Volunteers swapped artwork for screwdrivers and hammers last Wednesday at Rebuilding Together Philadelphia's annual art auction, which featured over 80 donated works.
The student group will use the money raised at the auction to purchase tools for use in their renovation projects in the spring.
The organization intends to raise $162,000 to fund its goal of improving over 50 homes by the end of April.
However, fundraising is only a part of the year-long process.
The Philadelphia chapter of Rebuilding Together -- spearheaded by Wharton graduate Robert Bellinger in 1988 -- selects from among 300 to 400 applicants in North and West Philadelphia and Montgomery County. All candidates are low-income homeowners.
Renovations range from replacing dilapidated floorboards to installing levered doorknobs and wheelchair ramps to make homes more accessible for elderly and disabled residents.
Several members of RTP's undergraduate board -- many of whom have been involved with Habitat for Humanity -- feel that the organization is unique because students are involved in the homeowner selection process and volunteers work on the entire project from start to finish.
You "build a personal relationship and really see the results of what you've accomplished," said Co-president Julie Yannalfo, a College senior.
"I feel like this is one way [in which] we can connect both communities," Co-Student Activities Council representative Santiago Cortes said. The College sophomore sees the organization as a way to help foster cooperation between the University and West Philadelphia communities.
In addition to broadening students' worldview, the volunteer work also affects the way which homeowners feel about themselves, President of the RTP Board of Directors Jennifer Shropshire said.
She recalls an elderly homeowner who -- after RTP outfitted her home with heating -- has assisted the organization in its community efforts nearly every year over the last decade.
By having some of her own problems eliminated, "she was able to focus on other people, which was very much a part of her natural spirit," Shropshire said.
Rebuilding Together is one of the largest volunteer organizations on campus, drawing in approximately 300 students to take part in the renovations each spring.
