From the Winter 2024 print newsletter: In honor of the ReStore South’s 20th anniversary, we’re spotlighting some of the dedicated volunteers who make it possible for us to fulfill our mission.
Mary Banner
“I’m a miniaturist, and my husband worked with [first ReStore manager] John Veteto when they started it, and so we thought it would be nice, whenever they made enough to pay for a house, I’d build a little house. We stopped when my husband retired….They’ve built more houses since then, but then they also expanded a lot!”
Barry Mullane
“I’ve always been a person going to all the ReStores around the country. My relatives would get a kick out of it when I’d say, ‘Is there a ReStore here in town?’ and I’d go find it, and we’d fix whatever their deal was. I’ve always been interested in Habitat and what they do, and this has always been a very good opportunity to watch this store grow.”
Suzanne Ballard
“I was working with my brother-in-law as a real estate photographer, and we were talking about something to do to give back to the community.
I went out and took photos…of the first house that the ReStore totally sponsored.
We all wrote our names on the framing inside.”
Local Restaurateur and Staff Help Out
This fall, Chef Brother Luck and several of his employees volunteered at the ReStore South.
“For the past few years, we’ve been doing Sober Week at the restaurants,” explains Matthew Sparks, director of operations. “It’s really just a week to reevaluate how we live the restaurant life.” The 2023 activities included a volunteer shift at the ReStore!
Luck, Sparks, catering manager Jenny Allman, and cook Geri Woessner organized tile to make space for new product. “This type of work matches a lot with what our jobs look like anyway, so it works out well!” says Woessner.
“Beyond volunteering, we also understand the need to support this,” says Luck. “I mean, we’ve outfitted two restaurants with product from here! So that’s a huge piece in itself. If you’re going to spend your dollars, utilize the organizations that are giving back.”
The group also learned more about Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity’s work in building affordable workforce homes and repairing homes for current homeowners, especially seniors, veterans, and others who are cost-burdened.
“As leaders and people of the community, this gives us a better understanding about the pulse of our community,” explains Luck. “To actually see it first-hand and see the full circle, it just gives you a better foundation…so when we do speak to leaders and representatives and senators and the people that dine in our restaurants, we can speak to something that we’re educated on.”
