Without a doubt the place to be last weekend was the Henry O. Tanner Elementary School in Chicago.  This 3-story southside school was abuzz on both Saturday and Sunday as 80 plus volunteers took to the hallways and performed nothing short of magic.  Principal Smith and Assistant Principal King shared their vision with volunteers from Global Hope, Schools Count and Perma-Seal Basement Systems. They described bright happy colors adorning the walls of their beloved school.  They saw happy children who showed great pride in this school building that would provide quality education from pre-K all the way through 8th grade.  They saw parents of students attending health, fitness and literacy classes on Saturdays.  They envisioned their school as a hub to this thriving south-side community.

These beautiful words set the pace for the job ahead and volunteers scattered every which way, grabbing paint brushes, tape rolls, buckets and sponges and got to work.  Our mission was to make a principal and vice-principal’s dream come true.

The halls of each of the three floors transitioned from a faded hue to a lively, happy yellow as brushes and rollers traveled up and down, back and forth working from one end to the other.  Once-dingy doors in the reception area of this school gradually gleamed with clean, bright shades of blue and orange.  Attention to every detail was the undercurrent of each task.  Tile walls and floors were wiped clean.  Door trim was given a fresh coat of paint.  Mr. Smith and Mr. King would now work in freshly painted offices.  The new orange color in the reception room is sure to bring a smile to the face of all who enter.

There was so much more than painting and cleaning going on inside this school.   Volunteers gave of themselves tirelessly and eagerly.  Smiles, laughter, singing, dancing and chatting kept beat while some serious work was accomplished.  A touching group of volunteers walked in adorned in orange t-shirts and shared that they were volunteering in memory of their friend, Vihang Patel – a friend who was dedicated to the service of others.  They became known as “Team Orange”.  This beautiful group of colleagues worked passionately to carry on the legacy of their dear friend.  Moving, indeed and an inspiration on top of the many inspiring deeds witnessed over this beautiful weekend.

Hearts galore graced hallways and offices while a principal and assistant principal watched their vision manifest before their eyes.  It was an honor to participate in their vision and it was a thrill to witness the transformation by 3:00 Sunday afternoon.  Mr. King sent over a few enthusiastic reactions from teachers and students as they entered their school this morning.  “Wow, it really makes the school look more inviting!”  “I love the doors.”  I love the orange in the office.”  “The kids will love the new and improved Tanner.”

A school’s dream realized – and a mission accomplished as 80 plus volunteers reflect on a job “impeccably” done.  Nothing short of “goodwill in motion”!!.

Our Thank You’s ring out loudly to each and every one of you who had a hand in any way at all in bringing about an amazing transformation to a school with a beautiful vision.

Tony DeStefano of Sherwin Williams, your generous donations kept our volunteers busy and provided a school with a fresh new look that will impact the staff and student body beyond measure.

Don Schuetz of ColorPro Painting, your many tools and painting supplies were appreciated and put to good use.

Mark Cronin, thank you so much for your added supplies as the need arose.

It was an honor to work beside this amazing group of volunteers, that included:

• 8 tireless volunteers from the Lincolnway East High School Key Club

• 18 beautiful “Orange Team” who volunteered in memory of a friend

• Many wonderful Tanner teachers, administrators and students, and

• Anna A, Norm B., Paul B., Kelly C., Mark C., John D., Dick F., John G., Nancy G., John H., Gina J., Caroline K., Ken K., Marjie K, Tony L., Vincente L., Jack L., Mary L., Aileen M., Chuck M., Terry M., Kelly M., Colby M., Laura Jane M., Dickie N., Teri .N, Dawn O., Karla O., Sanskruti P., Todd P., Lori P., Cameron R., Chase R., Stacey S., Dan S., Lisa S., Laura Ann S., Roy S., Theresa S. from Perma-Seal, Schools Count and Global Hope.
  

We are grateful for our friends at Tanner and for the heartfelt service made possible by our rich community of volunteers, donors and partners.

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