They give. They discover. They believe…
They contribute exactly what we need to make the magic happen, and in many cases, discover along the way, how their donation or time impacts the lives of those in need. And in the end, they become some of our greatest ambassadors of the movement. All because they said “YES.”
Our sponsors donate exactly what our design teams need to transform old into new, and in many cases, discover along the way, that they are part of something bigger than time or money, or just a pretty space. They are changing lives. And in the end, are considered champions of the movement.
Over the past five years, we’ve had over 650 sponsors contribute goods and/or services to Design For A Difference projects across the country, many of which have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and continue to support our efforts on an annual basis.
So who are the people and stories behind these extraordinary gifts? We asked our IDG showroom owners to name a few of their favorites…
Sherwin-Williams Co.
Project: Transformations Center for Healing
Blakley’s Flooring, Indianapolis IN
Showroom owner Marj Sparks and her team are giving a shout-out to Alison Rieckers, Multi-Family Representative for S-W and superstar co-chair of a local women’s networking group. The women participate in local projects for the better good of their community, and in conjunction with Sherwin-Williams, Alison was able to provide all of the paint and supplies needed for the project. But she didn’t stop there; she brought her entire crew to lend a hand during the final install, which was a tremendous help to the makeover team. To find your true colors, please visit www.sherwin-williams.com.
Capaul StoneWorks & CaesarStone
Project: YWCA Women’s Shelter
Gina’s Design Center, Spokane WA
Gina Cook would like to thank Capaul StoneWorks for generously donating all aspects of fabrication plus custom installation for two slabs of CaesarStone quartz for a redesigned and renovated double kitchen (including one that is handicap accessible) at the shelter. And in the spirit of doubling up, another goes to CaesarStone for donating the stunning and maintenance-free quartz top used for the project. For more information on their products and services, please visit www.capaulstoneworks.com.
Charlie & Co. Design
Project: Bridging, Inc.
Intersource Inc., Minneapolis MN
Showroom owner Nancy Nelson-Flom is giving her shout-out to Colby Mattson, the kind-hearted and talented prominent residential architect who donated the cash wrap from IKEA for their project. This was not an easy task, as the cash wrap area had to be multi-functional and aesthetically appealing, and Mr. Mattson pulled it off effortlessly. Colby, your talent and generosity are greatly appreciated by all involved. To learn more about Charlie & Co., please visit www.charlieandcodesign.com.
Drapery Industries
Project: RAIHN (Rochester Area Inter-Hospitality Network)
Messner Flooring, Rochester NY
Peter Messner and his team are giving special thanks to Mark Kosinski (owner), and Pam Dennis (designer), from Drapery Industries not just for their recent contribution of window treatments, but for stepping in to donate and install product for all three of Messner Flooring’s Design For A Difference projects over the years. And in the noteworthy character of true generosity, the answer is always “YES” BEFORE they are presented with a request, making them a huge asset to every project. Learn more about this generous company at www.draperyindustries.com.
CSA (Community Services Agency)
CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council)
Interiors & Textiles, Palo Alto CA
Showroom owner Fred Wee is giving a shout-out to Katie Ferrick, community relations manager for LinkedIn. Katie not only played a key role in giving a very generous donation to the CSA project, but she brought Mr. Wee and the director of CHAC together, igniting the start of a Design For A Difference success story 2.0. LinkedIn has once again donated money to the new project, which helps tremendously to pay for the cost of labor and goods needed to pull it all together, aligning perfectly their service-based social media platform that connects business professionals. To get connected, please visit www.linkedin.com.
It is their commitment to help others and desire to give that bring our sponsors in. With a simple YES, they provide the fuel to turn our broken-down “befores” into awesome “afters.”
So, thank you. To our 650 plus sponsors- past, present, and future. Without your partnership, we would not be able to do what we do. We are in this together.
If you would like to become a sponsor, please visit www. designforadifference.com/become-contributor