As a company, Rufty Homes puts an emphasis on giving back to the community through various philanthropic efforts. Supporting those in need is a core value of our company, so it’s no surprise that it’s a reflection of the core values of our employees as well. 

Gratitude is always on our minds in November and we’re thankful for the individual volunteer efforts that our team members do every day. We hope you enjoy learning about how our employees choose to give back, in their own words. 

Note: some responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Brett Burnette, Project Management

“I volunteer for the Holland’s Church BBQ where we cook, hand chop, and sauce over 5,000 pounds of pork. We have been hosting this event at our church on Ten-Ten Road in Raleigh for over 50 years. We cook 100% of the food served, so it takes a lot of working hands to get it all cooked, packaged, sold, and cleaned up.

“I enjoy the fellowship of working with the community to benefit a good cause, where all proceeds go back to the church. The BBQ is held twice a year on the first Friday of April and November.”

Sydney Jamison, Business Development

“I am active with our PTA and have helped with our elementary school’s Fun Run which is our largest fundraiser of the year. I also serve as Room Parent for multiple classes each year.”

Kelly Nicholson, Accounting

“In March and October 2022, I traveled to Kenya and Ghana, respectively, for medical mission trips. Each trip was two weeks long and our team was able to see over 1,000 patients for medical and vision care and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

“My husband and I travel with Truth for Today Medical Missions, which works with local missionaries and churches in the areas they are traveling to. My husband and I have been blessed to do these types of trips since 2015.”

Don Pegram, Project Management

“My wife, Mary Ann, and I work Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child at the distribution center preparing the boxes for delivery. 

“Beyond that, I work through my church’s brotherhood installing handicap ramps, handicap bath remodels, and home repairs for those in need in our community. We also do disaster relief and church builds in other countries.”

Nicole Pounders, Client Coordinator

“Each September, I try to raise awareness for childhood/pediatric cancer in memory of Maddox, the son of a very good friend of mine who fought cancer for 8 years. Childhood cancer research receives only 4% of all cancer research funding which is not nearly enough to help these kiddos. 

“This year, I raised over $500 and biked 50 miles to bring awareness to this cause. In past years, I have participated in the St. Jude Walk/Run campaign and have organized blood drives. I make social media posts and promote wearing gold each September to spread the word about helping these kids and giving them a fighting chance at a life they deserve.”

Garth Stevens, Project Management

“Over the years, I’ve taken two mission trips to Guatemala, where I fell in love with Faith in Action Ministries. During the first trip, we helped build a concrete (CMU) medical facility for women. On the second trip, we dug and poured footing for a church all by hand. Who knew that two years later, I would be building a concrete home right here in Raleigh for Rufty Homes?

“As for my church, I am also able to give back throughout the year with the skillset the Lord has blessed me with being in construction. I handle most of the maintenance and projects that go on. We also visit a facility in Georgia twice each year where we hold services three times a day, have a full-scale Bible school for the children, and run a commercial kitchen and cafeteria for a week. It’s all very rewarding!”

We’re so grateful for our team’s commitment to giving back to those in need. If you feel inspired to do the same, consider participating in Giving Tuesday on November 29th.