JEFFERSON AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE RECIPIENT: OUR VERY OWN SUZANNA YEH
This past weekend, Suzanna Yeh, founding member of the board of directors of Rebuilding Together East Bay-North, was interviewed by KPIX, Channel 5 News. The interview was prompted by Suzanna winning the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service.
Founded by Jacqueline Kennedy, the Jefferson Awards are given at both national and local levels. Local winners are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition. Channel 5 interviewed Suzanna at two of our work sites while volunteers wearing Rebuilding Together T-Shirts scurried around, making repairs. Suzanna spoke eloquently about the good work we have done over the years.
The first stage of the interview took place at McGee Ave. Baptist Church Food Program, where hot meals are prepared three days a week, feeding hundreds of individuals and families in need. During the interview, Suzanna was asked about our most impactful projects. She told the interviewer about Ethel Murphy’s home. Suzanna was among the first to see the home after Ethel applied for our services. At the time, Ethel, aged 80, her disabled son, and 4 grandchildren lived in a home with a caved-in roof, no hot water or heat, and many other challenging conditions. Our volunteer team replaced the roof and provided new plumbing pipes, a furnace, a water heater, and more.
The interviewer was so intrigued by this story they decided to move the interview to Ethel Murphy’s house so that she could get Ethel’s story in her own words. The second part of the interview was conducted with Suzanna and Ethel on the front steps of Ethel’s house.
The interview aired June 5th at 5 PM on the Channel 5 Evening News. You can watch the video at your convenience here!~ https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/06/05/berkeley-volunteer-helps-household-repairs-for-those-in-need/
PS: Suzanna, our volunteers, and staff could not do this vital work without the community's financial support. We invite you to donate today to Rebuilding Together East Bay North. Please send your check to 3318 Adeline St. Berkeley, CA 94703, or click here. Your gift is entirely tax deductible.
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