Alumni give back for RED Day Initiative
Thousands of Up with People alumni around the world dedicate volunteer hours, expertise and financial resources to communities and individuals in need on a local, national and international level.
Recently, Up with People encouraged alumni across US and Canada to join forces with associates of Keller Williams Realty to participate in the second annual RED Day event on May 13. RED Day a nationwide service initiative impacting communities on a local level. Keller Williams (KW) reported an excellent turnout overall and Up with People was thrilled to hear from several alumni about their involvement. In this article, we share with you two stories from Florida and Ohio.
Krista Anderson (D’93), pictured here, joined forces with local KW associates to perform a true “extreme makeover” at Central Florida Children’s Home making life a little better for the kids that make this place their home. The volunteer turnout was such that the work was completed several hours early leaving time for a BBQ to celebrate the day’s efforts with staff and residents.
Reporting on her experience, Krista reflected on her role as an UWP alumna saying she was thankful for the “opportunities to keep doing what is so important to all of us and continue making a difference even though we're not ‘on the road’ anymore.”
She also felt this opportunity introduced her to individuals and organizations in her community which share the value of giving back. “Those are the folks I want to do business with!”
That same day, thousands of miles from Florida, Terry Schade (E’83, staff ’84-‘88) volunteered alongside KW associates and others near Cleveland, Ohio to assist a local elderly woman with home modifications required to be in compliance with local codes.
The work required was extensive, including removal of nearly 20 years of undergrowth and overgrowth, cutting down trees, hauling brush and removal of a shed and other items which had deteriorated over time. Terry knows they made a positive impact on this local woman in need. “(She) was initially dismissive of the offer, but by noon (she) was out in the yard helping us and thanking each of us personally.”
Rain kept Terry’s group from finishing on the 13th, but his dedication and that of the other volunteers was evident when they returned a week later to paint the exterior and finish the work they had begun.
Terry ssaid, “I can’t even begin to tell you how good it felt to meet so many new friends and really make a difference; the memories (helped) to reinforce the many wonderful memories I have of my time in Up with People.”
For Up with People and Keller Williams, involving alumni in the RED Day initiative was just the beginning of a partnership for positive impact. In October, Keller Williams’s agencies will sponsor Cast B 2010 in Washington D.C. where they will participate in the USA Today’s “Make A Difference Day” on October 24. This event will provide opportunities for UWP alumni to get involved as well. More information is coming soon!
Up with People says THANK YOU to Krista, Terry, other RED Day participants, and the thousands more alumni who continue to live the Up with People values in how they give back each and every day.
Barry 6/30
