For immediate release
Asheville, NC (February 17, 2014) – Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity recognized its “core” Construction Services volunteers with a breakfast event at Warren Wilson College Monday morning. Core volunteers are those who help Habitat build and repair homes on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
In 2013, 95 core construction volunteers collectively contributed more than 15,000 hours of service to Asheville Area Habitat! And to put that in perspective, of all the volunteer hours contributed on Habitat construction sites last year (1,700 people/ 30,000 hours), 50 percent of those hours were completed by just 95 individuals – the “core” volunteers!
Among this core group, there were 10 who individually contributed more than 280 hours and one who topped the scale at more than 700 hours! Habitat congratulated and thanked:
“Top Ten Hours” volunteers : Dick Allen, 705; CJ Obara, 556; Jerry Ray, 446; Ken Clark, 443; Bob Laveck, 414; Bob Swartz, 341; Ross Akin, 317; Kevin Cox, 312; Tom Houser, 285; and Paul Finegan, 281.
Habitat also recognized those who hit significant longevity milestones. The honorees were:
10 Year Award – Ken Clark, Mike Lang, Len Lorensen and John Steigerwald
20 Year Award – Paul Finegan
“In his 20 years of service, Paul has logged more than 6,500 hours of volunteer service with our affiliate! He has pounded more nails and installed more siding than we can count, and probably eaten more than 1,000 donuts on the jobsite since 1993! But the most important measurement of all is human lives. In the past 20 years, Paul has helped build more than 230 homes for 230 Buncombe County families. Those families’ lives have been forever changed thanks to Paul and all of our volunteers,” noted Lew Kraus, Executive Director.
In addition to Construction volunteers, Habitat utilizes volunteers in the ReStore and administrative office. These volunteers are recognized in separate appreciate events. Collectively and across the entire organization, more than 2,100 volunteers contribute more than 60,000 hours to AAHH last year!
About Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has welcomed 255 Buncombe County families to safe, decent and affordable houses since 1983. Habitat homes, which are Green Built North Carolina certified, are sold at no-profit to partner families, who pay back a no-interest loan. The non-profit also offers a home repair program for low-income homeowners. Asheville Area Habitat is proud to be a Charity Navigator 4-star rated non-profit. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat by visiting ashevillehabitat.org.
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