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GRAEF Orlando Community Outreach Project
As part of GRAEF’s community outreach in 2009, GRAEF Orlando has volunteered its services for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) project at Chamber’s Park in Kissimmee, Florida. During the economic downturn, school and county officials are looking for creative ways to keep school programs alive. In an effort to give back to the community, consultants and contractors have come together to donate their time, efforts, and materials to help out. The Chamber’s Park VPK project is a joint venture between the School District of Osceola County and The City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation. The City of Kissimmee donated half of the Chamber’s Park facility to be renovated to meet Osceola School District’s school design requirements. GRAEF Orlando volunteered to design the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection for the renovation. To date, the project has been permitted and construction has begun on the renovation. The project is on track to be completed by June when the first students are scheduled to start. GRAEF’s participation has been applauded by the Chief of School Operations at the School Board of Osceola County and the Director of Parks and Recreation at The City of Kissimmee.
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Have Paint Brush, Will Travel
In 2009, the Phoenix Office volunteered to help clean an alley in Goodyear, Arizona, that was covered in graffiti. The GRAEF employees worked with 30 other members of the American Public Works Association (APWA), Arizona Chapter to help clean up a residential community in Goodyear. The alley is used extensively by City of Goodyear maintenance staff and was in dire need of cleaning. Members of the maintenance staff were present during the day and were very appreciative of the final results.
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Raffle Raises Funds for a Good Cause
In 2008, the Brewers hosted two games of the recent National League Division
Series and a few GRAEF employees were able to attend while supporting a local charity. GRAEF raffled off four 4 pairs of tickets in order to raise money for the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation. Chance checks, ticket checks, and additional donations brought the total raised to $690 for the foundation. Thank you to all who participated.
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GRAEF Team Finishes 5th in Run/Walk
More than 15 GRAEF employees and their families participated in the annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run/Walk on August 9, 2008. A great effort was put forth, as the team of runners placed 5th.
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International Volunteer Projects
On June 18, 2008, two GRAEF employees presented some of their experiences in international volunteer work to a group of about 35 GRAEF employees. One of the projects consisted of traveling to Guatemala to help in the construction of a bridge over the Motagua River and to survey the site of another bridge for her Marquette design project. The other project, which also took place in Guatemala, consisted of helping a team from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Engineers Without Borders with construction of a concrete box culvert near the highlands community of Joyobaj. The structure provides all-weather access for the people in the area for markets, schools, and medical services.
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Ride for the Arts
Over 6,500 bicycle riders participated in the 2008 Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. Among them, over 30 members of Team GRAEF, comprised of employees and their families, geared up for one of the nation’s largest one-day recreational bike rides one which has raised more than $6 million, over the last 27 years, for the 35 southeastern Wisconsin performing arts groups that are members of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). Thanks largely to the 165 sponsored teams like Team GRAEF, this year’s ride raised a record amount of $325,000! The ride offered 5-, 15-, 25-, 50- and 75-mile bike routes. It finished at the Miller Lite Oasis on the Summerfest grounds where music, performances from UPAF’s beneficiary groups, and sponsor-related activities rewarded cyclists for their efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated!
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2008 United Way Results
GRAEF employees were able to raise $28,060 for the 2008 United Way campaign. A $9,000 corporate donation brought the grand total donation to $37,060. The money will make a great impact on our surrounding communities. The donations are being split among several United Way areas including Milwaukee, Green Bay, Chicago, Madison, Fort Myers, Orlando and Phoenix!
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2007 United Way Results
$21,750 was raised by GRAEF employees for the 2007 United Way campaign. A $6,000 corporate donation brought the grand total contribution to $27,750! United Way focuses on education, jobs, independence and strong families. GRAEF would like to thank all employees who contributed to this worthy cause.
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