Your Monthly (more or less) News & Updates |
|
Photo of the 2018 M&T Bank Volunteer Crew from HHQ's Block Blitz held in upper Elmwood. |
|
#BlockBlitz: Friday, Sept. 15 |
|
This is it. Just two more weeks until Block Blitz on Friday, September 15 in Syracuse's Elmwood-Creekside neighborhood. The rain or shine event kicks off in the parkway at Hunt and Rockland Avenues at 9am sharp and everyone is invited!
If you are one of 300+ volunteers sponsored by an amazing community partner, a member of a local contractor's crew, an owner of a local restaurant or business donating something special, a church, school or government representative pitching in or an Elmwood-Creekside neighborhood property owner letting enthusiastic volunteers onto your property, we thank you for helping to make our wee, crazy event something special.
|
|
Local Philanthropist Makes $25,000 Donation
to HHQ Block Blitz
|
|
Chedy Hampson, founder of the online hobby and collectibles business TCGplayer, sat down with Home HeadQuarters this past summer to talk about investing in Syracuse's Southside. Out of those conversations, and built around upcoming State, City, private and nonprofit housing revitalization efforts, Chedy donated $25,000 to Home HeadQuarters to support impactful property improvements during this year's Block Blitz.
“Successful neighborhoods offer homeowners opportunities to build equity and raise their families in ways that drive their spirits and the economy,” said Chedy, a lifelong Syracuse resident. “I grew up on the southside and believe this neighborhood requires investment to help ensure positive financial opportunities for existing homeowners. That’s what I’m hoping we can revitalize here on the southside!”
Chedy grew up in Syracuse's McKinley Park neighborhood and plans to announce another major contribution focusing on Syracuse’s Southside at this year’s Home HeadQuarters' Block Blitz event. Thank you Chedy Hampson!
|
|
S'more Pre-Block Blitz Thank You Mentions! |
|
|
|
HHQ Staff's Feelings Can't Be Repressed Any Longer! |
We want everyone at Home Depot in Camillus, especially store managers Josh and Mike, to know how much we ardently admire and feel strongly about their Block Blitz help and attention. An entire truckful of driveway sealer with 150+ paint brushes? No problem! 500 pairs of gloves? Just another day of blissful customer service for these guys! And then a volunteer team, too?!!? We can't resist!
|
|
|
|
M&T Bank's Rocking Team Support |
M&T Bank's unwavering support of Home HeadQuarters' affordable homeownership efforts has taken many forms over the years, but we especially love the company's often all-women volunteer team that faces every Block Blitz project with an enthusiastic can-do attitude. We can't wait to meet this year's crew! |
|
|
|
Pat the Painter: Muralist, Nice Guy, Newish Dad, Block Blitz Big Gun |
Pat Condon, a freelance artist and muralist who paints commercial and residential structures professionally through his business, Pat the Painter, is managing a Creekwalk street mural project for this year's Block Blitz. This is not Pat’s first Block Blitz rodeo. At HHQ's 2019 Block Blitz, Pat designed and managed the “Downtown” mural project, near the Visions Federal Credit Union parking lot on Erie Blvd.
|
|
|
|
Ron Hasn't Hyperventilated |
Long-time HHQ staffer Ron Gallman is the behind the scenes go-to organizer for everything Block Blitz paint and tool related. Ron works to match needed paint colors and paint quantities at project sites and outfit Block Blitz volunteer teams the day of the event with the proper tools. This is not a job that Ron wanted or requested, but a job that he manages every Block Blitz year nonetheless. We're very proud of Ron this year who has, to this very point, remained calm, cool and collected! Great job Ron! |
|
|
|
Accounting Professional Willingly Volunteers for Block Blitz Driveway Sealing Team |
Home HeadQuarters Assistant Controller Kariem Hunt willingly and voluntarily signed up to work on a driveway sealing team in his first Block Blitz since joining the nonprofit's staff earlier this year.
"I've never sealed a driveway before," said the earnest staffer. "But it sounds like fun!"
|
|
There are many moments during Block Blitz that stay with you over the years, some are funny, others maddening, but most are meaningful in ways you can't even describe. We look forward to this year's Block Blitz moments and hope we can create a little something of memorable moments for all the homeowners, new painters, ardent gardeners, enthusiastic students, team coordinators and even our "volunteer" driveway sealers (ps...wear old shoes). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
