Lowes Sponsor Shout Out

The Lowe's Team still in good spirits at the end of the day

The Aurora and Oswego Lowe's stores teamed up to repaint the exterior of a (rather large) home last Saturday for a Vietnam veteran. The homeowner, cited for both unsightly paint and damage to his garage roof, is an active community member and spent much of the day sharing his story with volunteers. He was delighted by the quality of work the team provided and overwhelmed by the number of volunteers that came out to help.

The crew powered through the long day with exceptional spirit despite a lunchtime downpour of rain and hail. Instead of taking cover under scaffolding or lunching in warm cars, several volunteers simply moved underneath awnings and continued to paint, insisting that "the more we do now, the faster we'll be done!"

Denny Fulkrod, HR Manager at the Aurora Lowe's store and the project's House Captain reflected that "it was a great experience. We were all exhausted at the end of the day but with a real sense that we had given back to the community that helps keep our doors open everyday."

"I want to thank all the associates from the Aurora and Oswego stores that not only came out and helped paint, but I also want to thank those associates that stayed back at the stores to ensure our customers could be taken care of."


Lots of volunteers and one very fun machine


Installing new storm windows


Happy when the sun came out!

More photos can be seen here: 824 Benton album

Green Home House Calls a success!

In recognition of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and in partnership with the City of Aurora, RTA held the first ever Green Home House Calls event on Saturday, September 10 at Waubonsee Community College.

66 households (that's 165 residents!) were provided with the tools and training necessary to provide DIY energy efficiency upgrades and modifications to their own homes. Each homeowner was given a pack of materials worth over $150 for attending the training, including weather stripping, low-flow water fixtures, CFL lightbulbs, water heater insulation, and a programmable thermostat.

This incredible effort was made possible in part by the 48 incredible volunteers came out to assist the project, providing help to 19 households with elderly or disabled residents.

We received great feedback about the training, and incredible stories of volunteer collaboration, homeowner experience, and appreciation from both homeowners and volunteers alike for the class and pack.

We are excited to continue this event throughout the coming year, and plan to host several more events. If you'd like to participate as either a homeowner or volunteer, contact the RTA office to learn more.

Sponsor Shout Out

The Cat Team

A 19 person team from Caterpillar joined RTA on Wednesday, September 7 as part of the Unite Way Day of Service to prepare a East-side home for painting. The homeowner, Mr Newman, is a VietNam (US Navy) veteran who has been active in the community for many years as a public speaker and entertainer; this home, where he grew up and his mother passed, has been in his family for nearly 100 years. Mr Newman applied to RTA for assistance at the encouragement of his Alderman after receiving a city citation for unsightly exterior paint and a decaying garage. RTA has struck a unique partnership with several community organizations to repair these issues.

Work will continue on his home throughout the rest of the month as volunteer teams join forces to make the much needed repairs a reality.

Thank you to everyone from Caterpillar, one of our hardest working, most dedicated and enjoyable volunteer groups to help on a Special Project! We especially respect those brave souls who donned full tyvek lead-safe suits while working. You rock!


Brave soul

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