$30,000 AND COUNTING!
RTTC’s third annual Build-it Breakfast was a resounding success thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and attendees. The breakfast, held on March 21st at the Lacey Community Center, was attended by over 160 people who enjoyed a delicious breakfast, our keynote speaker, and presentations by Rebuilding clients. Thanks to everyone’s support, we achieved our $30,000 goal to fund projects and critical repairs!!
David described how Rebuilding volunteers are removing unwanted items and clutter from his home and property as well as rebuilding his fence and fixing his bathrooms. David hasn’t had a working toilet in his home for years and has relied on the kindness of area businesses for bathroom facilities. He hasn’t felt comfortable having people in his home, because of its condition and he’s been depressed. His neighbors haven’t been very “neighborly” towards him, because of the property’s appearance. He’s very much looking forward to being a good neighbor, having friends over to visit, and to using his own bathrooms. Since the breakfast, David’s two toilets have been repaired and are in working order. A 20 cubic yard dumpster has been filled with unwanted/unneeded items and old fence material. He can now safely access every room in his home. On Rebuilding Day, his fence will be rebuilt, his landscape cleaned up, and floor covering replaced.
Autumn’s numerous health problems have made her unsteady on her feet. Cancer and numerous back injuries cause her to use a walker for mobility and the old stairs leading to her home were in poor condition and the hand railing even worse. Catholic Community Services referred her to RTTC and the enthusiastic volunteers from First United Methodist Church completely rebuilt her steps and landing (front and back). Autumn and her 16 year old son can now safely access their home.
Steve Pace our keynote speaker and chaplain for the Olympia Police Department and pastor of Rock Covenant Church, talked about the critical need for RTTC’s services. As a chaplain, he visits many homeowners in crisis and sees their poor living conditions. Volunteers from Rock Covenant painted a house and rebuilt a fence and deck for an RTTC client last year.
Thanks again to everyone who helped organize the breakfast and to those who generously donated and sponsored the event including: Olympia Federal Savings Bank, Versoria, SCJ Alliance, Olympic Rental and Landlord Services, Panowicz Jewelers, Jerry Farmer (our fabulous MC), Hop Jack’s (the manager and several employees assisted with set up and clean up), and many more. Our website has a complete list of our breakfast sponsors.
RTTC RECOGNIZED BY THE CITY OF LACEY
The Lacey City Council awarded its “Compassion is Contagious” Recognition to RTTC on April 12th. Mayor Andy Ryder presented the award to RTTC in recognition of our dedicated efforts to improve the lives of low-income homeowners in our community. We were honored to receive the award along with the Lacey Sunrise Lion’s Club.
REBUILDING DAY
Rebuilding Day is just around the corner! On May 5th, over 100 volunteers will be rebuilding fences, replacing siding, installing new floor covering, painting and more. While we have enough volunteers for May 5th, we are always looking for volunteers throughout the year for handyman work, critical repairs (furnaces, hot water tanks, wheelchair ramps, plumbing issues), office help, and more. If you are interested in volunteering, please call our office at 360-539-7830.
This year we have volunteers from SCJ Alliance, Columbia Bank, First United Methodist Church, Armed Forces Credit Union, John Erwin Construction, Marshalls, Tile by Soule, and more. Some of our dedicated volunteers from First United Methodist church even delayed leaving for a missionary trip to Guatemala in order to help on Rebuilding Day.
2018 TOOLBOX HERO
Olympia Federal Savings Bank is the winner of RTTC’s Toolbox Hero Award in recognition of its long time financial and volunteer support of our organization. Alan Jasperson, Vice President of the Board, presented the award to Sandy DiBernardo, Vice President/Director of Marketing for Oly Fed at the Build-It Breakfast. Sandy graciously accepted the award on behalf of the bank. Oly Fed is an enthusiastic supporter and contributor for RTTC and many other vital non-profit organizations in the community. Thank you Oly Fed for your continued support for RTTC!
