2020 Volunteer Appreciation Awards
In 2020, on-site volunteers bravely followed new safety protocols. Our Board and Advisory Councils provided wisdom and encouragement as Rebuild Upstate navigated difficult choices. Administrative volunteers were vital to implementing our new application process. Homeowners showed hospitality in creative ways. Donors and funding partners challenged themselves to meet a growing need. Rebuild Upstate is proud to recognize the following individuals and teams for their unique contributions to Rebuild Upstate in 2020.
Nuts & Bolts Supporters
The following organizations provided both volunteer and donor support in 2020, ensuring resources for each homeowner are plentiful.
Bethesda United Methodist Church · Ebenezer United Methodist Church · Fellowship Greenville · ScanSource · St. John’s United Methodist Church · St. Matthew United Methodist 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.
30 Hours | Stan Widener · Bob Hannah · Dennis White · Chris Harpe · Chip Reaves · Jessica Meggs
50 Hours | Doug Greenwell · Graham Proffitt · Bob Dastou
100 Hours | Jay Valachovic · Tom Lappin · Tom Caudill · Mike Mathers · Forest Britt
150 + Hours | Walt Laiewski · Ken Sargent · Stacy Sargent · Paul Wodecki · Steve Hamel · Doug Stephens
President’s Award | Nick Kulick
The President’s Award is awarded to an individual person or entity whose contributions are pivotal and vital to the success of the organization. Nick Kulick was the first full-time staff member at Rebuild Upstate and leads the entire team with his passion for our mission. In his time as Operations Director, Nick has grown the home repair program and leadership volunteer program exponentially. For his time, dedication, and leadership, Rebuild Upstate is pleased to present the 2020 President’s Award to Nick Kulick.
Home Repair Champion | South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments
This year’s Home Repair Champion award is presented to a team whose significant financial contributions continue to impact affordable housing in the upstate. It is our privilege to present this award to the South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments. As advocates for older adults aging in place in our community, our friends at SCACOG actively share our vision for safer, healthier, and more livable homes for Upstate families.
Young Professional of the Year | Rob Vereen
The 2020 Young Professional of the Year award is awarded to Rob Vereen of Pinnacle Financial Partners. Through his service on-site and as an active member of the Rebuild Upstate Greenville Advisory Council, Rob sets the standard for all young professional volunteers in the Upstate.
Volunteer of the Year | Golden Hammer | Steve Hamel
Steve Hamel volunteered over 250 hours in 2020 alone. Several days a week, Steve gives of his time through inventorying our supplies and directly repairing homes across the Upstate. He is an encouragement to our staff and opens our eyes to new ways of thinking about our processes. We are proud (and thankful) to honor Steve Hamel and his accomplishments as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year (Golden Hammer).
Congratulations to all 2020 award recipients. It’s our privilege to work together!
2020 was a unique year. Based on multiple challenges, not all who had an interest in serving with Rebuild Upstate were able to serve. Thank you to all teams and individuals who sought a way to care for their neighbors and patiently wait until the time is right. We appreciate you.