Woman’s World Magazine, a national publication, just published an article about Levco Builders’ random act of kindness. Through tragedy comes a silver lining: a home remodeled by a cadre of volunteers made a miracle happen for a retired serviceman and his family in their hour of need.
Every Time The Phone Rings
June & Joe at a fundraiser
Cindy took the call from Wayne’s sister June Shoemaker, who told us about the events that led to this miracle for Wayne. Before they hung up, “Levco is all in!” This project is right up our alley; it speaks to our core values and specialty. It was a perfect match. We both understood that the need was urgent; it involved Universal Design, a military veteran, and a few mountains that needed to be moved. We employ several veterans, which made us even more motivated.
All Aboard
Many organizations stepped up to make this project a reality. We urgently appealed to our sub-trade partners and vendors for the manpower and materials to make this project a reality. We had to wait until the home builder completed the project to the point of turning over the home. Then, the heroics began. The first mountain that was moved was the City of Meridian Building Department. With little fanfare, the building permit that should have taken a month was miraculously approved overnight. Then the schedule fell into place, and the VA set the deadline to send Wayne home by air ambulance and ground ambulance on a given date.
The Treasure Valley Community Came Together
Brent Hunsaker KBOI 2
An unsung hero stepped up. Towards the end of his 44-year career, Brent Hunsaker, a KBOI News Anchor, picked this story to tell his viewers. His relentless determination to make the local news a positive one was contagious. He must have had five filming sessions. He was mesmerized by the remodeling process and made sure to tell the story, befriending all the players as he stitched the details together in a heartwarming way.
The Tearjerker Ending
We met Wayne for the first time as he was unloaded from the ambulance. What a cool guy! With his facial expressions and big ol’ heart, he summed up his exhaustion from the journey, and exhilaration at being home. His heartfelt thanks for what had been accomplished in a short window left most of us tearing up. The Mayor of Meridian, Robert Simson, handed Wayne the Certificate of Occupancy, and we filed in one-by-one in a slow procession, passing by Wayne in his specialty chair, fist bumping the man who brought us all together.
Gratitude
I thank everyone who participated in this special project. It is incredible what a group of motivated individuals can accomplish. We are all better for having come together to achieve this project and for the camaraderie and generosity of the group. Others have continued to provide goods and services after our participation ended, and we also thank them. Wayne and his family are doing well adjusting to the new normal. Here is a list of the donors and workers I remember. If I have missed any of them, please let me know. Take a moment to say thanks to yourself using the links below.
- Levco Crew. Cindy Sparks, Chris Carpenter, Brant Dillworth, Mark Mitchell, John Webb
- Jimmy Valafana and his father, tile installers, and more
- Franklin Building Supply
- Cloverdale Plumbing
- Clark Electric
- Rodda Paint
- 208 painting
- Home Depot
- City Of Meridian building department
Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261
If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.
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