Another ARA Foundation Impact Project Donates $20,000

Volunteers and equipment provided by area rental organizations were able to renovate the landscaping for the Holy Angels nonprofit organization out of Belmont, North Carolina. Holy Angels is a charity providing care for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities and medical conditions. 

The American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation, in collaboration with M & M Sales, Cardinal Rents, Creative Solutions Special Events, Sunbelt Rentals-Ft. Mills, Ditch Witch of the Carolinas, Cooke Rentals, Party Reflections, TCS Event Rentals, Bulldog Equipment Sales and First Source Rentals provided equipment and 75 volunteers for a comprehensive landscape renovation. In addition to the revitalization, a $20,000 grant from the ARA Foundation was gifted to the president and CEO of Holy Angels, Kerri Massey.  

According to the release:

A Toro Ultra Buggy 2500-T provided by Sunbelt Rentals-Ft. Mills.The American Rental Association FoundationThis project for Holy Angels was the first significant landscape redesign in decades. The project involved 10 yards of soil, 25 yards of mulch, and the removal of 20 old hedges and bushes – some of which were originally planted when the Morrow Center was built 52 years ago - and their replacement with 150 fresh landscaping elements, including 10 tons of river rock. New drainage pipes were also installed to improve functionality and sustainability.

"We are beyond excited to receive this incredible grant from the ARA Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation,” said Massey. “It has been a long time since we have had the opportunity to undertake a project like this, and it will make such a positive difference in the lives of our residents. The new landscape design will help enhance our grounds, making it feel even more like home for those we serve. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of everyone involved.”

Shannon Thomas, CERP, vice president, Creative Solutions Special Events, Belmont, N.C., who also serves as secretary of the ARA of North Carolina, works closely with Holy Angels and brought a group of volunteers to participate in this wonderful project. “Holy Angels is ingrained in our community and the communities around us. It is an absolute honor to be able to connect the ARA Foundation through its Community Impact Program and Holy Angels. The work that was accomplished by volunteers from the industry that I love so much was simply amazing! The way the rental industry stepped up, above and beyond, is an experience that I will not soon forget! I’m humbled and proud of our rental partners,” Thomas said.

As one of many Impact Projects across the U.S., this follows a separate Impact Project completed in the summer for the United Way of Metro Chicago.