Volunteers from across the United States coordinated their efforts with the Event Team Inc. and the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass to renovate the RPY facility in Sacaton. Above: A ramada is built in the play area of the RYP to provide shade to the residents under the hot, Arizona sun.
SACATON-Having been established more than 20 years back, Gila River Indian Community’s Residential Program for Youth (RPY) facility has aesthetically seen better days. Paint along the exterior baseboards had chipped and blown across the parking lot filled with old railroad ties that were being used as parking curbs.
This recently changed when the Event Team Inc., had gotten in contact with Ginger Sunbird Martin, Cultural Theme Manager with the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass (SWHP), looking for a charity they could put some effort into. Martin directed the team to the RPY facility in Sacaton.
According to Martin, the SWHP Resort has provided her with many opportunities to connect the generosity of corporate America with the Community. Comparatively, Martin said the grasps of this selfless endeavor reached beyond mere cosmetic improvements and deeper into the hearts of the children housed at the RPY.
“Whether it is hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies, thousands of bikes given or endless floral arrangements donated to the Caring House, by far this is the biggest project we have done,” Martin said. “We have enjoyed building a strong relationship with our family at RPY and look forward to what the future brings.”
Under the direction of Rowan Pickering, owner of the Event Team Inc., and in coordination with Martin from SWHP, a group of 160 volunteers literally rolled up their sleeves and proceeded to give the RPY a long overdue facelift.
According to Pickering, the Event Team has worked with the Sheraton before in supporting other charitable causes.
“We have 160 participants from all across the country who have donated their time to come and fix up the facility,” he said. “They’re painting the outside and inside of the facility. They’re building bikes, bike racks and ramadas while still trying to clean and get rid of stuff that has been affected by the weather.”
Administrator for the RPY, Arlene Holder, D4, said she couldn’t be more elated that the Event Team was undertaking such a major project, which would greatly benefit the children of the program.
With approximately 25 years to its credit, the RPY provides housing and care for children who are wards of the GRIC court system. These children range in ages from newborn up to 17 years old. Currently, 19 children are accommodated at the facility.
Director of Tribal Social Services, Ramon Mendoza oversees the Residential Program for Youth in Sacaton. Mendoza also works closely with Community Manager Pamela Johnson who in turn oversees the Tribal Social Services department.
“It was great to see the outpour of enthusiasm and see the end results,” Johnson said. “The group did an excellent job. Thank you to everyone in coordinating this event!”
Both Mendoza and Johnson were in attendance for the banquet celebrating the renovations that same evening. Also notably in attendance was GRIC Lt. Governor, Joseph Manuel and Chief of Staff, Greg Mendoza.
Beyond painting the exterior and interior of the building, Holder said the team built a school bus stop for the residents that would shield them from being so visible along Seed Farm Road. The bus stop would also serve to provide them with shade during the hot summer months.
“They’re building a little shed so that they can hang out in there until their bus comes,” she said.
Holder also pointed out a newly built ramada in the back play area. Up until then the play area was absent of shade aside from that which was provided by the surrounding trees. Within the play area, she said the team built a volleyball court and put together benches for the residents to sit on.
The outpouring of support, Holder said, has really been a joy to witness. At the time of the Event Team’s renovation, she had only been in her position for six weeks.
Holder said. “Since being at RPY, I’m amazed at the outpour of support RPY had been receiving.”
Within RPY, the children are the top priority when it comes to services and care. So, it was with much enthusiasm that the staff and volunteers went about handling the many tasks of renovation to the facility.
“You know, the focus is on the kids,” Pickering said in between directing volunteers towards unfinished duties like installing Nintendo Wii gaming consoles and new televisions. “And this is going to be great, really great.”
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