Building Hope Newsletter, March 2022

HomeAid Northern Virginia’s 4^th Annual GolfAid fundraiser was another sold-out success, with more than 200 golfers, networkers, and supporters turning out on March 3 for a great night of networking and fundraising at TopGolf Loudoun! Attendees raised more than $54,000 at the event, with all funds supporting the multiple renovation projects we’ve lined up for the year. Did you miss out on GolfAid but would still love to donate? It’s never too late! For those who were able to attend, be sure to relive the fun on our Flickr page, where photos from the night are posted. Thanks to the generosity of Bob Narod Photography for capturing the fun!

 

HomeAid Northern Virginia had a lot to celebrate in 2021, which marked our 20^th year of service to our region and completion of 160 projects. Last year, we invested $1,234,513 into the communities and renovated nearly 20,000 square feet of space for more than 1,200 people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. With the cost of the majority of our 2021 projects donated in full, our non-profit partners had tens of thousands of dollars to redirect toward programs and services directly serving people instead of capital improvement projects. We helped provide housing; increased precious storage space; built a custom playhouse; donated backpacks, household essentials, and diapers and wipes; and raised enough funds through special events and third party fundraisers to ensure we can continue to advance our mission.

Read all about it in our just-published 2021 Impact Report, now available online!

Rick Cole, chief financial officer with JD Long Companies, has served as treasurer on our Board of Directors for more than 15 years. A life director with NVBIA, a former president of HomeAid Northern Virginia, and the recipient of HomeAid’s 2020 Presidents’ Award, Rick is the “behind the scenes” keeper of HomeAid’s financial stability. What inspires him and has kept him focused for so long? Find out with this conversation with Rick!

Q: What made you say ‘yes’ to working with HomeAid’s Board and taking on a leadership position?

A: I was an active member with NVBIA for many years, and I knew many of the people who were instrumental in getting HomeAid started up in Northern Virginia – Steve Alloy, Doug Smith, Russ Rosenberger, Don Knutson, Clark Massey … They’re all such well-respected leaders in the homebuilding industry, and I figured if they were investing their time and resources in HomeAid, it must be a worthy organization. I’ve been involved with a lot of community groups, and while I’ve never had a negative experience, I’d never felt as personally excited by an organization’s mission, and I’d never seen any accomplish its goals as efficiently as HomeAid. Everyone is so eager and passionate to get the work done, and the non-profits are so appreciative. It’s energizing, particularly for me; I’m a CPA by training and work for a land company. While I can’t build shelter, knowing I can contribute by providing my financial expertise is really meaningful. I’ve been involved for close to 20 years, and I’m enjoying working with the next generation of leaders.

Q: HomeAid is financially stable but still in constant need for donations. Can you talk about that balancing act?

A: At HomeAid, we’ve done a great job of putting ourselves in a position so that if lean years come, we can further our mission without having to drastically slow down. That said, we want to continually expand our mission: Whether it’s the size of a project or the number of projects, there are always more requests than there is money. So, we need to always be bringing in more funds. The marker keeps moving as we expand into new regions and as land, materials, and rezoning and permitting fees get more expensive. If a nonprofit is fronting the soft costs associated with a project, they’re going to have ever-tighter margins to support the project itself, which is where HomeAid comes in.

Q: What do you love most about your career?

A: In 1983, I realized very quickly that being a professional lacrosse player wasn’t going to support me. The JD Long Companies was one of my clients back when I was working for a CPA firm in Alexandria, and I’d built up a great working relationship and friendship with the founder and his son and, once the timing was right, joined the firm as the CFO. I love what I do, especially the variety. Working with income-producing properties, growing lender relationships, buying and selling land, and negotiating contracts are just a few of the things that occupy my time. The charity I’m most involved with – HomeAid – is something my job allows me the time to do. Nothing is missing – it’s been a great career with incredible people.