Volunteers of the Month (and of the last 6 years!): Kristen Cramer and Val Gorder

This month, instead of choosing one outstanding volunteer, we would like to acknowledge two members of our Board of Directors, Kristen Cramer and Val Gorder, for their dedication and contributions to Rebuilding Together Seattle over the past six years. What an incredible commitment! We are sad to say goodbye to them in their roles as Board Members as their 6 year term ends but we are happy to know they both will stay involved with RTS.

Kristen Cramer

“Kristen has been an asset to our organization for many years. In addition to sharing her professional knowledge about home maintenance and repairs, Kristen has been an asset to our programs through her involvement with the Site Preview Team and managing rebuilding day projects. We can always count on Kristen to visit our project sites and give great updates on the work of our organization. Kristen has contributed greatly to the growth of Rebuilding Together Seattle in recent years, and has made an excellent commitment to her role as a Board member.” (written by Margie Thirlby, RTS Executive Director)

Kristen (center) at the Board & Staff Rebuilding Day

Kristen's hopes for RTS in years to come: "My hopes for RTS are that we become the "go to" organization that other non profits and social service providers turn to when they encounter homeowners that are in need of home modifications and repairs. I hope that we will always have enough sponsors to take care of ALL the applicants and through our outreach locally and nationally, that Rebuilding Together will become known for the great service it provides the community."

Val Gorder

“Words cannot describe how instrumental of a leader Val has been at Rebuilding Together Seattle in recent years. Val served as our Board President for two years and was an incredible leader for our Board and entire organization. Val has played a large role in the growth of our programs, in addition to facilitating our annual fundraising plan. Val is a committed member of the Site Preview Team and has an evident passion for working with our clients to ensure that they live in warm and safe living environment. Val always keeps our team grounded by reminding us often of our mission and who we are serving. We are so lucky to have Val on our Board and are thankful for her countless contributions.” (written by Margie Thirlby, RTS Executive Director)

Val (left) at the 2011 Beer & Wine Tasting

Val's hopes for RTS in years to come: "I hope to see RTS continue to help those in need in our neighborhoods, and to do so with the same compassion and hands on approach our staff and board maintain. Also, I'd love to see RTS become more well known in our community."

 Thank you Kristen and Val!

Thank You to our Sounders RD In-Kind Donors!

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012, RTS partnered with Sounders FC and 25 volunteers from Wilcox Construction and Seattle Bank.  The project took place from 8 am-4 pm in Shorewood at a home for people with developmental disabilities.  This home is one of three in the Seattle area run by the nonprofit called United Friends Group Homes (unitedfriendsgrouphomes.org).

Thank you to all of our in-kind donors!

Major League Baseball, Kansas City Royals, and Bank of America Team Up with Rebuilding Together for All-Star Veterans Project

Major League Baseball, Kansas City Royals, and Bank of America Team Up with Rebuilding Together for All-Star Veterans Project As part of the 83rd MLB All-Star Game, Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals unveiled the most extensive lasting legacy endeavor in MLB All-Star Week history through projects that benefit the Kansas City community and beyond.  On July 7, along with partners Bank of America, local Rebuilding Together affiliate Christmas in October, and volunteers and staff from the Kansas City VA Medical Center, more than 100 people worked in the 100+ degree weather to complete renovations to the new Kansas City VA Honor Annex. The Honor Annex will provide services to veterans including Primary Care Clinics, a Women's Heath Program, PTSD Clinics, and a Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center. Watch KCTV5 coverage of the volunteer efforts View the Kansas City Star photo gallery of the event View Photos Watch Video Learn More Rebuilding Together 1899 L Street, NW Washington, District of Columbia 20036

RTS Energizer: Gordon Dewey (Wilcox Construction), Sounders Rebuilding Day

Gordon (Left) with Project Manager, Jeff Berry

"I was asked to select one volunteer for the Energizer Award and hands down that award goes to Gordon Dewey. While everyone who showed up did an outstanding job, Gordon put in many hours behind the scene to make sure the event day went as smoothly as it did. Every time I asked Gordon to do something or asked him for his opinion he was always able to help out. Gordon’s extensive construction knowledge, willingness to help and extremely positive attitude made this an easy choice for me." (written by Jeff Berry, Project Manager)

Gordon hard at work

Group shot of Wilcox and Seattle Bank volunteers

 Good work, Gordon!

RTS Energizer: Arnie Mondloch, RTS Board & Staff Rebuilding Day

"Arnie Mondloch deserves the lead Energizer nod on this project due to his support and persistence. I appreciated his willingness to locate a tent and tables, as well as his willingness to arrive early to help set up. In addition, he and co-Energizer Dan Gemme deserve recognition for their persistence in completing the grab bar on the mysterious bathroom wall that seemed to have no studs. Despite reports of contractors trying and failing, these guys figured it out and managed to leave Phyllis with a very sturdy grab bar (and no evidence of the poking around in the process). Unfortunately we missed the picture op of Dan holding himself completely off the ground as a final quality check. Nicely done!" (written by Gary Ballas, Board Member and Project Manager of the Board & Staff RD)

Arnie and Dan working on a project during the Board & Staff RD

Arnie (Right) pictured with another great volunteer, John Hanks (Volunteer of the Year 2011), at last year's BWT

Great job, Arnie!

RTS Energizer: Larry Lacktrup and Barbara Marilley, Assumption Parish

"Barb Marilley and Larry Lacktrup are very worthy of the Assumption Parish Energizer Award of the Year! They have consistently participated in Assumption RTS events and are known for their solid performances. These folks don’t leave early! This year was no exception as the two of them turned in to painting maniacs, painting everything that was in their sight. Did they ever stop for lunch? Who knows? Most impressive was all the overhead work, equivalent of a week’s worth of yoga. Barb and Larry – Assumption Parish’s Dynamic Duo!" (written by Tim Lane, RTS Board Secretary)

Awesome job, Barb and Larry!

Building a Healthy Neighborhood (Philadelphia)

Building a Healthy Neighborhood 30 Homes  |  1 Playground  |  1,000 Volunteers  |  3 Days Rebuilding Together, in partnership with presenting sponsor Lowe's, brought together 1,000 volunteers, skilled tradespeople, AmeriCorps members and alumni, and other organizations to rebuild 30 homes on one block of the West Philly neighborhood of Overbrook and build a new playground at the Overbrook Environmental Education Center. Special thanks to Mayor Nutter and Senator Casey for their welcome videos for our volunteers, and to Congressman Brady and HUD for attending our Good Neighbor Awards! Facebook: Building a Healthy Neighborhood album on Facebook Website: Building a Healthy Neighborhood on Rebuilding Together's website WPHL 17: Rebuilding Together Revitalizes Philadelphia Neighborhood CBS 3: Volunteer Handymen Rebuild Overbrook Neighborhood ABC 6: Volunteers Help Local Family with Repairs Philadelphia Inquirer: Volunteers rebuild block in Overbrook Philadelphia Tribune: Lowe's Supports Healthy Neighborhood Project MyFixItUpLife: Building a Healthy Neighborhood Stay tuned for a fantastic video and hundreds of new photos! Thank you to our incredible partners. Your support changed hundreds of lives. www.rebuildingtogether.org   |   www.facebook.com/rebuildingtogether