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The San Francisco Area Alumni Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS-SF) completed a day of hands-on reconstruction work under the auspices of Rebuilding Together™ Oakland (RTO) on Saturday, April 28th. Volunteers from BGS-SF gathered with other volunteers from the community, including volunteers from lead sponsor, Economy Lumber Company, to repair a porch, demolish a damaged wall, perform exterior landscaping improvements, replace old fixtures, and prime and paint the entire interior of the home of a deserving Oakland resident near the Sobrante Park area.
Arriving at 8am on Saturday for morning refreshments, volunteers signed release forms, met the House Captain and Team Leader for the project, dressed in an RTO tee-shirt, and were assigned duties. Safety measures and orientation set the tone for a productive, fun and safe day. Many of the volunteers formed their own work teams, as they already knew each other from their company or member organization.
On this particular Oakland site, much preparation work had already begun. Earlier in the week, volunteer carpenters had already replaced rotted drywall and had replaced it with new material and prime. Other volunteers had measured the rooms for carpeting that needed replacement, as well assessing other hazards.
By Saturday, the national volunteer day for Rebuilding Together, paint and supplies had been delivered to the house, and other materials for remaining repairs were waiting to be cut and installed. The day went quickly. In between trips for more supplies—like quick drying cement and replacement saw blades—and in between water breaks and a break for lunch, volunteers chatted the owner of the house. The owner was delighted and thankful for so many eager volunteers. She was forever trying to make people feel welcome, and share what she could.
Like any “extreme makeover,” the before and after pictures are impressive. The day ended with a feeling of accomplishment. This project, among the many others taking place in Oakland and around the country, demonstrated what organized efforts from the community can do. The success of these efforts depend on the contributions many different members of the community.
About RTO
Rebuilding Together Oakland (RTO), an affiliate of Rebuilding Together™, rehabilitates the homes of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, so they may continue to live in safety, comfort and independence. RTO utilizes the hard work of skilled and unskilled volunteers, and leverages financial and in-kind donations to make these improvements at no cost to the homeowners. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together on the last weekend of April to help restore the homes of their low-income neighbors. The Rebuilding Together national program was launched in Washington D.C. in 1988 as Christmas in April USA, and later changed its named to Rebuilding Together to reflect an extension of programs beyond just the April workday.
About BGS-SF
BGS-SF is community comprised of diverse professionals who have achieved lifetime membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma ™ National Business School Honor Society through exemplary achievements in business academics. The regional Alumni Chapter engages in activities that aim to integrate members with the business and business education communities of the San Francisco and Silicon Valley areas.
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