The United Way staff and volunteers, along with Shinefest organizers, Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority staff and Habitat for Humanity volunteers would like to extend much gratitude for everyone involved in this year’s Rocking the Block effort.

Together, we served four families in the Freeborn County area during the week of Aug. 10-17. There were more than 170 volunteers who stepped up to help out during the week of service and 48 businesses, churches and service clubs were involved, either providing in-kind donations or volunteers.

We would like to especially thank ITC Midwest and Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea as well as 35 businesses who purchased disc golf hole sponsorships for financially supporting the project this year, as well as Ace Hardware, Albert Lea Seed House, Christianson Plumbing & Heating, city of Albert Lea, Freeborn Lumber Co., The Home Depot, Richard’s Wood Products, Thompson Sanitation and Valspar for the in-kind donations of materials. Thank you, also, to Alliant Energy for providing programmable thermostats and energy-efficient light bulbs for the homeowners and the Salvation Army and Domino’s Pizza for providing snacks and beverages for volunteers.

We would also like to recognize the phenomenal job our project managers did this year! Without their knowledge and flexibility, we would have been unable to successfully complete the rehab projects. Thank you to Phil Wacholz, Travis Quam, Wayne Applegate and Mike Nelson, Chuck Avery, Tom Egan and Dick Burroughs and a special thank you to Ryan Applegate and Jim Troe for making sure everything went smoothly. Thank you to Erwin Hill for helping coordinate some special projects and bringing a little sunshine (and doughnuts) to volunteers at each site and Clare Zimmerman, Kristine Irvine and her children for bringing sandwiches.

A final thank you to our media partners, the Albert Lea Tribune and KIMT-TV for fantastic coverage of the event this year!

Each year, we’ve been excited to engage new partners and volunteers and ultimately build a stronger community through connecting people in meaningful work.

We look forward to working with all of you next year! For updates, please visit the United Way website: www.unitedwayfc.org. Also “Like” us on Facebook to view a photo album this year and hear updates on local activities/events.

Thank you for living united!

 

Ann Austin

Albert Lea