SAR Volunteers Rebuild Together

Early this past Saturday morning, a usually quiet Colonial Heights neighborhood was alive with sounds of pounding hammers, buzzing skillsaws and the excited chatter of people. These were people who, under the guidance of their own hearts, had made the decision that they would volunteer this beautiful April morning. To dedicate one’s time, energy and skills with no pay requires a kind heart and the desire to help. There were definitely some very giving people working on this day.

The non-profit organization Rebuilding Together Sacramento was in charge of this effort. Through an application process, the organization selected 13 homes in the neighborhood, this particular one belonging to an elderly lady named Shirley who lived alone in her aging house. Unbeknownst to Shirley, some neighbors filled out an application for her home to be selected as one of the homes for this Rebuilding Day. Early in the year, Rebuilding Together started working its magic, securing donations from companies who were willing to contribute funds and also provide volunteers. The Sacramento Association of REALTORS^® has contributed at a Community Sponsor level for the past couple of years at both Spring and Fall Rebuilding Days. It is through charitable acts like this that the Association was ranked 14th in the SacBizJournal’s “Corporate Philanthropy – Direct Giving” list (shown in an earlier post on this blog).

On this particular Saturday, the Sacramento Association of REALTORS^® was represented by nearly 30 of its Members (along with some spouses and family members) . With skills ranging from novice to professional, SAR’s volunteers were paired-up with Reeve-Knight Construction, a hard-working and talented company with hearts as big as the projects they build. Company President Joe Knight patiently and enthusiastically acted as the site build site contractor, explaining the work that needed to be done and guiding SAR volunteers as needed. 

SAR volunteers wasted no time getting down to business, grabbing brooms, paint-scrapers, paintbrushes and ladders. Some skilled SAR volunteers even brought their own gear: toolbelts, tool-boxes and even a nailgun and compressor! The hard work did pay off: volunteers who stuck around were rewarded with a BBQ brisket lunch, complete with buns, pototo salad, baked beans and a variety of refreshing beverages (but no beer). Throughout the day, volunteers came and went, some opting for morning shifts over the hotter afternoon shifts while a few die-hards stuck it out all day! When all was done, Shirley’s home had been completely painted, both inside and out, had new windows installed, all the porches and patios were cleaned, sanded and painted and all debris was hauled away! New trim was cut, painted and installed, a beautiful new front door was painted and installed and Reeve-Knight installed a brand new bathtub/shower unit. At the end of a long day, both the newly-rennovated home and Shirley beamed with a new light. Volunteers, although weary, put forth an effort that could be proud of. Throughout the day there was some sweat, plenty of smiles and, as far as I know, no stitches. Just another SAR volunteer effort at a Rebuilding Day.

Thanks to all of our volunteers: Erin Attardi, Kele Barragan, Greg Boudreau, Bobby Campbell, Eric Cormick, Allison Couchman, Kelli Foley, Jeff Frazier, Gene Kelly, Mahnaz Khazari, Scotty Kucala, Bill McKnight, Jennifer Merica, Jennifer Miller, Diana and Peter Perparos, Randy Randazzo, Kathy Russell, Judy Schoer, Charlene Singley, Rose Stinson, Kellie Swayne, Paula Swayne, Dave Tanner, Dave Villalba, Alan Wagner, Stephen T. Webb and Izzy Y-Devine and her fiance Jeff DeLancey. If we missed anyone, we apologize profusely! We like to acknowledge everybody who volunteers for SAR, but sometimes have a hard time keeping track of everybody! Please contact Tony @ 916-437-1205 or tvicari@sacrealtor.org if your name was not mentioned here. We can fix that! 

We’ll see you again in October – check you SAR emails for more information! Thanks again for your help! Oh and don’t forget to check out what Paula Swayne had to say on her blog!

*These photos were taken earlier in the morning. Unfortunately, we were unable to get photos of each of our beautiful volunteers (though we wanted to!). We are contacting Rebuilding Together for additional photos to add to this blog. Thanks for your understanding!