Thank you, Beer and Wine Tasting Volunteers!

RTS sends a BIG THANKS to our incredible volunteers who helped make our Beer and Wine Tasting fundraiser possible!

A special thanks goes to Dean Backholm and Tony Ventrella for donating their time and talents to our event. RTS also thanks our Development Committee members for their help planning for our event!

Mary Herche
Pam Madden
Kyle Weeks
Charlie Foushee

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Abbott Rebuilding Day, TODAY!

Employees from Abbott Construction are hard at work today in South Seattle at the home of a disabled veteran.  The crew will be replacing a back deck, downing a tree, replacing a toilet, installing grab bars and handrails, fixing concrete steps, electrical, plumbing, and more!!  WOW!   

The dangerous steps to be fixed- first, remove the tree, then remove the root, 

finally lift and straighten steps!

The dilapidated back deck that will be replaced!

Addressing the tree problem

Mulch!

And down she goes... 

Success!

Project Leader, Ron, cutting up the downed tree

Now, on to the root problem

Mark, trimming up some bushes

Stay tuned for some great after shots!!

Board Member of the Month: Brooke Sullivan

Brooke, at our 2nd Annual Beer & Wine Tasting fundraiser (9-30-11)

RTS is excited to introduce Brooke Sullivan as our Board Member of the Month. "We are very lucky to have Brooke on our Board," said Executive Director, Margie Thirlby. "Brooke brings constant enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a great sense of humor to our Board (take Brooke's Verity Mom Cartwheel for a Cause video entry as one example). Brooke is an asset to our Finance Committee and has helped streamline our financial procedures over the years to create better, efficient systems for our office. She also is a great connector, constantly introducing new volunteers, donors, and businesses to RTS through her personal, academic, and professional networks. Most importantly, Brooke is a joy to be around and always ensures we'll have a good laugh at our Board meetings!"

Brooke with her husband, Matt Sullivan, at our Beer & Wine Tasting

Brooke with former Board President, Val Gorder

Brooke with Co-Project Manager and Board President, Arnie Mondloch, at their Gonzaga Alumni project for Spring Rebuilding Day (4-30-11)

Let's hear from Brooke!

1. How did you first get involved with RTS?
The Gonzaga Alumni Seattle Chapter was just starting and we wanted to do a service project to kick things off. We were assigned to a wonderful woman named Mary. She was 95 years old and lived with her son who had some disabilities which limited their ability to do some major projects around the house. Every time Mary did laundry her washer would empty into a big bucket and she would have to carry it out and dump it in the yard multiple times per load. Our group dug a trench and put in a drain so she did not have to do that. Needless to say, after that project, I was hooked. She was such a gracious woman and still stays in touch with some of our volunteers to this day (over 5 years later.) We continued to do a Spring rebuild Day every year and it has been a very rewarding and successful program for our alumni chapter!

2. What do you enjoy most about being a board member at RTS?
A couple things came to mind when I got this question. Without a doubt, the board and staff are the most passionate and hard working group I have every volunteered with. We also have a lot of fun! (Including recording short videos of cartwheels to try to make money for the organization...) Another aspect I love is the idea of skills based volunteerism. I love the idea that our board is diverse from experience in finance, real estate, volunteering, marketing, construction and so much more. Volunteering by using the skills we have from our day jobs really has shown to grow and improve the organization.

3. What are your hopes for RTS in the years to come?
I can't wait for more and more people to find out about the good work of the organization. I have been so impressed that in this economic environment our organization has continued to grow in fundraising dollars received (which is difficult in a recession!) and in number of homeowners served (which is so vital when so many people are struggling financially).

THANK YOU, BROOKE!

Volunteer of the Month: Angie Ballas

Angie has been involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle for many years.  Last year, when planning for our first annual fundraiser, Angie was instrumental in acquiring awesome auction items for the event.  Not only did she personally solicit donations, she also helped brainstorm great ideas for the auction.  This year, Angie once again went above and beyond in helping procure items for our auction at our second annual Beer & Wine Tasting, where we experienced a 34% increase in donations from last year.

RTS values all types of volunteers, handy or not!  Although our programs often focus on those volunteers who complete the repairs at homes and are often in the construction field, we also want to acknowledge volunteers who help our organization in other ways.  We rely heavily on the help of all of our volunteers!!

Thank you, Angie!

Angie, at our inaugural Beer & Wine Tasting event in 2010

Beer & Wine Tasting second annual event

1. How did you get involved with RTS?My husband Gary (who serves on the RTS Board of Directors) has been very involved for many years, leading rebuild projects a couple times each year.  Last year and this year I offered to help procure auction items for the RTS Beer and Wine Tasting Auction which will ultimately help raise money to allow these projects to continue. It's refreshing to see, especially in this economy, how many businesses are willing to help by donating a product or service to the RTS auction.
2. What do you enjoy most about working with our organization?There's an opportunity for people of all skill sets to contribute to the cause and make a positive impact on the lives of people in need.  So, even if you're not handy with a saw, you can pitch in with RTS in a variety of other ways (such as fundraising).

3. What do other volunteers say about RTS?The recurring theme I hear time and time again from people who have volunteered, is that they love to see immediate results for their efforts. It's very tangible for them.  At the end of one day, a home has been repaired and a homeowner is happy and grateful for the time and efforts of the volunteers.  It's very common for new project volunteers to say "be sure to ask us again next time."
4. Why do they want to volunteer their time?I think everyone can relate to a homeowner in need. Most anyone would pitch in to help a neighbor, so helping someone who is in dire need takes it to another level. 
5. What about RTS' mission are you most drawn to?It's local people helping local people.

Thank you, Umpqua Bank & Volunteers!

RTS sends a BIG thanks to Umpqua Bank and volunteers for your help at our 2nd Annual Beer and Wine Tasting fundraiser. Thank you for your registration and quick check expertise, and for your volunteer support before and after our event. A special thanks goes to Cassie Braatz, for all of your efforts!

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
Cassie Braatz
Gabe Castillo
Jo Figurelli
Cydney Churchill
Kat Moon

LEARN ABOUT UMPQUA BANK! www.umpquabank.com

Thank you, Seasoned in Seattle Catering!

RTS sends a BIG thanks to Seasoned in Seattle Catering for their incredible food and service on Friday evening. Our guests raved about the food, and we were thrilled to partner with your business! A special thanks goes to Seasoned in Seattle's Event & Wedding Planner, Andy Celli, for all of your efforts leading up to the event.

GET IN TOUCH WITH SEASONED IN SEATTLE!
Andy@SeasonedinSeattle.com
206 723 5596

RTS supporters raise over $62,000 for homeowners in need

On Friday, September 30, over 230 guests gathered at the REI Flagship Store in Seattle to celebrate the mission of Rebuilding Together Seattle. With the support of event sponsors, donors, and attendees, Rebuilding Together Seattle raised over $62,000 at the 2nd Annual Beer and Wine Tasting, a 34% increase from the previous year's inaugural event.

Highlights included Program Recipient Speakers, Alice and Debra, Volunteer Speaker, Lisa Miner (Perkins Coie LLP), Volunteer of the Year recipient, John Hanks, Music from Award winning singer & songwriter, Dean Backholm, and EmCee, Tony Ventrella.

RTS sends a BIG THANKS to our Underwriting Sponsor, Infiniti of Kirkland, for making our event possible. Thank you for your continued partnership, and for your sponsorship participation at the Beer & Wine Tasting two years in a row!

...

Stay tuned for a series of event highlights this week on the RTS Blog, including videos, photos, and more!