Meet the Interns: Ali Holmes and Sarah Foster

This Summer, RTS welcomed 2 new interns to our staff. Ali Holmes, above far left, joined us in June and Sarah Foster, above far right, started her term in July. We are so excited to have their help with a busy summer of programs, fundraising, and a hectic move to our new office!

Ali has already completed her time with RTS, as she heads back to start classes at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. Sarah is about to start her second year in the Master of Public Administration program at the Evans School of UW. Sarah will be with our office for the next few months, so be sure to say "hi" next time you give us a call.

We asked Sarah and Ali to share a little bit about themselves and why they are passionate about our mission. Here is what they had to say:

1. How did you first hear about Rebuilding Together Seattle?
AH: I first learned about Rebuilding Together Seattle this summer, 2014, in late May when I was starting to looking for a summer internship.

SF: I heard about Rebuilding Together while I was serving with AmeriCorps NCCC in Denver. Different RT affiliates frequently sponsored NCCC teams for different projects, and I always heard great reviews. As I was looking for internships on idealist.org, I found RT Seattle and thought hey, this could be fun.

Ali, right, with a friend at Whitman College

2. Why do you believe in the mission of Rebuilding Together Seattle?
AH: I believe in the mission of RTS because the work that they provide gives local people a chance to be happier and lead an easier life. I love that RTS works to make homes safer, warmer, and gives people the chance to live independently. I think that these are necessities that all people deserve to have access to.

SF: Owning a house is a huge accomplishment. It takes time and money to buy one, to maintain it, and turn it into a home. Everyone, regardless of financial status, should feel safe and secure in their home. I love the idea of working with people who want what is best for themselves and their families while being independent and secure.

Sarah, right, with friends at the Top Pot 5k

3. What have you enjoyed the most during your internship?
AH: I have enjoyed getting to know the RTS staff in the office and consistent feel that the work I'm doing constantly leads to a positive change in someone's life who really needs it. My favorite thing about working in the office is getting to work with the people who benefit from RTS' services. Obviously it isn't fun to see or hear about people is a hard place but there is nothing more rewarding than giving them hope that our services can help at no cost to them!

SF: Everything! I’ve never done work in development before. I am excited to learn new skills to strengthen relationships among donors, RTS, and homeowners. I also hope to be on-site for some projects and get to meet some of the homeowners. I’m just excited to learn about how a nonprofit organization operates, and the RTS office is a great environment to learn in.

Sarah, left, with fellow corps members during her time with AmeriCorps NCCC

4. Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you like to do outside of RTS?
AH: I am a Sociology and Studio Art double major at Whitman College. At this point in my life I am really interested in public health and global health. At school I do a lot of work with a global health club called GlobeMed. In my free time I enjoy beading, printmaking, and getting addicted to TV shows.

SF: I’m originally from Rochester, NY. I’ve lived in Boston, MA, Seneca Rocks, WV, and Denver, CO. I’ve come all the way to Seattle to the University of Washington to earn my Masters in Public Administration at the Evans School. I’m interested in the arts and arts education and policy. I love going to the theater, the ballet, and concerts. I love sports as well, mainly football and baseball, but have been known to play some soccer and ultimate Frisbee. I also like to read books in coffee shops on cool, rainy days, so Seattle’s working out pretty well.

Thanks, Ali and Sarah, for all of your hard work for our organization! We wouldn't be able to accomplish our mission without great interns like you. Keep up the good work!

Volunteer of the Month: Ed McKenna

Ed, third from the left, reading with his grandkids and his son

Rebuilding Together Seattle is excited to recognize our awesome Volunteer of the Month for July, Ed McKenna! Ed has been a supporter of RTS for almost 15 years, and has been a dedicated Safe at Home volunteer. We asked Ed what it means to him to be July's Volunteer of the Month, and here are his responses!

1. How did you first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

I started about 14 years ago. Wanting to give back to my community, I thought I would lend my general skills and enthusiasm to help someone who could truly use it. Little did I know that I would soon be tasked as a project manager, overseeing a crew to renovate a deserving person’s home. It was such an uplifting experience for the homeowner, myself and the entire crew. That event had me hooked and I have been a supporter ever since.

2. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with RTS?

I like the people I meet, the support I get from RTS and the thought that so many others are helping our community. Most of all however, I like to see the face of the person I’m helping when they say “Thank you”. Every homeowner I have worked with has been gracious, deserving and truly grateful.

3. What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

Warmth, safety and independence are basic human needs that no one should suffer without. From my involvement, I know that RTS helps those who are vulnerable and in need and it makes me feel good to help with that mission.

4. What are you doing when you aren't volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

I am a full-time judge in Seattle, have a beautiful wife and have 4 grandchildren. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to volunteer when needed but I always think of those less fortunate. However, I seem to find the time to volunteer and after each project, I remember why I first volunteer with RTS.

Thank you, Ed, for your dedication to our mission of helping low-income home owners live in warmth, safety, and independence! 

Volunteer of the Month: Mark Knudson

Mark and his wife volunteering at a project in June

Rebuilding Together Seattle is so proud to recognize our awesome Volunteer of the Month for June, Mark Knudson of Abbott Construction. Mark has been a volunteer and supporter of RTS for more than 10 years, and has brought countless new volunteers to our organization ever since. We contacted Mark while he was on a month long trip to Norway to hear what it means to him to be June's Volunteer of the Month, and here are his responses!

1. How did you first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

This is a great question and I wish I knew the answer. I cannot really remember all the details but I do know that it was at least 10-12 years ago while I was instructing 3rd year apprentices for CITC in Bellevue. (Construction Industry Training Council). I believe that I caught wind of a program called Christmas in April and that they worked on homes in the Seattle area on the last Saturday in April of every year. I have always loved to volunteer and utilize the talents that God has blessed me with and I thought what a great opportunity this would be for the students that I instructed. They would get the hands on training that they needed in there apprenticeship and learn how to use their talents, and the community would get the help it needed as well. It was a win - win and have not stopped since.

2. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with RTS?

What I really like is when I get that first work package from the team captains and I read through the list of items that they are requesting to be completed by the students. I start getting excited about the difference that this work will make in the lives of the people in need and I also get excited thinking about the impact that it will have on the students. Both parties benefit when you give in this way. I get excited the morning of the day and as I drive from residence to residence checking on the students and talking with house captains and homeowners. As the day progresses I like strapping on the tools and getting to work if needed. I really enjoy working with the RTS staff and and house captains in regards to the projects and results.

3. What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

I like the screening process that takes place and ensures that those with the greatest needs get help. I like the fact that the work that is done is designed to impact the way of life for those that are helped. I like the fact that the organization has opportunities for giving of cash to help support the efforts so if we just want to show up with labor and give time we can. I love the fact that old homes are being given another chance to supply the needs of the homeowner. Some of these homeowners are really attached to their houses but just can’t keep them up or do not have the resources and expertise to make the repairs. I love the fact that disabled people are being helped to the point that they can live a more fulfilling life. I believe in the work that is being done by RTS and the staff and support them wholeheartedly. Other than that there is absolutely nothing that draws me to RTS.

4. What are you doing when you aren't volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

I am a Sr. Construction Manager for Healthcare and Occupied Remodel for Abbott Construction Inc. I have been working at Abbott for 20 years. I am also a 4th year apprenticeship instructor of Carpentry at CITC in Bellevue and an on-line instructor for 1st, 2nd, and 4th year carpentry for CITC. Father of 4 with one grandson and one on the way. Recently married to an amazing women who loves to volunteer as much as I do. Between the two of us we have 5 sons, 3 daughters, 2 son in laws 4 daughter in laws, and 12 grandchildren right now and 2 due at the end of this month. When you do the math and we have a party after the two new ones arrive we will need a table set for 30. Not bad for a couple of 40 year olds. We are currently in Norway for an amazing trip of 30 days. We attend Highlands Community Church and also are involved with serving for one of the emergency shelters with Union Gospel Mission in Seattle once a month where we bring in a meal with other volunteers from Abbott and also have done work with Vision House which helps single moms in need of housing and are in a transition. Love to ride our Harley, love to enjoy wine, dancing and good company.

Mark's view in Norway!

Thank you, Mark, for everything you have done for RTS and everything you continue to do. We are lucky to have you as a volunteer, donor, and all-around advocate for our mission!

Volunteers from Abbott Construction, led by Mark (second from the right), at their Rebuilding Day in June.

Volunteers of the month: Christian Public Service

Rebuilding Together Seattle is happy to recognize the volunteers from Christian Public Service (CPS) as our Volunteers of the Month for May! This group is stationed in Federal Way, WA as part of the larger Christian Public Service organization throughout the US.  Christian Public Service is committed to providing places for voluntary service for Christian Youth of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. The group that volunteers with us is comprised of 4 boys ages 18-20 and their house parents, Wallace and Shelly Johnson. They complete an average of 2 projects a month as part of our Safe at Home program. We are always blown away by the quality of work that they do, their timeliness, and their kindness to our homeowners. Below, you can read what  Wallace had to say about their experience volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle.

Tell us about Christian Public Service and the Seattle area group. What other groups do you volunteer with?

Christian Public Service is committed to provide places for voluntary service for Christian Youth of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Opportunities include: providing care for neglected children in our emergency child care shelters, providing services needed in large hospitals, providing labor to rebuild after natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, providing services of caring and sharing God's love with hurting people.

This unit moved to Federal Way in January 2013 from Vernonia, Oregon, once the flood relief work was finished. Our work consists of volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, renovating homes for low income applicants for Habitat for Humanity, and also sorting donated canned goods and groceries or distributing the groceries in the food line for Multi-Service-Center. We serve supper twice a month at Tacoma Rescue Mission. We sing at three different assisted living homes as well as Hope Place Women’s Shelter in Seattle throughout the month.

How did your group get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

 In other states we have and are working with “Rebuilding Together” So when we arrived in Seattle WA we had already made arrangements to meet them to see if they would have any opportunities for us as Christian Public Service to volunteer our time through their programs.

What is your team’s favorite part about volunteering with RTS?

It seems the favorite part of RTS jobs is getting out into the homes of the people in the area to do small projects or fix-it jobs that they possibly can’t afford or are not capable of doing, and when possible going past their expectations. We aren’t looking for publicity but to humbly do a little for the Lord and live our convictions in our everyday lives.

Thank you, CPS, for your continued support of our programs here in Seattle and for different affiliates across the country. You help make our mission possible!
 

Volunteers of the Month: Tim MacBean and Andrew Spottswood

Tim, far left, and Andrew, 3rd from the right.

Rebuilding Together Seattle is happy to recognize Tim MacBean and Andrew Spottswood as our Volunteers of the Month for February! Tim and Andrew led a small team of volunteers to help an elderly woman in living alone in the Interbay neighborhood. The volunteers installed a small ramp at the front door, changed light bulbs and installed smoke detectors throughout the home, painted a bedroom and many other small fixes throughout the home. This was the first time Andrew or Tim has led a project for Rebuilding Together Seattle and we were blown away by their leadership and dedication! Below, you can read what  Tim and Andrew had to say about their experience volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle.


How did you first get involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

TM: I met another RTS volunteer, Nathan Wright, through our mutual friend Andrew Spottswood, who I partnered with on our February event. I had been trying to find a volunteer opportunity that I could invite my friends and co-workers to that would be fun and rewarding and Nathan thought RTS would be a good fit – and it was! Margie Thirlby graciously came out to Microsoft during the annual Giving Campaign and did a great presentation for our team which got people excited about signing up.

AS: Nathan Wright has done several projects with RTS and introduced myself and Tim to his contacts. We were looking for a way to connect both goals for our church to get out and serve those in our community while bonding with our Co workers for a good cause.


What do you enjoy most about volunteering with RTS?

TM: One of the principles I try to stick to when giving is making sure that I’m not just giving a handout, or where I can’t directly see where my contribution is going. With RTS I could directly see the impact of the money and volunteer effort, plus you get to see the direct impact on the homeowner immediately. It’s pretty rare for all of those aspects to come together and it makes volunteering even more rewarding. All of the people I have worked with at RTS have been exceptional and professional which really makes it easy to plan an event.

AS: The needs are real and we made a true quality of life impact on Patricia. Also bonding with coworkers


What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

TM: was just really drawn to the vision of providing a safe and healthy home. When you find a group of passionate people with the right skills it really is so easy to make a major positive change in someone’s life with not that much money or effort. As I mentioned before being able to see it come together along with the end result is just the icing on the cake.

AS: RTS obviously spends a lot of time vetting out the most need and makes it easy for a team that is motivated to make significant change in that persons life.


What are you doing when you aren’t volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle?

TM: My job at Microsoft keeps me very busy of course so it is a challenge to balance work with doing what I really enjoy, which is spending time with my wife and 2 children. As a family we like to spend time together outside when we can – riding bikes, hiking, hanging out near the water…. I’m also an avid runner and I really enjoy racing so I try to run anywhere from 5K to marathon several times a year. I also serve regularly at my church in an administrative capacity, in the children’s ministry, and with other charities.

AS: I am a consultant for an IT firm that specializes in health care and CPA firms. I am a husband, dad of 3 (almost 4) and leader in my church, LifePoint Lynnwood.

Tim hard at work!

 

Andrew (left) and volunteers showing their RTS spirit!

Thank you, Tim and Andrew, for your hard work supporting the Rebuilding Together Seattle mission. You are both very special volunteers!

Volunteer of the Month: Howard Turner!



Howard (left) with program recipient Debbie

This month, Rebuilding Together Seattle is so happy to recognize Howard Turner as our September Volunteer of the Month! How, as he is affectionately known around the RTS office, is a regular volunteer for our Safe at Home Program and has completed more than 10 projects since joining RTS in March. How has become an indispensable member of the Safe at Home Team and we are so excited to have him.

Now, let's hear from How!

How did you get involved with RTS?

I found RTS on the web. I was searching for a variety of volunteer activities to provide a full range of excitement and involvement since leaving the “wage slave” work force. RTS uses my skills as a project/construction manager, an architect, and as a builder. I also am volunteering at the Seattle Art Museum Gallery, training to be a docent at SAM, helping the Center for Nonprofit Success put on their seminars, and getting involved in Futurewise. As I said, I am looking to get a variety of experiences, perhaps with the idea of starting a new “rewired/retired” career. I loved architecture as a career, but am enjoying the slower pace that these volunteer activities bring.

What do you enjoy most about working with our organization?

RTS pulls together a variety of different types of people. The staff are dedicated to running the organization, the other volunteers are all interested in giving back to society in a concrete way, and the clients are humble, thankful, and in need of assistance. The resulting combinations have, for the most part, been personally very rewarding, giving me a varied experience with people from all over the city.

What about the RTS mission are you most drawn to?

I have a strong need to interact with people in a constructive way. By that I mean, with me giving and being appreciated for something uniquely of my own making. That is what made me a great architect, and why I love RTS. I am able to take the assignment from the RTS staff, go out and meet the client, creatively form a solution, organize the materials and other RTS volunteer talent, and then deliver a quality product. I get a huge boost out of this role.

The other, probably even more important outcome, is a happy customer. I know they need what we can give them, and they could probably use 10 times what we are able to give them, but, frankly, I get as much or more out of the exchange than our clients do.

How does have a couple critiques about RTS, namely...."There should be more parties."

                                                   We couldn't agree more, How!

 

Thank you for all your hard work trying to make RTS a better place to volunteer, and for always putting a smile on our clients' faces. Rebuilding Together Seattle loves you, How!

 

How (right) at a Safe at Home project.

 

If you agree with How and think there should be more celebrations with RTS, then please consider  joining us for the annual fundraiser, the 4th Annual Beer & Wine Tasting on October 4th! To read more about the event and to register, visit the event website!

 

Congratulations to our 2012 Volunteer of the Year, Kyle Weeks!

At our 3rd annual Beer and Wine Tasting fundraiser on September 28th, Rebuilding Together Seattle presented our 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award to Kyle Weeks!

Kyle first got involved with RTS in 2010 at the Vulcan Rebuilding Day and has been an asset to our organization ever since. He joined the RTS Young Professionals Society, volunteering at multiple projects throughout the year, and soon after was asked to join our Development Committee. In just two years time, he introduced RTS to more program partners than any other volunteer in recent history. He also served as a Project Manager for one of our most memorable projects of the year. Under his leadership, volunteers helped Buford, a disabled veteran living in SeaTac, by providing critical accessibility improvements so he could move around his home with ease.

Kyle's unwavering dedication is what sets him apart from other volunteers at RTS. Executive Director Margie Thirlby explains,

 

"Kyle is one of the most reliable, honest, and dependable volunteers I know. He is passionate about the Rebuilding Together Seattle mission, and his passion is evident in the way he honors his commitments.”

Again, congratulations to Kyle, our 2012 Volunteer of the Year!

The RTS Volunteer Video CHALLENGE!

Introducing the first Rebuilding Together Seattle

VOLUNTEER VIDEO CHALLENGE!

We would like to challenge YOU as part of our amazing network of volunteers to send us a short clip of yourself addressing the following questions:

“Why do you believe in the mission of Rebuilding Together Seattle?” or “Why do you support Rebuilding Together Seattle?”

 

Step 1: Use your camera, webcam, iPhone, or whatever your electronic device of choice might be (as long as it takes a good quality video) to film yourself.

Step 2: Upload the video to your YouTube account. Don't have an account? Click here to set one up.

Step 3: Send the link to your video to Claire at coatey@rtseattle.org.

 

It's that simple.

Those who submit a video will have the chance to have their clip featured as part of future marketing materials for RTS! Plus, the winner of the BEST video will receive a gift card of their choice to either Target, Amazon, or Starbucks.

Videos must be sent to us by Friday, August 17th! Thank you!

...

 

We're pretty confident that our volunteers will show as much dedication to our challenge as these folks did for Ellen's Dance Dare:

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!

RTS Energizer: Lorna Jackson, Perkins Coie

"Lorna Jackson was on site at 7:30 a.m." Project Leader Lisa Miner said.  "Right away she asked how she could help and started working with the volunteers to sign them up for tasks.  She painted, spent time with the homeowner, was a runner to Home Depot, got dinner for our project manager and stayed until 10 p.m.  She never stopped working or smiling.  Lorna was a great addition to the Perkins Coie/Intellectual Ventures team." 

Lorna (left front, holding her hat), with the Intellectual Ventures and Perkins Coie Team!

Great Work Lorna!

RTS Energizer: Monte Szendre, Center for Spiritual Living

Project leader for the Center for Spiritual Living team, Tim Brincefield, chose Monte Szendre, as their site's RTS Energizer.

"Monte Szendre was the top Energizer of our Center for Spitiual Living team's 15th annual project," Tim explained.  "Monte worked a Friday and 2 Saturdays at the Horace Mann School, doing whatever needed doing from electrical to floors with a great attitude. The 1st Saturday Monte teamed with his son Duane the electrician (who flew in from Wenatchee to work with Monte) to do the electrical work the school needed. Then he arranged for donations of scaffolding and floor scrubber/polishers from United Rentals. Then he took on the task of stripping 40 years of wax and grime from acres of vinyl floors, and when the rest of us were ready to throw in the towel, he rented a Zamboni--and operated it all day-- to get the job done. His team made those floors look like new. Monte's spirit, commitment, and can-do attitude regardless of the challenge made him our top Energizer for 2011."

Excellent work, Monte!

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

Board Member of the Month: Dan Gemme

Join the Rebuilding Together Seattle community in welcoming Dan Gemme, VP of Operations at Turner Construction, to our Board of Directors!  Dan previously served on the Board for the Rebuilding Together Portland affiliate.  We are all very excited to have Dan join the RTS board!!

“We are thrilled to have Dan join our Board," RTS Executive Director, Margie Thirlby said.  "Dan will bring a wealth of Rebuilding Together experience to our affiliate through his involvement in Portland and Pittsburgh.  Dan will be instrumental in helping fine tune and further develop our programs through his personal and professional networks.   Dan’s positive attitude, leadership, and support of our mission will be an asset to RTS.”

Dan (right) with co-project manager, Tony Sanchez,

at the Sounders FC and Turner Construction Rebuilding Day

1. How did you first get involved with RTS? 

I was first introduced to Rebuilding Together by a friend in Pittsburgh about 15 years ago.  My first experience was that of a House Captain on the home of an elderly woman.  During the planning of the project, I was able to spend a considerable amount of time with her discussing everything from the color of paint to the meaning of life.  Throughout the short period of time that our paths crossed, I was touched by her stories about her family and friends and inspired by her graciousness.

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

I enjoy working with a group of individuals who thrive on making things happen!  It's always been interesting to me how a group of people from entirely different backgrounds can band together for a great cause.  I find it energizing to see the difference we can collectively make on the lives of people in need of little help.

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

It's no secret that the recent economy has had detrimental impact on our community.  Because of this, the services that we provide have become ever more important to low-income homeowners.  It's vital that we strive to increase our ability to help through strategic partnerships and by maximizing the value of every dollar spent.

Dan (right) with the homeowners, Sounders players,

and co-project manager, Tony (left)


Welcome, Dan!!

Volunteer of the Month: Pat Cabe

Pat has been volunteering with Rebuilding Together Seattle since 2004. Each year, Pat acts as Project Manager for Krekow Jennings' Spring Rebuilding Day project. Pat is also a member of the RTS Site Preview Team that evaluates the repairs at homes during the application process. Recently, Pat has also expressed interest in joining the Year-Round Program Team to assist with smaller repairs at homes throughout the year! Pat has truly become a much relied on asset to the staff and an integral part of the RTS family! Thank you for your support and dedication, Pat!!

Pat, working hard during Spring Rebuilding Day 2010!

Thank you for your continued support of RTS!

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

I chose to get involved due to the RTS mission (warmth, safety, security) and the fact RTS has been able to help so many people. As a whole It is also amazing to see what can be accomplished by a group of volunteers in a one day project. Working in construction, RTS is a perfect outlet for volunteering.

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

Above all I enjoy the fact that in a one day timeframe we make a real difference in someone's life. The camaraderie and sense of accomplishment shared by the volunteers and home owner during a rebuild day is invaluable.

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

It's interesting how often you hear about RTS and how many people have become involved. Whether it be volunteers, corporate donors or friends, I get a lot of questions as to when or what the next project will be. A lot of people may join a project as a first time volunteer, but they quickly get hooked and want to sign up for more.

4. Why do they want to volunteer their time?

Our groups volunteer their time because they believe in helping the homeowner. Volunteers are drawn to RTS because the Rebuild Day tasks vary from very complicated and technical to more simplified work that anyone can take on. Though it is a lot of work on the rebuild day, it is also a lot of fun.

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

In a lot of ways the group of people we help are overlooked or neglected by those that are in a position to lend a hand. Oftentimes RTS is the only place people can turn to for the specialized services we provide. Whether the need is due to a disability, age, or economics, RTS steps up and provides the resources necessary to complete the job.

RTS Energizer: Curtis Brown, Intellectual Ventures

Karen Fuller, Project Leader for the Intellectual Ventures project on Spring Rebuilding Day, elected Curtis Brown to be their RTS Energizer!

 

“The whole team at Intellectual Ventures did an awesome job," Karen said.  "This year we elected Curtis Brown as our team Energizer.  This was his first year helping with RTS, and he worked nonstop, making a big difference for our project.  He showed up with his wife Mary at 7:30am with a truck full of equipment that could be used for all different types of projects.  He was one of the first to arrive, and was one of the last to leave, around 7:30pm.  Curtis is a Contractor by trade and was able to help out wherever needed.  His attitude and willingness to make a difference in any capacity, was much appreciated.  At the end of the day, I think he probably had energy to take on another project if we had one for him!”

Excellent work, Curtis!

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

Meet the 2011-2012 YPS Executive Team! (Cody & Celeste)

Rebuilding Together Seattle is proud to announce the 2011-2012 Young Professionals Society (YPS) Executive Team: Cody Moore and Celeste Reilly!

INTRODUCING CODY MOORE (President)

Rebuilding Together veteran, Cody Moore served for two years as Program Director for Rebuilding Together Spokane, helping the affiliate achieve instrumental growth in projects completed, development efforts, volunteer commitment, and project values. He now works in Seattle in Public Relations and food safety advocacy for Marler Clark, the nation’s foremost law firm dedicated to representing victims of serious foodborne illness.

A product of the Palouse, Cody is a proud Pullman High School and Washington State University alumnus and is engaged to Laura Bagby, a fellow WSU graduate. They live in Woodinville with their two dogs, Manny and Gary. Gary is also from Pullman.

Cody believes Rebuilding Together is unique in that it brings immediate, tangible and positive change to both those in need and the community members who choose to get involved. He hopes to work hard to lead YPS in leaving an indelible mark on the homeowners it assists, as well as its members and the community at large.

Say hello to Cody! Email: moore.codyr@gmail.com

INTRODUCING CELESTE REILLY (Vice President)

Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Celeste recently moved back to the Pacific Northwest after nine plus years of living in Southern California. Celeste is an alumna of Holy Names Academy. She also is an alumna of the University of Southern California with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Minor in French.

Celeste developed her passion for community service in high school and college. She is now a member of the nationally recognized Alpha Phi Omega (Community Service Co-Ed Fraternity) and has helped organize USC’s annual “Spirits in Action” (an alternative to the Special Olympics). She is excited to volunteer in the community and get back in touch with young professionals in the greater Seattle area.

Celeste currently works at Starbucks Coffee Company as the Sr. Legal Administrative Assistant for the Corporate & Securities Division of Law & Corporate Affairs. Among other things, this position allows her to pursue her interest in the law and keep a steady supply of coffee on hand.

Outside of work, you’ll find Celeste walking around Greenlake or going on hikes in the nearby mountains with friends and family. She just walked from Ballard to Richmond Beach and is excited to ride her new bike around the city. She is also a yoga and volleyball enthusiast. Please reach out to her if you are too!

Celeste’s hopes for YPS: “My hopes are that we (as group) 1. nurture a strong connection with more young professionals who are enthusiastic about RTS’ mission of giving back to the community, and 2. create a sustainable and recognized group to empower more young professionals in the surrounding area and have a great environment to network.”

Say hello to Celeste! Email: celeste.reilly@gmail.com

RTS Energizer: Sean Wells MD, Eric Kormondy Construction

Project leader for the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati team, Eric Kormondy, chose Sean Wells as their site's RTS Energizer.

"It is very difficult to single anyone out. This year we had so many wonderful folks give up their time," Eric said.  "Our energizer this year is Sean Wells MD. This was his first year and he was a great self-starter. He jumped in wherever needed and did not wait to get reassigned when one project was done. I would see him up on the roof with a paint brush, and once the house was painted he was back down working again."

Excellent work, Sean!

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

RTS Energizer: Mike McGee, The CWD Group

Project leaders for The CWD Group, Sarah Anderson and Ryan Abeo, chose Mike McGee as their site's RTS Energizer.
"In our first year, there were many valuable lessons learned in the planning and development, including how to scramble and be flexible in the midst of the multiple projects coordinated that day," Sarah said.  "Mike McGee was willing to do anything to support the success of our team. From the planning stages, Mike inserted himself in the project by providing insight and extra hands to the project managers. As the project day neared, Mike took it upon himself to take a day off of work to pick up all the necessary supplies for the day. He also graciously volunteered to be the runner, and despite our incessant phone calls and never ending new supply lists, he arrived on site with a smile on his face and a peaceful attitude, which set everyone at ease. We are all grateful for Mike's diligence, flexibility, cooperation, and support."

Excellent work, Mike!

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

RTS Energizer: Kelly Graves, CoHo Team of Windermere with Copiers Northwest

Project leaders for the CoHo Team of Windermere with Copiers Northwest, Peter Wolf, Doug Wilson, and Tonya Hennen, chose Kelly Graves as their site's RTS Energizer.

"We are happy to award our project's energizer award to Kelly Graves, instructor at Iron Workers Local 86," Peter said.

Kelly(Left) and Charlie

"Kelly had the perfect combination of joy, kindness, energy and muscle to get any job done efficiently and well. He was a pleasure to all who came in contact with him and his willingness to do any job. Kelly's awesome skills and attitude lifted others up! His infectious good humor brought a sense of fun and ease to all jobs. We hope he and his mates from local 86 will join us on future projects!"

Excellent work, Kelly!

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

RTS Energizer: Patrick del Valle, RTS Youth Board

Project leader for the RTS Youth Board, Jenny Huston, chose Patrick del Valle as one of their site's RTS Energizers.

"Patrick has been a committed RTS Youth Board member for two years, and currently serves as Youth Board President," Jenny said.  "Patrick has shown leadership throughout all of our projects, and Rebuilding Day was no exception. Patrick was one of the first people to arrive at the project site and one of the last to leave. He was willing to help out wherever he was needed, and did so with a cheerful attitude. He proved to be a true leader and we couldn't have done this project without him."

Excellent work, Patrick!

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