On July 19, 2019, beneath the sweltering sun of a July heatwave, a team of twenty REALTOR® and Affiliate members of the Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) joined forces with Rebuilding Together Long Island (RTLI) and LIBOR’s Huntington Township Chapter for a day of volunteerism, consisting of a kitchen demolition and yard clean-up.
This was the first step in a collaborative effort by all, to completely renovate the deteriorated kitchen of Kevin Reilly, a Vietnam veteran residing in Huntington.
Rebuilding Together Long Island, an organization dedicated to restoring the homes and lives of economically disadvantaged homeowners, contacted our association in March asking for assistance on this project after it was evident that the repairs that were needed far exceeded the funds and scope of services that they could provide.
“When RTLI called asking for much-needed help on the home of a veteran, I knew that LIBOR was more than up to the task. Mr. Reilly has given so much to our country, he deserves the simple pleasure of enjoying a cup of coffee in a functioning kitchen. With the hard work of everyone involved today, and in the weeks to come, I am proud to say that this will be a reality by summer’s end.” said LIBOR President Elect Matthew Arnold, who spearheaded this project.
Arnold enlisted the help of LIBOR’s local Huntington Township Chapter to raise funds and awareness throughout their tight-knit community. With the assiduous efforts of the Chapter, led by President Frank Sparacino and Past President Laurell Frein, $12,000 has been raised to date, and numerous supplies and services of local plumbers, contractors and electricians have been donated in kind.
“We were approached by RTLI and our President Elect and we embraced the opportunity to help. Our Chapter and all of its members have been extremely gracious with their time and donations over the past five months at multiple events that we held to raise money to hire professionals, as well as bring in equipment and supplies that we need to finish the project. We are very grateful to everyone for donating their time to help this kind gentleman have a home that he can be proud of.” said Sparacino.
A $1,000 grant was also donated to the cause by the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR), as part of their REALTOR® Care Week, a week long initiative that encouraged local associations across New York State to coordinate home-repair related projects for those in need in their communities. NYSAR President and LIBOR Past President Moses Seuram, the brainchild of this initiative, was on-hand for the Huntington volunteer day.
“As REALTORS® we have a passion to help others, so it is only natural that we volunteer and give back to our community. This day is all about getting people together to work for a greater cause.” said Seuram.
Earlier this year LIBOR made a $3,000 donation to RTLI earmarked specifically for this project. LIBOR is proud to continue our fifteen-year partnership with RTLI, and to work alongside them as they transform the lives of LI veteran (and economically disadvantaged) homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes and revitalizing their communities.
“This has been a dream of mine to help this veteran get a new kitchen, and we could not have done it without the hard work of everyone at LIBOR, who was at the ready from the beginning to help raise funds and lend a helping hand.” said RTLI President Stella Hendrickson.
This sponsorship was made through the Long Island Board of REALTORS® “We’re More Than REALTORS®” (WMTR) campaign, which sheds light on the REALTOR® efforts in our community, in addition to helping local residents buy and sell homes. Each year, through the WMTR initiative, LIBOR members dedicate their time and energy to support numerous programs and charitable organizations in need; helping to make Long Island a better place to live.