2019 Volunteer Appreciation Awards
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Rebuild Upstate. Because volunteers served, the aging and differently-abled can walk across their floor without fear of falling. Because volunteers sacrificed, the low-income see reduced utility costs. Because volunteers listened, isolated homeowners know they are not alone.
Rebuild Upstate is proud to recognize the following individuals and teams for their significant and impactful service in 2019.
Cornerstone Award
Since the beginning, volunteer groups have been key to our ability to make life-changing differences in the lives of the families we serve. While every group is important, some go above and beyond by serving at least four times per year – improving the lives of multiple upstate families.
Athletes Volunteer for Life · Advent UMC · Christ Church Episcopal · Clemson University · Fellowship Greenville · General Electric · Piedmont Salkehatchie · St. John’s United Methodist Church · St. Matthew United Methodist Church · St. Paul’s Anglican · White Horse Academy · Youth Volunteer Corps of Anderson County
Nuts & Bolts Supporters
The following faith, professional, and government organizations have one thing in common. These teams provided both volunteer and donor support in 2019, ensuring resources for each homeowner are plentiful.
BB&T · Bethesda UMC · Brasfield & Gorrie · Charter Communications · City of Greenville Community Development · Countybank · Engenius · Fellowship Greenville · General Electric · Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS® · Keller Williams Realty · Piedmont Salkehatchie · St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church · St. John’s United Methodist Church · St. Matthew United Methodist Church · TD Bank · Trinity Lutheran Church · United Way of Anderson County
Home Repair Warriors
Home Repair Warriors bring our mission to life. These volunteers may serve in the office, on-site, or as an advocate in the community. Wherever they are, their personal contributions make a deep impact on the entire upstate community.
50 Hours | Jessica Meggs · Bob Dastou · Dennis White · Graham Proffitt · Stephan Hamel
100 Hours | Sheri Harms-Marcedes · Gina Dill · Stacy Sargent · Tom Lappin
200 Hours | Tom Caudill · Michael Mathers · Walt Laiwski · Ken Sargent · Paul Wodecki
President’s Award | Dr. Gary Powell
The President’s Award is awarded to an individual person or entity whose contributions are pivotal and vital to the success of the organization. Dr. Powell was one of the first five board members of the organization and helped guide us through our infancy. He and his wife were proud early supporters of Rebuild Upstate, both volunteering on many projects and contributing to our mission. Rebuild Upstate is pleased to present the 2019 President’s Award to Dr. Gary Powell.
Home Repair Champion | Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®
This year’s Home Repair Champion award is presented to a team whose significant financial contribution impacted affordable housing in the upstate. It is our privilege to present this award to the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®, friends who actively share our vision for sustainable communities through owner-occupied home preservation.
Young Professional of the Year | Preston Oglesby
The Inaugural Young Professional of the Year award is awarded to Preston Oglesby of Brasfield & Gorrie. Through his service on-site and as an active member of the Rebuild Upstate Greenville Advisory Council, Preston sets the standard for all young professional volunteers in the upstate.
Foundational Supporters | Burgess Metcalf & Nicole Kulick
A Foundational Supporter is an individual whose support keeps us strong overtime. Both Burgess Metcalf and Nicole Kulikc have contributed to Rebuild Upstate in ways unique to their individual talents. Together, they have significantly advanced our mission to make homes safer, healthier, and more livable. Rebuild Upstate is pleased to award this honor to our friends Burgess Metcalf and Nicole Kulick.
Volunteer of the Year | Golden Hammer | Paul Wodecki
Paul serves as a Site Leader and Handyman Club member. This incredible volunteer served multiple days a week for nine months in 2019 alone. During this time, Paul has helped our staff build better inventory processes. Paul is gracious, humble, and smart. Among the staff and other volunteers, he is known as a jokester and always gets along with those he is working with. It is our honor to celebrate Paul Wodecki and his accomplishments as the 2019 Volunteer of the Year (Golden Hammer).
Volunteer of the Year | Golden Megaphone | Lura Godfrey
Lura is a faithful advocate for low-income homeowners in the upstate. In 2019, Lura provided overwhelming support during our annual campaign and at tabling events. She is one of the first to champion our mission and invites the entire community to take part. Lura has served as a group coordinator and is a valued member of our Greenville Advisory Council. It is our honor to celebrate Lura and her contributions as the 2019 Volunteer of the Year (Golden Megaphone).
Congratulations to all 2019 recipients. We couldn’t do it without you.