And the Winners are ...
Ron & Debi Powell
Comments from the Nomination Form:
"There is a family that is very selfless, humble, and so amazing that I believe are worthy of this charitable cause. I am 42 years old, and when my father and step mother bought this home in the early 80's it was a rather run down VA repo home then.
They have the same green shag carpet in there that was old in the 80's. I lived there while in high school, but they wanted to raise other underprivileged children, so they adopted four kids, all at babies. They were the unwanted black, partially black and/or indian children. All the kids came from very sad family backgrounds and my father and step mother took on this task.
The kids have been loved and they have given their whole life to give these children a happy and loving home, even though they have never had any money or financial wealth. They have never made much money, but rather they quietly and consistently give to their community. For example, they started a non profit called, "God's Heart," where they serve the Albany homeless every Tuesday night at Montieth Park and they have been quietly doing this for 10 years or so. They have for many years paid for the food out of their own pocket, which some months was around $1000 a month! These people have also been invited into their home for Thanksgiving and other Holidays. They even had one couple living at their home for a couple of years on their floor because they did not have another bedroom.
My step mother also has donated her time to many non profit organizations, and this year she became the Albany local president of Love, Inc. which serves the local community.
My father has been in the sheet metal business for 30 plus years and has been a one man small business owner, and he makes around $30-40K per year. He has never focused on making money, but rather taking care of his family. He has always maintained his integrity and has given generously over the years, even if its just fixing someone's car, helping someone move, or whatever the need.
These are not flashy people on outward appearances, but they are people of great depth and values. This family is very worthy! These kids have all grown up with love and parents that have sacrificially given not only to them, but to their community. They have done so without ringing a bell, but rather with great love and humility.
I have seen them invite so many unwanted and unloved people into their home, even when it's not convenient, like on Christmas eve. I had selfishly not liked that, but I realize that they have the right priorities. My own kids have grown up around so many other people that are down and out around holidays because Dad and Deb reach out so much and care about others before their own needs.
Their house has been neglected over the years! The two boys share an old scabbed room in the garage, while the two girls share small rooms. They have never had a shower, but rather they all use a bath tub with well water. It's the same pink bathtub I used 30 years ago.
Debi has never had a dishwasher, and it's been a joke for the last 20 years, that she entertains so much but my cheap dad still refuses to spend the money on a dishwasher. I know he has had to be frugal raising four kids on a slim financial budget. I know he has put his money to work helping the homeless and others, but it would be the greatest thing in the world if they could get your paint job.
Their house needs a lot more than that, like new windows, carpet, flooring, toilet, etc. but it would be outstanding if they won this, "Paint it Forward," promotion. They are so, so much more worthy than I can write here in this space. There are many stories and specifics that I could write to toot their horn, but just realize that this family would be a candidate for the show, "Extreme Makeover."
There are a long, long list of people that would attest to their unwavering love, dedication, humility, and never ending community service. I hope you deeply consider this family with meditation and prayer. But, no matter who you choose, thank you sincerely for your community gift to the most worthy candidate as you see fit. It is very nice of you!" ~Todd
