Announcing Goose Ridge Winery!

RTS Beer & Wine Tasting 2011 Registrants: get excited for Goose Ridge Winery! On Friday, September 30th, Goose Ridge will join us for our 2nd Annual event as one of our two Wine Sponsors.

ABOUT GOOSE RIDGE WINERY

Goose Ridge Vineyards and Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery dedicated to limited production, handcrafted wines from select, estate-grown grapes. The Monson family's vineyard was established in 1998 under the direction of Dr. Walter Clore, Father of the Washington Wine Industry. The 1,400 acre vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope in Washington's Columbia Valley appellation adjacent to Red Mountain and consistently yields fruit of exceptional character and complexity. The Estate Winery is dedicated to handcrafting exquisite Bordeaux and Rhone varietal wines.

To learn more about Goose Ridge's wines, please visit: http://gooseridge.com

ABOUT GOOSE RIDGE'S TASTING ROOM (Woodinville, WA):

We invite you to visit us in our new Woodinville tasting room, adjacent to the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse. Our personable and knowledgeable staff will create a pleasurable wine tasting experience for you. We feature a relaxing atmosphere with delightful hospitality that is perfect for private events or intimate celebrations.

Hours: Open daily 11am-6pm. Also open by appointment for groups, private events, and celebrations (please call).

14450 Woodinville Redmond Road NE Suite 108
Woodinville, WA 98072-9051
Phone: 425-488-0200
Fax: 425-488-0300

JOIN RTS AT OUR FUNDRAISER ON SEPT 30TH!

Meet our Beer & Wine Tasting 2011 Live Performer, Dean Backholm!

Introducing singer and songwriter, Dean Backholm, our live performer at our Beer & Wine Tasting 2011! Dean has been a volunteer with RTS for a number of years, sharing his professional talents at project sites through his business, Dean Backholm Landscape Design. On Friday, September 30th, Dean will be donating his musical talents to our organization to make our fundraiser a great evening!

Let's hear from Dean!

1. How did you initially get involved with RTS?

MY GOOD BUDDY ANNE QUIGG (former RTS Board member) PRESENTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO ME 10 OR SO YEARS AGO TO HELP WITH LAND CLEARING ON A CHRISTMAS IN APRIL PROJECT. I IMMEDIATELY GOT MY BOBCAT (I AM A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AND CONTRACTOR) TO THE SITE AND BULLDOZED A YARD FULL OF BLACKBERRIES, BUILT A ROCKERY, PAINTED, AND ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE. I HAVE WORKED ON A NUMBER OF PROJECTS SINCE AND ALL SEEM TO HAVE GREAT ENERGY AND OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES.

Dean speaks to Pepsi volunteers at the RTS Zion Prep project (August 2008) with founding RTS Board Member (and current Development Committee member) Mary Herche.

2. Why do you support the mission of RTS?

EVERYONE DESERVES A HELPING HAND WHEN NEEDED. SOME FOLKS NEED MORE THAN A HAND BUT ALSO AN ANGEL. RTS HAS BEEN ANGELS TO SO MANY PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS.

3. Tell us about your two passions – landscape design and music!

I AM GLAD YOU SAID “PASSIONS” AND NOT “JOBS.” I DO NOT HAVE A JOB. I GET TO BUILD GARDENS AND MAKE MUSIC…I THINK THAT IS ANGEL’S WORK. THEY ARE SO CLOSELY ALIGNED, MUSIC AND GARDENS. EACH MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. EACH HAVE MELODIES AND HARMONIES. NEITHER ARE THE SAME WHEN REVISITED. THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER ARE MAGICAL.

4. When did you develop your passion for music?

I WAS BORN INTO A MUSICAL FAMILY. MOM AND DAD, BROTHERS, UNCLES AND AUNTS, GRANDPARENTS, COUSINS…ALL MUSICAL. MY BROTHER IS THE FINEST PIANO PLAYER I KNOW. MY DAD AND HIS BROTHERS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE HORN SECTION IN THE BAND CHICAGO HAD THEY BEEN BORN 4O YEARS LATER. MY NIECE WILL BE THE NEXT NORAH JONES. I AM SURROUNDED BY THE GIFT OF MUSIC.

5. What instruments do you play?

IN MY FAMILY YOU PLAYED PIANO FIRST, MOSTLY TO LEARN TO READ MUSIC. I THEN PLAYED TRUMPET FOR 12 YEARS LIKE MY DAD. THEN I PLAYED BASS GUITAR LIKE MY BROTHERS. FINALLY I STARTED PLAYING GUITAR WHEN I WAS 17, MOSTLY IN ORDER TO GET THE GIRL. OUR MUSIC ROOM AT HOME HAD A PIANO, A DRUM SET, A HAMMOND ORGAN, A XYLOPHONE, A TENOR SAX, A VALVE TROMBONE, TWO TRUMPETS, A CLARINET, THREE GUITARS, AN ELECTRIC BASS, A STAND UP BASS, AND EVERY BONGO, SHAKER, TAMBOURINE AND MARACA KNOWN TO MAN. SOME SERIOUS JAMS HAPPENED BACK THERE. MY THREE BROTHERS AND I WERE ALL IN BANDS. WE HAD TO RESERVE THE ROOM ON A SIGN UP SHEET. I WROTE MY FIRST SONG IN THAT ROOM ON THE PIANO WHEN I WAS IN 8TH GRADE. HUNDREDS MORE HAVE BEEN PENNED, I STILL NOW THE FIRST ONE.

6. How often do you perform?

I AM NOW PLAYING GIGS ABOUT 4 TIMES A MONTH.

7. Why did you decide to donate your music to the RTS Beer and Wine Tasting?

I LIKE THE PEOPLE AT RTS, I LIKE THE CAUSE, I LIKE TI PLAY MUSIC. THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO DO IT (Great answer, Dean!).

8. What are you looking forward to the most about participating at our event? (Besides the beer and wine, obviously)

I AM LOOKING VERY FORWARD TO THE FACT THAT ALL THE WOMEN HAVE TO WEAR SHORT MINI SKIRTS. JUST KIDDING. ACTUALLY, THE BUZZ IN A ROOM WHERE GOOD IS BEING DONE. IT ALWAYS GETS ME.

Dean is also an avid wine drinker and collector - a perfect fit for our event!

9. Anything else you’d like to add?

I’D LIKE TO ADD ANOTHER BOTTLE OF FINE CABERNET TO MY WINE CELLAR. I’D LIKE TO ADD A SMILE TO ANYONE'S FACE WHO NEEDS ONE.
...

RTS sends a BIG THANKS to Dean for donating his time and talents to our organization on September 30th. We are excited to have you join us for our event!

CHECK OUT DEAN'S MUSIC TODAY!

RTS is Accepting Veteran Applicants!

Rebuilding Together Seattle

will be completing its second annual

Veterans Rebuilding Day

on November 3rd, in partnership with the Home Depot Foundation.  We are still looking for veteran

homeowners to help on this day, and also for several other rebuilding days happening this fall.  If you know a

homeowner in need of essential home repairs, please refer them to RTS today!  You can find our

application online at http://rtseattle.org/forms.php or give us a call and we can mail one out: 206-682-1231. 

Thank you for your help by referring veteran homeowners to RTS!

Email sihrie@rtseattle.org with questions.

Check out our new homepage slideshow!

RTS sends a BIG thanks to Unadomanda for donating new slides to our website homepage!

Read about our MISSION and upcoming Beer & Wine Tasting event within seconds of visiting www.rtseattle.org!

Thank you, Unadomanda!

Thank you to Maryknoll for our new copy machine!

RTS sends a BIG thanks to Maryknoll of Seattle for their donation of a copy machine to our office! We truly appreciate your generosity toward our organization.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL:

Maryknoll is a missionary society of the Catholic Church, serving with those most in need in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The work of Maryknoll overseas includes AIDS ministries, counseling services, supporting community organizations, inter-religious dialogue, supporting those suffering from famine and displaced by war, and aiding the local Church. In the United States, Maryknoll educates about global poverty, justice, and the call to solidarity with brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Learn more about Maryknoll: http://www.maryknoll.us

Visit Maryknoll on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Maryknoll.MEP.West

THANK YOU, MARYKNOLL!

Gary and Friends

On Sunday, August 7th, RTS board member Gary Ballas had the help of 7 friends and family to complete a Year Round Program project at George and Claudia's home in Bothell.

The group cleaned the gutters, repaired two doors and a threshold, repaired steps, installed blinds, cleaned, and repaired electrical wiring.

Great work group! Thank you for your support!

RTS welcomes new Intern, Paige Schultz!

Paige in Shanghai, traveling the world!

RTS is pleased to welcome Paige Schultz as our newest Program & Development Intern! Paige's experience in the restaurant and event industry will be of great help in planning RTS's 2nd Annual Beer and Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Friday, September 30th.

ABOUT PAIGE:

Paige (L) with her friends at graduation in June!

"I was born in San Francisco, California and raised in West Seattle before moving to the Eastside where I attended Woodinville High School. I began my college career at California Lutheran University which I loved, but transfered to Western Washington University to be closer to home. I just recently graduated from Western where I studied political science and economics, focusing on political theory.

While not at work, I am an avid Mariners fan, a lucky member of a very comical and close-knit family, and a struggling beginning golfer. I also love to spend every sunny day outside with my dog, Cobe."

Paige (middle) and her family in Mexico!

ABOUT RTS:

"I am very excited to get involved with RTS, as I believe it fulfills a vital role in our greater Seattle community. RTS is an indispensable resource to the members of our community who deserve to live independently in warmth and safety. I am excited to participate first hand in such a bright and shining organization and witness change happen in our city. I hope this experience will lead into a career working for non-profit organizations, particularly focusing on international development and global poverty. Thanks for the opportunity!"

Say hello to Paige! Email: info@rtseattle.org

Register TODAY for the Beer & Wine Tasting 2011!

Rebuilding Together Seattle Supporters!

Register TODAY for the 2nd Annual Beer and Wine Tasting! To request a hard copy invitation, please email mthirlby@rtseattle.org or call 206.682.1231.

On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th, friends of Rebuilding Together Seattle will gather at REI (Seattle) to drink great beer & wine, eat great food, and show their support for our organization. Join others in making a difference to homeowners in need!

Questions? Please call 206.682.1231 or email mthirlby@rtseattle.org

Seattle University Alumni Rebuilding Day, July 30th 2011

Local alumni from Jesuit universities joined the Seattle University Magis Program to complete repairs at the home of Victor and Mary in Capital Hill. The group did a great job and Victor and Mary were so pleased with the results! Huge thank you to new project leaders Mike, Lindsay, and Maria- the day went so well thanks to all your planning and organization.

Photos of the day:

volunteer, Mary, with homeowners Mary and Victor

Great work everyone!!

Board Member of the Month: Tim Lane

Tim has been involved with RTS for many years and is a great contributor to the Board of Directors. Tim has a perpetual smile on his face and his sense of humor keeps everyone in a good mood.

“RTS is truly lucky to have Tim on our Board," says RTS Director, Margie Thirlby. "Tim is one of our most fun and positive volunteers. He raises excellent questions and contributes great ideas for RTS, which have been particularly helpful as we work through Strategic Planning for the next three years. Tim has also helped continue great partnerships for RTS, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Assumption Catholic Church (Seattle). Tim is a team player and his energy for the RTS mission is contagious!"

RTS's favorite photo of Tim (right)

1. How did you first get involved with RTS?

I signed up for a couple Spring Rebuilding Day projects years ago through my engineering organization, the American Society of Civil Engineers. That was rewarding but the clincher for me was a week of work in 2006 in Biloxi, Mississippi for Katrina hurricane victims. Rebuilding Together assembled people from all over the nation to come together and start rebuilding homes. It was there that I fully realized the potential of the organization and experienced first hand how grateful the homeowners were for our hard work. It was a very rewarding “Work hard, play hard” week - the kind I like!

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

It’s fun to work with such highly motivated people that have a passion for helping others. We have board members from various backgrounds and that results in thoughtful and energetic discussions regarding the future of Rebuilding Together Seattle. It’s a privilege to hang with these folks and contribute to the overall objectives.

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

My hope is that the group continues to grow and when I mention “Rebuilding Together” to my friends, they instantly recognize the group and know what we do for others. I feel RT Seattle is on the brink of some phenomenal growth, thanks to our top notch staff that is securing some big name sponsors for our work. The next couple years are going to be amazing for RT Seattle!

4. What are the chances that Ohio State beats Michigan once again this year?

As sure as RT Seattle will continue to do great work. (Ha, you can’t argue with that one, Margie!)

Margie's response: "Tim, how's Jim Tressel doing these days?"

Working hard at Rebuilding Together National conference in Las Vegas

(RTS's second favorite photo of Tim)

Tim with RTS staff at conference

You're INVITED! RTS Beer & Wine Tasting 2011

Rebuilding Together Seattle supporters!

We would like to invite you and your friends to our 2^nd ANNUAL BEER & WINE TASTING fundraiser on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 5:00 pm (REI Flagship Store).

VIEW OUR 2011 EVENT INVITATION!

THIS YEAR’S EVENT FEATURES:

• Complimentary beer and wine tastings for the duration of the evening
• Complimentary food from Seasoned in Seattle Catering
• Complimentary parking at REI
• Meet Emcee, Tony Ventrella
• Live music by local singer & songwriter, Dean Backholm
• Excellent silent and live auction items, including Seahawks tickets, Sounders tickets, Alaskan Airlines tickets, hotel stays, spa packages, premiere wine, and more!
• Participating vendors: McCarthy & Schiering, Diamond Knot Brewing Company, Fremont Brewing Company, and more!

TO REGISTER for this year’s event, please visit our event page. Guests may register and pay online or mail in a hard copy invitation and check. SPACE IS LIMITED! Please register by Friday, September 16^th.
Questions? Please call 206.682.1231 or email mthirlby@rtseattle.org

Thank you for your support! Your participation will enable Rebuilding Together Seattle to meet our mission of helping low income homeowners live in warmth, safety, and independence.

·

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Volunteer of the Month: Michael Santopolo

1.    Mike has been involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle for close to two years and in that time has been a project manager for 7 projects (!) and completed a few quick fixes through our Year Round Program.  His first project as project manager was on Spring Rebuilding Day 2010.  That fall, he was project manager for both the Sears Heroes at Home project and for the Veterans Rebuilding Day.  This spring, Mike was project manager for the O'Dea High School Spring Rebuilding Day 2011 project, and for Blackrock Rebuilding Day.  This fall he has volunteered to take on another project in need of a project manager. I don't think I need to say much more about Mike's dedication to RTS.

          Mike, Thank you for being such a monumental volunteer !!

I

Let's hear from Mike!

1. Why did you choose to get involved with RTS?

 I     I chose to get  involved because of the philosophy of RTS, providing a service to thousands of people over the years that truly are in need of simple comforts that most of us take for granted, warmth, safety and security.

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

       I think the enthusiasm of the organization radiates an electricty for all the volunteers and the homeowners that makes one want to get involved.

3.    3. What do your colleagues or other volunteers say about RTS?

       Once a project is started and one sees what can be done in a day or two you are hooked and want more and  can't believe what has just happened.

4.    4. Why do they want to volunteer their time?

       For myself to want to volunteer is what it is all about.  I always feel a great deal of accomplishment when my  efforts and the volunteers efforts put a smile on someone's face.
5. What about RTS are you most drawn to? 
 Since my time working with them, RTS has always  completed the mission of every project.  They are always able to dig deep with their resources and staff to pull it off.

RTS Energizer: Gustavo Miracle, RTS Youth Board

Project leader for the RTS Youth Board team, Jenny Huston, chose Gustavo Miracle as one of their site's RTS Energizers.

"Gustavo brought a 'can do' and 'what do you need me to do' attitude to our project," Jenny said. "No matter what he did, he did it with an infectious energy. Whether ripping apart an old deck, hauling lumber, or making yard waste runs, Gustavo was the guy that was put on a project to make sure that we kept on schedule."

Excellent work, Gustavo!

Visit our donation page to make a donation in Gustavo's honor!

A Call for Nominations! RTS Volunteer of the Year!

The RTS Volunteer of the Year is a NEW AWARD that will be presented to one outstanding volunteer each fiscal year. The award will be presented at RTS's annual Beer & Wine Tasting fundraiser in the Fall (Friday, September 30th at 5:00 pm).

NOMINATE A VOLUNTEER!

All RTS supporters are welcome to submit a nomination for Volunteer of the Year. RTS welcomes all nominations that meet the following criteria:

• Nominee's volunteer contributions should exceed more than one day of volunteering.
• Examples of outstanding volunteers include (but are not limited to): Project Managers, Volunteer Coordinators, Donors, Committee Members, Former Board Members, Youth Board Members, Young Professionals Society Members, and more!
• Nominations of current RTS Board Members will not be accepted.

TO NOMINATE a volunteer, please complete our nomination form through Survey Monkey (Direct link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M7X2CYY).

Please submit your nomination no later than Monday, August 22nd to ensure that your nominee will be considered! All nominations will be evaluated by the RTS Board of Directors and Staff.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Margie Thirlby at mthirlby@rtseattle.org or 206.682.1231.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR VOLUNTEERS!