![]() Update! The home is complete and we got to witness it be given away on June 25, 2019! You can check out the Ultimate Feel-Good Story: Giving an LI Veteran a Home, and a more complete list of Many Many Thanks... By Rosemarie Kluepfel Our guest blogger this month is Rosemarie Kluepfel of the Fairway Foundation, who reflects on their efforts to serve Long Island Veterans though their “Purple Heat” campaign. A main project is a house that they are renovating and donating to a purple heart recipient. They are exceptionally grateful to the army of volunteers who have come together to make this happen. While the project is coming into it's final stretch. THEY STILL REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERS WILLING TO HELP!!! This includes contractors to help with bathrooms, plumbers to do rough in and hook ups, and an electrician to wire up new kitchen lighting. Know anyone who might help? Please advise. Thanks! Four years ago, a handful of Fairway Foundation Long Island volunteers wanted to follow the lead of some of their other branches to help local veterans. The project, now nearing completion, was to give a local Long Island veteran that had served post 9/11, had been honorably discharged, and was a Purple Heart recipient a mortgage free home. After all, Long Island has one of the highest populations of veterans in the country. Why not help our local veterans first? What those volunteers had not envisioned were the hurdles and setbacks that they would need to overcome in order to see the project through. Broken promises, title encumbrances and other unforeseen obstacles led to some disappointment. However, the kindness of others, the generosity of the community, and the friendships and bonds forged made the experience incredibly uplifting. It was a reminder that the strength of one’s character is not tested on a calm day, but in the gusts of the winds. With the funds raised over those 4 years through their Purple Heart campaign, a house was purchased. Today, renovations are well underway led by the Interior Design Society Long Island chapter. We are exceptionally grateful to those actively participating in the program: Dee Manicone, D. Manicone Design Assoc. Lisa Aiello, Rich Designs Isabel Melo, Isabel Interiors Peggy Guerin, Designs by Peggy Ruth Seidenberg, Ruth S. Interiors Mary Nolte, Mary Nolte Designs Dafna Adler, Interiors by Dafna Adler Sandra Asdourian, Sandra Asdourian Interiors Dean Camastro, Hansgrohe Joe Calise, Sights n Sounds Donations of Products or Services thus far: Hansgrohe, all plumbing fixtures Coastal Cabinets, kitchen cabinets Plessers Appliances, kitchen appliances Merri Interiors, bathroom vanities Kravet fabrics, fabrics for all rooms Eclectic Window Fashions – window treatments ProSource – flooring for kitchen and mud room Harry Katz carpet – carpet and tile Cancos tile – tile for bathrooms Peykar rugs – area rugs Wendy Interiors – blinds Sights n Sounds – security system The Robert Allen Duralee group – sofa, cocktail table, ottoman East End Interiors – dining room table Symmetry Closets – closet systems Van Wyck Hardware – drapery hardware Debbie Viola – artwork L.I Photo Gallery – artwork Elements Lighting – lamps, tables, chairs Sherwin Williams Paints – all paint Cambria Stone – countertops Hampton Appliance – TV All County Millwork – bedroom dresser and night stands Farmingville Masonry Supply – masonry for front entry Corporate Transport – transport services Riverhead Building Supply – sheetrock Kolson Hardware – decorative hardware for kitchen OMG Shower Doors -- shower doors Labor donations: Sean - rough in plumbing Pic Painting – all interior painting work John Probst Contracting – kitchen installation, mud room floor Dynomite Floors – wood floor refinishing Straight Line Tile - tile installation Maggio Environmental Services – carting PSEG Veteran Employee Resource Group –landscaping Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – project overview Brian Moraghan PE – house inspection ZCI Woodworks – transport of cabinets Anthony J. Mangiaracina, Attorney at Law – legal Pyramid Title Agency – title services Eclectic Window Fashions - drapery fabrication Beyond Windows - drapery fabrication And many more volunteers These local merchants, designers, wholesalers, and tradesmen have joined forces to transform the modest 3 bedroom/ 2 bath ranch into a home worthy of its new owner; one who has sacrificed to serve his or her country. Together, we are offering a profound way of saying, "Welcome Home Soldier, Welcome Home." Visit www.VeteransHomeGiveaway.org, email FairwayFoundationNY@gmail.com or call 631-881-5110 for more information on how to apply for the home or to volunteer. Together We Can Make A Difference in the Life of a Veteran.
6 Comments
9/7/2018 11:43:55 pm
Thank you for bringing attention to this great project, and the slew of volunteers of the Interior Design Society, of which I am a proud vendor member. Their countless hours both on-site and off-site is a true testament to the dedication of the IDS Pay It Forward Committee. My role of creating art for the home pales in comparison to some of the other volunteers, and I commend the talented designers and vendors working tirelessly to create a stunning, yet comfortable and practical environment for this deserving family. We've heard about all your frustrations and disappointments, and are thrilled this project is finally coming to fruition. I'm looking forward to seeing it completed!
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Katheryn Laible
11/13/2018 03:05:06 pm
It really has been wonderful to watch this project develop. The energy in that house when we were there last was incredible. The folks working there were so happy to be a part of it, and to be working with each other. Thank you for contributing!
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9/10/2018 08:17:43 am
It is an honor to be a member of Interior Design Society Long Island Chapter and to join in with The Fairway Foundation (and numerous generous volunteers and vendors) to create a beautiful home for a well deserving Purple Heart Veteran.
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Katheryn Laible
11/13/2018 03:08:01 pm
We are grateful for your comment, and for helping out! I know the folks I've spoken with have been incredibly appreciative of every contribution. They all make a big difference. Thank you for being a part of this!
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11/9/2018 01:53:35 pm
This journey has been exciting and very rewarding to be a part of, as an Interior Designer on Long Island it feels amazing to help out a Veteran that will have a beautiful home that is also professionally decorated.
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Katheryn Laible
11/13/2018 03:09:55 pm
Thank you for doing it, and for sharing how much fun it is to make a positive difference. We LOVED the energy coming out of that home -- it really is beautiful!
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