For VJS, Sharing is a Rewarding Experience
Supporting charities makes our communities stronger, and in Wisconsin, many individuals donate generously and regularly. Unfortunately, very few find time to become deeply involved with local charities. It's those exceptional individuals whose work improves charity organizations, the people who use them, our communities and – they would tell you – themselves.
For Gary Jorgensen, chairman of VJS Construction Services in Pewaukee and a member of Building Advantage, what started as a simple request from a friend became a strong involvement that he says has changed his life.
Jorgensen received a call in 1991 from the executive director of the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, which helps Milwaukee's West End neighborhood youth, families and adults improve their quality of life through a wide variety of services and programs from infants to seniors.
“I've always been active in volunteering; it was a personal goal of mine to be involved,” recalls Jorgensen. “I was invited to take a tour of the facility and right away fell in love with the place and what they were trying to do. I certainly didn't know at the time what a profound difference the center would have on my life.”
That was 16 years ago, and Jorgensen's involvement has grown each year. He now spends much of his time raising money for the organization.
One successful fundraiser Jorgensen helped with was an annual dinner and auction event at the Midwest Airlines Center. In 2006, a record-breaking $120,000 was raised. “Years ago, if we raised $10,000 that was a lot. We have a tremendous development team that does a great job.”
Over the years, many of those funds have been used to build and maintain the facility's more than 50,000 square feet of classrooms, gymnasium, roller-skating rink, Early Childhood Classrooms, libraries, kitchens and gathering halls. In 1994, a 10,000-plus square foot addition was added to the facility.
“After a period of time, they needed an addition because the number of individuals utilizing the programs just continued to grow,” says Jorgensen, “VJS went through a process to help them there.” VJS helped the facility add additional classroom space and a multi-purpose room. “It was a monumental effort,” says Jorgensen, “not because of the size of the project, but because of the impact it will have on many families who need and depend on the center.”
Jorgensen was quick to point out that the project could not have been done without the help of friends. “We owe a lot to the unions who donated people, equipment and expertise to it, especially the operating engineers and electricians. In fact, we still call on the unions from time to time to help with repairs and renovations.” He also credits Neighborhood House of Milwaukee executive director Clarence Johnson and the volunteer board of directors for their assistance.
Through Jorgensen's passion for Neighborhood House, VJS employees also became involved, making the organization special to them.
Jorgensen recently completed his 15-year term as board member, with the last two years as president. His son, David, has since taken on this responsibility, and has also helped encourage three business associates to join Neighborhood House's board of directors.
“You get a thousand times more in return than what you give,” says Jorgensen of his years working with Neighborhood House. “I just can't tell people enough what a wonderful experience it is; just seeing the smile on each kid's face makes what we do every day worth it. It's one of the best things I could have done with my life.”
Like Jorgensen, many members of Building Advantage are working hard to help make Southeastern Wisconsin communities better through donations and hard work. To learn more about Building Advantage, its members and programs, visit buildingadvantage.org.
For more information on Neighborhood House of Milwaukee or to volunteer, visit www.nh-milw.org or call (414) 933-6161.
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