THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 19, 1995 TAG: 9502170234
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Taking their cue from the successful ``Paint Your Heart Out, Chesapeake'' project sponsored by the Chesapeake Rotary Club, Norfolk's Rotarians will undertake a ``Paint Your Heart Out, Norfolk'' project this year.
The program, which uses volunteer labor to paint and repair the homes of elderly, low-income citizens, is in its fourth year in Chesapeake.
The announcement of the Norfolk project was made at a recent reception attended by Chesapeake Mayor William E. Ward and Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim.
The mayors have proclaimed April 22 as ``Paint Your Heart Out Day'' in both cities.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk will become a partner with Chesapeake in the club's annual project. Ann K. Sullivan will chair the event, and Fraim will be honorary chairman for Norfolk.
Volunteer teams, using donated supplies, will paint and repair selected homes during the one-day project. The homeowners chosen are 62 years old or older with an annual income of $12,000 or less. Handicapped homeowners or those with special circumstances also may be considered for the project.
``Remember that the idea came from Chesapeake,'' Ward chided Fraim. ``We will help you in any way we can.''
Fraim promised the Norfolk Rotarians that city officials would support the program. He expressed confidence that the project would develop strong community support and involvement, as it has in Chesapeake.
``You will see elderly homeowners' expressions change from disbelief to tears of joy,'' Ward promised Fraim.
The Chesapeake Rotarians have painted and repaired 76 homes. Last year about 1,000 volunteers turned out to help. On April 22, they will tackle another 25 area homes.
WCMS Radio, WTKR-TV 3, Adams Outdoor Advertising and TCI of Virginia are ``platinum'' corporate sponsors of the Chesapeake project this year, having donated $7,500 or more. Crestar Bank and the City of Chesapeake became ``golden heart sponsors'' by donating $5,000 or more. by CNB