Rebuild Upstate celebrates volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Rebuild Upstate, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving safe and affordable housing for individuals and families in need, celebrated its volunteers this week with a free BBQ meal.

Rebuild Upstate staff and board members came together to serve a free BBQ dinner to the non-profit’s generous volunteers on April 23. The event, held at Bethesda United Methodist Church in Easley, featured BBQ donated by Nick Smith, Vice Chair of Rebuild Upstate’s Board of Directors, fellowship, and a celebratory award program honoring those whose commitment went above and beyond in 2025..

Rebuild Upstate recognized several volunteers with special awards during the event:

• Golden Hammer Award (Site Leader of the Year) — Alan Russell
• Golden Wrench Award (Handyman Club Member of the Year) — Chris Harrell
• Outstanding Volunteer of the Year — Tom Fruhwirth
• Hall of Fame — Kyke and Justin Felker
• Young Professional of the Year — Mickey Walker
• Ambassador Award — Chris Simcoe

“We would be nowhere without our volunteers,” said Rebuild Upstate CEO Jake Beaty. “Celebrating our volunteers is easy. These folks donate so much of their free time to help us preserve affordable housing in the Upstate. All of the work we’re able to do is largely thanks to them.”

Volunteers are the backbone of what Rebuild Upstate does, their work would not be possible without them. Over 13,500 total volunteers have supported the home repair program since its inception. Rebuild Upstate offers a variety of volunteer opportunities: individuals can volunteer as site leaders or as a part of our Handy Man Club and there are plenty of group opportunities. More here: https://rebuildupstate.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Rebuild Upstate is committed to keeping low-income homeowners safe and living in dignity with home repairs and accessibility improvements in existing houses and neighborhoods. Home repairs can range from small plumbing fixes to roof and floor replacements. Accessibility improvements range from installing grab bars and railings for vulnerable populations to building wheelchair ramps for those with disabilities.

About Rebuild Upstate

Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.