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...