Update! The home is complete and we got to witness it be given away on June 25, 2019! You can check out the Ultimate Feel-Good Story: Giving an LI Veteran a Home, and a more complete list of Many Many Thanks…
Our guest blogger this month is Rosemarie Kluepfel of the Fairway Foundation, who reflects on their efforts to serve Long Island Veterans though their “Purple Heat” campaign. A main project is a house that they are renovating and donating to a purple heart recipient. They are exceptionally grateful to the army of volunteers who have come together to make this happen.
While the project is coming into it’s final stretch. THEY STILL REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS WILLING TO HELP!!! This includes contractors to help with bathrooms, plumbers to do rough in and hook ups, and an electrician to wire up new kitchen lighting. Know anyone who might help? Please advise*. Thanks!
Four years ago, a handful of Fairway Foundation Long Island volunteers wanted to follow the lead of some of their other branches to help local veterans. The project, now nearing completion, was to give a local Long Island veteran that had served post 9/11, had been honorably discharged, and was a Purple Heart recipient a mortgage free home. After all, Long Island has one of the highest populations of veterans in the country. Why not help our local veterans first?
What those volunteers had not envisioned were the hurdles and setbacks that they would need to overcome in order to see the project through. Broken promises, title encumbrances and other unforeseen obstacles led to some disappointment. However, the kindness of others, the generosity of the community, and the friendships and bonds forged made the experience incredibly uplifting. It was a reminder that the strength of one’s character is not tested on a calm day, but in the gusts of the winds.
With the funds raised over those 4 years through their Purple Heart campaign, a house was purchased. Today, renovations are well underway led by the Interior Design Society Long Island chapter.
We are exceptionally grateful to those actively participating in the program:
Dee Manicone, D. Manicone Design Assoc.
Lisa Aiello, Rich Designs
Isabel Melo, Isabel Interiors
Peggy Guerin, Designs by Peggy
Ruth Seidenberg, Ruth S. Interiors
Mary Nolte, Mary Nolte Designs
Dafna Adler, Interiors by Dafna Adler
Sandra Asdourian, Sandra Asdourian Interiors
Dean Camastro, Hansgrohe
Joe Calise, Sights n Sounds
Donations of Products or Services thus far:
Hansgrohe, all plumbing fixtures
Coastal Cabinets, kitchen cabinets
Plessers Appliances, kitchen appliances
Merri Interiors, bathroom vanities
Kravet fabrics, fabrics for all rooms
Eclectic Window Fashions – window treatments
ProSource – flooring for kitchen and mud room
Harry Katz carpet – carpet and tile
Cancos tile – tile for bathrooms
Peykar rugs – area rugs
Wendy Interiors – blinds
Sights n Sounds – security system
The Robert Allen Duralee group – sofa, cocktail table, ottoman
East End Interiors – dining room table
Symmetry Closets – closet systems
Van Wyck Hardware – drapery hardware
Debbie Viola – artwork
L.I Photo Gallery – artwork
Elements Lighting – lamps, tables, chairs
Sherwin Williams Paints – all paint
Cambria Stone – countertops
Hampton Appliance – TV
All County Millwork – bedroom dresser and night stands
Farmingville Masonry Supply – masonry for front entry
Corporate Transport – transport services
Riverhead Building Supply – sheetrock
Kolson Hardware – decorative hardware for kitchen
OMG Shower Doors — shower doors
Labor donations:
Sean – rough in plumbing
Pic Painting – all interior painting work
John Probst Contracting – kitchen installation, mud room floor
Dynomite Floors – wood floor refinishing
Straight Line Tile – tile installation
Maggio Environmental Services – carting
PSEG Veteran Employee Resource Group –landscaping
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – project overview
Brian Moraghan PE – house inspection
ZCI Woodworks – transport of cabinets
Anthony J. Mangiaracina, Attorney at Law – legal
Pyramid Title Agency – title services
Eclectic Window Fashions – drapery fabrication
Beyond Windows – drapery fabrication
And many more volunteers
These local merchants, designers, wholesalers, and tradesmen have joined forces to transform the modest 3 bedroom/ 2 bath ranch into a home worthy of its new owner; one who has sacrificed to serve his or her country.
Together, we are offering a profound way of saying, “Welcome Home Soldier, Welcome Home.”
Visit www.VeteransHomeGiveaway.org, email FairwayFoundationNY@gmail.com or call 631-881-5110 for more information on how to apply for the home or to volunteer.
Together We Can Make A Difference in the Life of a Veteran.
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