May 2024 saw the completion of the 13th year of our chapter’s home building project in the Dominican Republic. During that time chapter members and friends donated more than $184,800 which allowed us to build new homes for 21 families, plus a new bathhouse, in the humble community of Don Gregorio.
This year’s building team on the ground consisted of Alan Hurst, Bruce Macdonald, Nancy Bonell, Laurie Garbacz, Sharon Friedman, Stan Styrczula, and Lou Falk from our chapter, plus Kim Decker from McBurney-Morse chapter and Jim Gaites from the Willis Chapter area. Also assisting for several days was a group of staff and Board members from YMCA Camp Woodstock.
The fundraising team members included Nancy Bonell, Lou Falk, Risa Filkoff, Chuck Goding, Alan Hurst, Bob Hoffman, Bruce Macdonald, Mike Sherman, Stan Styrczula and Joyce Sypher. They raised almost $11,500 to support this project plus an additional $5,075 for the National Service Project on the Lakota Reservation in South Dakota.
A new Leadership Team will complete the transition in 2025 which was begun this year as Lou Falk “retires” as chairman after 13 years. Stan Styrczula is the new “In-country” leader in charge of all phases of the project in the Dominican Republic; Bruce Macdonald is the “Volunteer Recruitment” chair; Nancy Bonell is the “Social Activities” chair; while Lou Falk will serve as "Fundraising Chair."
Our next home building adventure will be in May 2025. All are invited to participate as there are jobs for all abilities. It is a wonderful multi-generational experience. For info, contact any member of the Leadership Team.
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