Oct 10, 2011
Taylor, Michigan VFW Post 4422 was the September winner of The Home Depot Foundation’s “Aprons in Action” program! The Post received a $25,000 gift card from The Home Depot to renovate the exterior of their facility. The building is over 60 years old, and renovations will include landscaping, painting, and installing a war memorial and garden. The modifications will finalize a complete remodel of the facility. The Post has already recently redone the hall and club room and is currently remodeling the kitchen.
'Aprons in Action,' is a monthly competition between four non-profit organizations. Voting begins the first of each month and runs through the end of that month. People can vote once a day by visiting The Home Depot Foundation’s Facebook page. The organization with the most votes at the end of the month wins the $25,000 prize, and is also put in the running for the grand prize of $250,000 at the end of the year-long program.
VFW Post 4422 competed against the Seven Stars Foundation, Inc. in Big Bear, Calif., HVAF of Indiana, Inc. in Indianapolis, and Senior Citizens Services of Metro Atlanta.
Post Commander Butch Ramik learned about the program after he approached Home Depot and asked how he could get a grant for the Post. They told him about the program, he filled out the necessary paperwork and soon after Ramik learned Post 4422 was selected for the September competition.
“Being selected for the Aprons in Action Program is an honor, and we are so thankful for the recognition,” said VFW Post 4422 Commander Butch Ramik. “We will be able to help improve the lives of the veterans we serve by not only continuing to make our club a place that warriors can relax and be proud of, but a place our community can look up to. This can only happen with the help of all who are willing to step up and continue to support the warriors of this great nation.”
Ramik said this is something the whole community embraced. “Everyone’s excited,” he exclaimed after learning Post 4422 received the most votes. Ramik equated the town’s enthusiasm to the Detroit Tigers reaching the World Series. He even received a standing ovation at a city council meeting.
Ramik says this isn’t just about renovating and revitalizing the Post though. He plans to keep a good chunk of the gift card money in reserve in case a veteran approaches the Post and needs help with a home repair, like a new furnace or a new water heater. “That’s what we’re here for. To help any veteran who needs help,” he explained. “Post 4422 will never forget our veterans. That’s our mission.”
To learn more about the Aprons in Action program, click here.