On Saturday April 30th, the Youth Board will participate in Spring Rebuilding Day 2011, RTS’s largest program event of the year. This year, the Youth Board will help Debra, a disabled homeowner caring for her husband and two grandchildren in South Seattle. Due to the time and resources spent caring for her family, Debra has been unable to maintain her home. The Youth Board hopes to provide multiple improvements, including repairing a deck, hauling away debris, building a new fence, installing a new bathtub, replacing windows, and repairing gutters.

In order to help Debra, the Youth Board is fundraising for their Spring project. The Youth Board needs to raise $4,000 to cover the costs associated with the rebuilding day. If you or someone you know would like to make a donation to the Youth Board Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 project to help Debra and her family, please visit http://www.rtseattle.org/ (to make a donation online) or you can mail a check (made out to "Rebuilding Together Seattle") to: 811 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109.

QUESTIONS? Please contact rtsyouthboard@gmail.com or call the RTS office at 206.682.1231.

Sign up to volunteer with the Youth Board on April 30th!

Volunteer of the Month: Pam Madden

Pam has been volunteering her time with Rebuilding Together Seattle for the last few years, and joined the RTS Development Committee last year, where she has been a huge asset to RTS.  Most recently, Pam spearheaded the RTS Hearts Rebuilding Homes Valentine's campaign, which raised nearly $2,500!!

Pam Madden

1. Why did you choose to get involved with RTS? How long have you been volunteering with RTS?

I joined the development committee in Aug 2010. But my first volunteer opportunity was about 3 or 4 years ago with Wachovia Bellevue office.

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

From a volunteer perspective I will never forget the homeowner's face after a day of labor on her home. Seeing her gratitude was worth everything.

As a volunteer on development I love the enthusiasm and creativity of the committee. Everyone is supportive and all are working toward common goals.

3. What do your colleagues or other volunteers say about RTS? Why do they want to volunteer their time?

Most are extremely supportive and aware of the organization. There are still many who are unaware and I am always excited to talk about the value of time and monetary donations.

4. What about RTS’ mission are you most drawn to?

I suppose it's how I perceive the concept of RTS: a little goes a long way to provide safety and warmth of homeowners in need. A home is so often a reflection of a homeowner. Restoring the utility of a home brings renewal to the particular project and is also a renewal in spirit to the homeowner.

Thank you for your dedication to

Rebuilding Together Seattle, Pam!!

Board Member of the Month: Russ Schultz, Honeywell

This month, we are highlighting Russ Schultz, Maintenance Services Director at Honeywell Aerospace. Russ has been on a number of Honeywell rebuilding days before being asked to join the RTS Board of Directors last year.

Russ (lower left), constructing stairs on Honeywell Rebuilding Day in fall of 2010

Russ installing a bathroom fan at the Honeywell site on Spring Rebuilding Day 2010

“We are so happy that Russ joined our Board," RTS Executive Director, Margie Thirlby said.  "Russ’s positive energy, leadership, time, and overall support to our Staff has been truly valuable to our organization. Russ has played a key role in continuing Rebuilding Together Seattle’s partnership with Honeywell, and we are excited for Russ to lead the Honeywell Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 Project in April."

RTS asked Russ a few questions about his involvement:

1.  When did you first get involved with RTS?

I first got involved with RTS a couple of years ago. Honeywell has worked with Rebuilding Together for quite a number of years and I decided that I wanted to join one of their sponsored rebuilding projects. It was a blast! Fellow Honeywell employee (at the time) and board member Gary Ballas did an outstanding job managing the project. We accomplished far more in one day than I would have thought possible and the reaction from the homeowner was priceless. Beginning with that project I was hooked! About a year and couple more projects later Gary asked if I would consider joining the Board of Directors for RTS. After praying and considering this further I really felt that I was led to step up my involvement in this way and have really enjoyed being on the Board.

2.  What do you enjoy most about being a board member for RTS? 

 I particularly enjoy interacting with a diverse group of people that are all passionate about a common goal: helping people. The excitement and passion (and compassion for the people we help) is readily evident in all interactions, from board meetings to fundraisers.

3.  What are your hopes for RTS in the years to come?

My hope is that as we continue to grow, enabling us to help many many more people, we do so without losing the personal touch and deep compassion that exists today. This is a very special Board, a talented and outstanding staff and a great mission. I’m very excited about our growth and the great future in front of us.

A few photos of Russ helping out on Honeywell rebuilding days in 2009:



New SRD Sponsor (Tuesday Sponsor Highlight): Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Rebuilding Together Seattle is excited to announce a new sponsor for Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 (SRD): Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.  The company's foundation will be providing the funding to complete essential home repairs for a low-income homeowner in need.  Volunteers from the WSGR Seattle office will provide their skills, talents, and good will on April 30th for SRD 2011.  We are glad to have you, WSGR, and look forward to a fun and rewarding project!!

Vote for our Spring Rebuilding Day volunteer t-shirt color!

Calling all Spring Rebuilding Day volunteers! This year, we're letting YOU decide what color t-shirt you'll be sporting on April 30th! So far, 42 votes are in.

We’ve created a simple 1-minute survey for you to take!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XBVG652
Please remember to vote by Friday, March 11th!

Here are the results so far...