|
KB Home Spreads TLC Throughout San Antonio
 |
|
Robert Rivera, a good samaritan who lost both his legs while helping the victims of a serious automobile accident, tours the barrier-free home being built by KB Home, San Antonio and several community partners in the T-L-C Volunteer Corps program.
| KB Home, San Antonio was recognized by the National Housing Endowment — the philanthropic arm of NAHB — for bringing a little TLC to 30 San Antonio, Texas-area non-profits.
Actually, the TLC was the builder’s T-L-C (Teamwork-Leadership-Community) Volunteer Corps, and through it, 560 KB employees donated more than 2,220 volunteer hours at 55 projects. The KB employees donated $475,313 worth of labor and direct giving last year.
Through the TLC Volunteer Corps, KB Home developed partnerships with non-profits that provide shelter and comfort for San Antonio’s neediest; that beautify and enhance the city; and that support education and at-risk youth programs.
KB Home, San Antonio was honored with a 2005 Honorable Mention National Housing Endowment Builder Achievement Award for Outstanding Community Service for its collaborative outreach program during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. in January. As winners of the award, KB Home, San Antonio received a $1,000 donation to be directed to the charity of its choice. The company selected the San Antonio Parks Foundation.
"As a company we can certainly use our financial resources to build a better community. But the real strength of KB T-L-C lies in our ability to provide sweat equity,” said Craig Westmoreland, president of KB Home's San Antonio division. “Our non-profit partners know that when we commit to a project we're not just going to do what they ask of us, we're going to exceed their expectations."
The T-L-C Volunteer Corps participated in projects that impacted nearly every aspect of the community. Recipients included hurricane victims, the homeless, abandoned animals, public school children, the hungry and the elderly.
Many of these projects received favorable coverage in the local media, which further attested to KB Home’s positive community impact and the generous philanthropy of home builders.
“We received letters in support of KB Home’s application ranging from elementary students to elected officials,” said Gary Garczynski, chairman of the endowment and 2002 NAHB president. “The T-L-C Volunteer Corps has contributed to a better San Antonio and reinforces the fact that our nation’s home builders make our communities stronger and our country greater.”
Seven other builders were honored with Builder Achievement awards during the presentation at the builders' show.
The awards were established through a grant to the endowment by Isaac Heimbinder, vice chairman, president and COO of Kimball Hill Homes, based in Houston.
For the complete list of winners, click here.
 |
|
In another T-L-C project, KB Home volunteers helped landscape older neighborhoods as part of the "Scenic San Antonio" program. |
|
