Page 42 January 2012 Makeover project aids large family Team Charity Camelback League worked on the home makeover for the Marquez family. By Christina Sampson “This is my house?” Rhiannon Marquez asked while walking through the newly made-over home she, her husband Mark and six children live in. The family was being shown the many improvements made by volunteers to the rental home during three days in December. “We’ve let you into our home, but you’ve all been let into our hearts,” Mark said. Members of the Team Charity Camelback League worked in conjunction with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to provide to the large, and growing, family a better space to live in. The Boys Team Charity is a non- fundraising group in which parents and boys contribute time and assistance to philanthropic organizations. In this case, the Camelback League of the Boys Team Charity chose to assist St. Vincent with the home makeover for its senior project. The 14 Boys Team volunteers were led by Gina Stoll and Mary Pat Butler. They tore up carpet, scrubbed walls and fl oors and began organizing the family’s belongings. “That ( fi rst day) was probably the worst day,” said Carter Jones, a 17-year-old senior at Arcadia High School. “But it was de fi nitely a good experience; it taught us a lot.” Drew Butler, 18, and also an Arcadia High senior, said, “I was bummed at fi rst. Friday was my birthday and I spent four hours down here. “But it was worth it. It helped me understand that we’re all lucky to be where we are and that there are always people who need help.” The second day was busy with painting, organizing, and a bit more shopping. Jones said he spent the second day “putting it all together, making it a home they all want to live in.” For Zack Moses, 17, an AHS senior, Continued on page 43

Page 43 January 2012 Painting ended the long makeover process. Makeover Continued from page 42 fi nally painting was the best part. “It was good; I don’t do things like this too often,” Moses said. He plans on doing something like it again. Using $2,500 from the Boys Charity, volunteers also shopped for furniture at the Boys & Girls Club Thrift Store and purchased new house wares such as glasses, silverware and plates. The home makeover was part of the St. Vincent de Paul’s Vincentian Fresh Perspectives program. St. Vincent is a Catholic lay organization that offers a variety of assistance to the needy. The Marquez family includes children ages 16 years old to 17 months, with another on the way. The family lives in a fi ve-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom home. Although Rhiannon always tried to keep a good home, physical restrictions during her previous three pregnancies limited the amount of housework she could accomplish. The perpetual traf fi c and use began to take its toll on the home, and clutter began to build up. Mark is employed as a mechanic at a Cadillac dealership, but he does not receive a regular salary. And the last several years have been especially tough for the family. “We look for families who have a story,” said Gabriela Bova, manager of the Community Outreach Program for St. Vincent de Paul. “We’re giving them that little push.” Resolve to relax in 2012. & & Health Wellness Page 25 480.946.5076 artonegalleryinc.com 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale unclaimed - acrylic on panel - zach stelling art art ne gallery ne gallery representing students of american and european universities, local and community colleges, high schools and emerging arizona artists.