North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas announced that another city resident will experience an exterior paint makeover this summer.
Pappas and Jesse Gooch, proprietor of Painters Plus, announced that the eighth annual Project HOPE (Helping Others Paint Exteriors), a citywide contest for a free exterior home paint job, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 25.
For the eighth year in a row, Gooch will team up with Pappas and other city officials to assist with the project. In addition, members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas and local businesses will be supporting the event.
"It has always been my passion to help people and to make a difference in my community," said Gooch, noting that a desire to prevent the onset of blight in North Tonawanda is at the heart of Project HOPE. "During these tough economic times, it has been a struggle for people to maintain or improve their homes. I have seen many homes in the area that have loose and peeling paint, dingy colors and rotted siding."
Over the past seven years, Project HOPE has been a huge success with helping out local property owners that live in the city.
"My question is, are these people neglecting their homes or do they want to improve their homes but don't have the physical or financial means?" Gooch said. "I believe that in many cases it's not neglect and that's what drove me to start and continue with the Painters Plus Project."
The winner of Project HOPE will have their home pressure washed, primed and painted by the Painters Plus team and their volunteers. Gooch plans to select a person or family that is either disabled, elderly, suffering financial hardships or a disabled veteran.
Pappas said, "I am excited to be a part of this project for the eighth year of its existence. I can't thank Jesse and Painters Plus enough for their investment in our city. For the past seven years Project HOPE has helped change homes, neighborhoods and lives. I am sure this year will be no different."
The paint for Project HOPE will be provided by Sherwin Williams, located on Meadow Drive in North Tonawanda, and a local restaurant will provide lunch food for the volunteers.
Applications for Project HOPE may be submitted three ways:
• Online at www.PaintersPlus.US
• Mail a letter to Painters Plus at 800 Walck Road, North Tonawanda 14120
• Pick up an application at City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce office
Applicants are asked to, in a short paragraph, introduce themselves, explain their particular hardship situation and provide pictures of their house. They are also asked to provide their name, address and a telephone number they can be reached at. Photos will not be returned. Deadline for application submission is Monday, Aug. 13.
Additional information is available at 693-PLUS (7587) or by email at
[email protected].
