BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.,
Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/
-- They spend countless hours in the classroom – decades after
they attended school themselves. Whether it's painting murals
on the walls of a new elementary school, reading with students in
the classroom or raising funds for much needed supplies - Del Webb
residents are known for their volunteer efforts in schools across
the nation.
"We are bringing together two different generations and it's a
very positive experience for both," said Barbara Graves, 67, who is known by the students
at Rutland Elementary School as 'Grandma Rutland'. Dozens of
Graves' neighbors volunteer with her at the school, which is
located across the street from Lake Providence by Del Webb in Mount
Juliet, Tennessee. "I feel like I've become a surrogate
grandmother of hundreds of children. The kids make their way
into your heart and the teachers are so appreciative of the time
and resources we provide them."
Nearly 70 percent of Del Webb communities have reported an
increase in the level of volunteerism over the past three years,
according to findings from a recent internal Company survey.
Del Webb regularly conducts surveys at its more than 50 active
selling communities nationwide to monitor new and emerging
trends. In the same survey, 75 percent of the communities
reported a high level of volunteerism by residents; a trend that
has continued even as most Del Webb communities have seen an
increase in the number of still-working residents in the past ten
years, said Judy Julison, national
director of lifestyle operations for the Company.
"We find that the core motivations of active adult homebuyers
center around leading more fulfilling lives - and that doesn't just
mean engaging in social and recreational activities or working out
at the gym," Julison said. "Baby Boomers have been changing
this country for decades and they continue to look for ways to make
a difference. Today, fulfillment includes giving back to
society, and one of the most rewarding ways is in your own
community and in local schools where the need is great. At the same
time, you stay active and connected while growing personally as you
help others learn."
According to the most recent Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, 60 to
70 percent of 55 and 64-year-olds surveyed said they are or plan to
participate in volunteer activities. Most cited "personal
fulfillment," "giving back to the community," and "helping others"
as the main reasons why volunteerism was so important.
As the leading builder of active adult communities, Del Webb has
seen hundreds of examples of residents' volunteering and getting
involved. At Sun City Carolina Lakes, the community's
Woodworkers Guild formed a relationship with the Trades Department
at Indian Land High School. A host of volunteers teach
various projects in the woodworking area of the shop – from
teaching basic materials and design skills to turning ball point
pens on a lathe and making wooden cutting boards, bowls and tool
boxes.
"These volunteers give their wealth of knowledge and talent so
these kids can learn skills that will very well help them for many
years to come," said Mark Bonda,
building construction instructor at the high school. "The
partnership and experience they bring to the table is indispensable
to the school. We would not be able to teach what we teach
and offer the tools in the shop without their involvement."
The Del Webb residents also talk to the students about career
planning, help update curriculum and sit on the advisory board for
the high school. They recently collected funds to donate a
special table saw that has a stopping mechanism that will not allow
it to cut through flesh, Bonda said.
For volunteers like those with the Woodworkers Guild, the Del
Webb community lifestyle provides many outlets for people seeking
ways to give back to the community.
"When we deliver the school supplies, the principals and
teachers are thrilled and sometimes overcome with emotion at the
generosity of our Del Webb residents," said Michele Ramsey, who lives in Del Webb's Sun City
Mesquite north of Las Vegas. She and others in the community
collect supplies for three schools in the area and residents also
volunteer in the classroom. "We read stories, assist in the
classroom, help chaperone field trips and even work with the kids
on science experiments. There's never an end to the ways you
can give back."
About Del Webb
Del Webb is a national brand of
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM). Del Webb, the pioneer of active
adult retirement communities, is America's leading builder of
developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has
redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing
and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb's
amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging
environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical
fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next
chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still
working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities
currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more
information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more
about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at
www.delwebb.com/value.
SOURCE Del Webb