Habitat Dutchess and Thrivent Builds Receive Honor

POUGHKEEPSIE – As part of National Volunteer Week, TEGNA Inc., a national multimedia group, along with the Arby’s Foundation and Points of Light, honored Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County and Thrivent Builds for their dedication to service and leadership in helping improve their community on the national Make A Difference Day.  Habitat Dutchess received a $10,000 grant, courtesy of the Arby’s Foundation, which will allow them to continue to “make a difference” in our community.

This project was selected from more than 1,200 Make A Difference Day projects nationwide. Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, with generous sponsorship from Thrivent Builds, recruited and organized almost 200 volunteers to help with more than 20 projects on a cold and rainy day this past October. Challenged homeowners in the City of Poughkeepsie and the Village of Wappingers were targeted. According to Maureen Lashlee, Executive Director of Habitat Dutchess, “the weather did not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of the dedicated volunteers. So much was accomplished that day! Not only were 20 homes made safer, communities were brought together and friendships between homeowners and volunteers were made.”

“This collaboration with Habitat Dutchess was an incredible opportunity to take action and help our community thrive” said Steven Jones, Financial Associate with Thrivent Builds.

“Thrivent members were proud of the hands-on difference they made in our community, working side-by-side with volunteers from across Dutchess County and surrounding areas.”

Mayor Rob Rolison of Poughkeepsie and Mayor Matt Alexander of the Village of Wappingers participated in this Make A Difference Day event, praising both the number of volunteers who participated, and their energy on that day. Both mayors expressed gratitude for the lasting difference that was made in their communities.

To celebrate their commitment to service and impact on those in need, Habitat Dutchess was honored with a $10,000 grant on April 27th, from TEGNA and Arby’s. A video of the reactions, as well as information about their project and the impact it had, can be seen here: http://habitatdutchess.org/award

“The volunteers recognized for their Make A Difference Day contributions inspire all of us. They go above and beyond to help their community and bring meaningful change to those who need it,” said Gracia Martore, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Both Make A Difference Day and TEGNA are committed to supporting our communities and empowering those we serve. We congratulate our winners and thank the thousands of volunteers from across the country who continue to make a difference through volunteerism.”

“The Arby’s Foundation was founded to give back to the communities we serve, just like all of these outstanding volunteers did on Make A Difference Day,” said Rob Lynch, brand president and CMO. “It is an honor to recognize their achievements, reward their commitment to service and help them continue to make a positive impact year-round.”

“In these Make A Difference Day honorees, we find inspiration and ideas for taking action in our own lives. They are bright points of light in lives and communities,” said Tracy Hoover, CEO, Points of Light. “They remind us that we can tackle tough problems together and that every single one of us has a role to play. Service awakens our passions and connects us to each other.”

About Make A Difference Day
Make A Difference Day, held annually on the fourth Saturday every October, is one of the largest annual single-days of service nationwide. Volunteers from around the nation come together with a common mission: to improve the lives of others. Make A Difference Day is made possible by the people of TEGNA with the help from Arby’s Foundation and Points of Light.

To learn more about the Habitat Dutchess Make A Difference Day project, and its impact in our community, visit: https://habitatthriventmadd.jimdo.com.