Special Spaces Makeover!!

On April 16th, together with Special Spaces, a group of FTP volunteers helped the Foundation transform a bedroom for Nathan, a 14-year old who is fighting leukemia. The Foundation is grateful to Some of Our Own: Elizabeth Satern, Mitchell Toth, Julia Zelenika, Dave Sievertson, Cathy Provenzale, Bilqees Ikram and Sam Harvey, who helped redecorate Nathan’s bedroom. The Foundation asked them about their experiences, which you can read below.

Nathan (right) and his family react to his bedroom makeover (notice the Louis Vuitton wall!)

Julia (Staff Fund Accountant) said that “decorating Nathan’s room seemed like such an incredible way to be hands on, to help others and to grow alongside other FT employees.” She helped build furniture, including nightstands, shelves and a shoe organizer. She said her favorite part of the day was the room reveal for Nathan and his family, which was “heartwarming and genuine….you could tell that Nathan was trying to keep it cool but was overwhelmed with joy. He asked, ‘Can I just give everyone a hug?’” Julia said she volunteered because she has a mission “to give back when I can.” In doing so, she said “she realized that when we volunteer our lives are changed for the better as well. As much as we are helping others, we can walk away feeling humbled, inspired and with a changed heart.” And finally, “It’s so important to be hands on and to understand how much of an impact we can make by showing up for people/families who need extra support. Experiences like these are eye-opening and touching.” Thank you, Julia!

Left, Bilqees and Elizabeth, right, Dave

Elizabeth (Legal) enjoyed having a volunteer opportunity during the workday (see FTP’s Volunteer Day Policy for more information) and helped by painting, steaming linens and building beds. She did have some experience doing these tasks and enjoyed getting to know colleagues from other departments. Her favorite part of the day was seeing the family’s reaction at the bedroom reveal. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Mitchell (Enterprise Technology) said the day was a “blast” and that he is always looking for ways to help out. He helped by building, moving furniture and other items, cleaning and decorating (and came with some experience doing this type of work). He said his favorite part of the day was meeting the family at the end of the makeover and “seeing their smiles.” As well, he said highlights of the day were the “teamwork and joy we had throughout the day.” Mitchell also said that he was “grateful for the volunteer day and the chance to engage with the community and others in the company.” While it was a long day that “came down to the wire”, it was a “rewarding one” and “it really took all of us to get the job done!” Thank you, Mitchell!

Left, Mitchell, Julia and Sam, middle, Julia, Elizabeth, Mitchell & Sam

Cathy (UIT Administration) said she signed up “immediately” after reading our email asking for volunteers. Sadly, she had a sister who passed away from cancer, and she said she understands “the trauma a family goes through” and thought it would be “awesome to help create a special space for a child going through chemo.” She painted, cleaned, assisted in building beds, put together two lights and helped unload the truck in the morning (and had some remodeling experience!). She said her favorite part of the day was “pretty much the whole day!” and that the reveal of the bedroom was “amazing” and it was “exciting” to see the family’s reaction. Overall, she said the day was an “amazing opportunity” and that she would “gladly sign up again”. As she said, “The other First Trust employees and the Special Spaces staff…worked tirelessly to bring some happiness…it was AWESOME”. Thank you, Cathy!

Bilqees, Elizabeth and Cathy hard at work

Bilqees (East Sales) painted, helped in the building of items and cleaned the room, and while she said she had no remodeling skills and worried she wouldn’t be of any help, she found that she could help and contribute! She enjoyed seeing the room come together and found the experience “very satisfying…mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Thank you, Bilqees!

Left, Dave getting ready to paint, right Sam and Dave taking a quick photo break

Sam (Sales and Marketing Automation) said he enjoyed volunteering for a “good cause”. His day was spent mostly building things. He has volunteered for Special Spaces previously so he had some experience with what the day would entail. His favorite part of the day was the bedroom reveal. Thanks, Sam!

Nathan's family and friends at the reveal

Dave (IS Technology) has previously volunteered with the Foundation at several other Special Spaces opportunities. We know Dave as someone who is willing to do anything asked of him and at this transformation he painted, helped build beds, moved furniture and emptied trash. He enjoyed being part of the FTP team that gave Nathan a whole new bedroom space. Thanks, Dave!

Nathan's finished room, complete with a new fish tank!