We Make It Happen – Acacia Fraternity at RPI
We Make it Happen
Volunteer Profile: Acacia Fraternity at RPI
In each of our newsletters, we will introduce you to TASP’s most valuable resource: our volunteers. We’ll try to help you know them as we know them; some of the most dedicated, selfless and caring people in our community….people just like you who love animals AND people; and who are blessed with the time and skills to be a hands-on part of the solution that keeps companion animals from being relinquished.
Over the past few years, a steady source of manpower for TASP has been the Acacia Fraternity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Ever since we presented our first Meet & Greet at the Acacia House, the brothers have opened their arms and hearts to our mission. Independently, they have raised hundreds of dollars for TASP through their bake sales, concerts and other events. Teaming up with TASP volunteers each October at the Mohawk and Hudson Runners Association’s Marathon, the Acacia Guys help us earn thousands of dollars that are spent on the medical and preventive care of local owned and foster animals here in the Capital district.
In 2014, when the ASPCA granted TASP the supplies to build a new behavioral training yard for canines, the Acacia crew was there to erect the yard. Since then, TASP has been able to effectively and safely re-wire dogs in need of behavior modification for issues like prey drive, dog-dog aggression and other conditions that threatened their futures.
When TASP was bequeathed a small storage property for our donated supplies by our long-time supporter and volunteer, the late George T. Kautz Jr., the Acacia brothers pitched in to help us perform critical repairs and upgrades that will allow TASP to maintain safe, clean storage for all the donated goods TASP distributes to the needy pet owners in our region.
TASP received great benefit through our association with Acacia. It is nice to know that they also appreciate being associated with TASP. Perhaps this is most effectively stated by the current President of the RPI chapter of Acacia, Eli Zervigon:
“At Acacia, our motto is human service. We were delighted to be referred to TASP by one of our wonderful alumni and to learn about this unique organization. Through TASP we have had the opportunity to have a very genuine positive effect not only on people, but on the animals those people love. Getting involved with TASP, as a fraternity, introduced us to many amazing people and the ability to use our best asset: people power. Going to work-days at the TASP property allows members of the fraternity to not only feel great about helping out but it gives us a chance to de-stress and be outdoors. We also do our best to raise money for TASP when we can through bake sales and concerts, and volunteer at the Mohawk Hudson marathon every year.”
The Acacia brothers understand that helping TASP support companion animals and their owners in times of crisis is a key way to not only serve animals in need. They know it also helps their fellow human being who may depend heavily on the companionship and unconditional respect they get from their pet. It teaches the financially-challenged, the elderly, the disabled and others that they do matter, that there is hope and there will be better times ahead. Exceptional work from young men creating their own futures!
