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Pictured at left, Connie McLemore and Gabe Baudeck
are helping Itasca County Habitat for Humanity ensure
the success of the ReStore.
In 2007, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity hired a store
manager and an AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer to oversee
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day-to-day operations of the ReStore, which sells donated new, used and recycled home
improvement materials to the general public. Gabe Baudeck, the store manager, has
extensive experience in the construction field as a result of working as a home
remodeler/contractor. He also worked in the retail sector for seven years, where he
oversaw individual store departments, supervised employees and helped increase overall
sales. At the ReStore, Baudeck works to procure new merchandise, manage daily
operations, drive overall growth and supervise staff and volunteer help.
"Gabe is very knowledgeable about construction materials and techniques, and our
customers find him very personable and helpful," said Shannon Benolken, ICHFH
executive director. "On top of that, he has a great deal of experience in retail settings.
That background has proven invaluable as ICHFH has worked to ensure the growth and
profitability of the store."
ICHFH also hired Connie McLemore as an AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer to help build on the
early successes of the ReStore. In her position, McLemore focuses on volunteer
recruitment strategies, material procurement and the development of store policies and
procedures.
"Connie has a very specific workplan, and she also has a strong desire to help bring
about the long-term success of the ReStore," said Benolken. "Her skills and contributions
have also proven invaluable."
ICHFH opened the ReStore in April 2007 as a means to increase funding to build more
Habitat homes in Itasca County. Located on Highway 38 across from the Civic Center in
Grand Rapids, the store sells home remodeling items at greatly reduced prices and helps
divert millions of pounds of materials from local landfills every year. Because Itasca County
Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax deductible.
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Over ninety motorcycle enthusiasts participated in the
first annual Habitat for Humanity “Construction Cruise”
to raise funds for Itasca County Habitat for Humanity.
The Construction Cruise was a 180 mile motorcycle ride
across northern Itasca County. Riders left the Lakes Inn
in Grand Rapids, followed Hwy 169 to Nashwauk, then turned north on Hwy 65. The first
stop was the Junction Bar in Togo. From there the participants traveled cross country on
Hwy 1 for lunch at Jigg’s Café in Northome. The ride ended with dinner and entertainment
at the Wilderness Pub on Hwy 38. The Habitat for Humanity fundraiser was the brain-child
of Wayne Roskos. “I had been on a similar type of ride for another Habitat affiliate last year
and thought we should do something like this too.” Roskos formed a committee to help with
the event and as a result over $8,000 was raised. “The event was a huge success,” said
Shannon Benolken, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity executive director.
“What could be better than combining two of my biggest passions in life, Habitat and
Harleys?” Benolken stated that all makes and models of motorcycles were welcome.
Since its founding in 1992, ICHFH has helped 20 Itasca County families, including 35 adults
and 59 children, move from substandard housing into decent and affordable homes that
they own. Utilizing volunteers, locally raised funds and the “sweat equity” of partner
families, ICHFH and its partners bring the American dream to life. Habitat homes are
purchased by the Partner Family with a zero-percent interest mortgage over a period of
20 to 30 years. The bottom line is that ICHFH is building a healthier community for us all in
Itasca County and around the world. Aggressively moving forward in 2007, ICHFH needs
passionate volunteers and committed partners to continue this community building effort.
If you, your business, your church or organization has an interest in making the county
and the world a better place, please call 218\326-6185, or go to www.volunteerup.com.
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You might find her with a hammer and nails in hand. You might find
her with a pen and paper at a committee meeting. Or, you may find
her at a fund-raising event raising money for her favorite non-profit.
She’s Atesha Wourms and she is a dedicated volunteer for
Habitat for Humanity. She started out in California working for a
bank before making the decision that Minnesota was the place to
live. After working at the Northland Cellular office, she was given
the opportunity to purchase the business and she jumped at that chance now owning
Unicel and Cartunes and Alarms. Her motto of “ALWAYS be honest, it’s hard enough to
remember the truth” has earned her loyal customers who sing her praises. When she is
not in the office, she is making a difference in the community. “Helping people in need is
what is the most rewarding about volunteering for HFH. And, helping take the load off the
ones that are putting so much time and sweat into it,”
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Jane Bonnesen - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/FAMILY MENTOR
Before we moved up here 11 years ago, I had traveled a lot for
work and was never really able to volunteer. I soon got involved
with Hunger Relief and later with Habitat. I like the synergy
between helping people with food and then with shelter. I get such
a nice sense of feedback -- It's a good way to meet other people,
plus you have the lovely satisfaction that you're also helping.
And it's fun--you have to have some fun, too!"
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You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
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