Ramp-a-thon

The news in the residential construction industry isn’t all bad.  And I don’t just mean the slight rise in home sales (although we will take any improvement we can get).

Although you may imagine contractors to be rough and tough, as far as a group goes, you’ll be hard felt to find bigger hearts.

In spite of the reported crappy economy, this past weekend, 32 teams built 32 ramps for King and Snohomish County area disabled.  The Master Builders Association’s Care Foundation puts on the annual Ramp-a-thon.  This is part of a national event.  Most teams as sponsored by companies.  The team I headed was for the Professional Women in Building Council within the MBA, which I co-chair.

With 3 of the Lakeville Homes team working with 23 other volunteers, we put together a ramp for a Kenmore man who otherwise had no way to get his motorized scooter in and out of his home.

Although this is supposed to be a project that is about helping the recipient, I do truly feel that we the volunteers came away with so much.  A glorious Seattle afternoon, the opportunity to work side-by-side with some new friends and the opportunity to make a difference.  My heart is still warmed by the whole experience.

Here are a few photos from the day.  I don’t know if you can tell in the photos how much fun we were having–but this day is a joyous one in my memory bank.  Lots of laughter with new friends and a little hard work is a good combination in my book.

A before photo

ramp before 

Improving the conditions by replacing a rotting beam first
ramp1

Part of the “stain” teamramp15

The dig teamramp16 

Materials for site beautification. ramp17

Things are taking shape!ramp25

Final touches ramp26

Our ramp recipients first ride down the ramp.  Pride amongst the volunteers!ramp2

A team photo ramp3

The completed project.ramp4

Professional Women in Building…leaving our mark! ramp5

A special thank you to BMC West for donating all of our ramp lumber!  Your generosity in great part made our success possible.

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