Our team at ToolBank USA looks forward to keeping all of our ToolBankers up-to-date with what is happening across our network. Be on the lookout for our monthly newsletter and don’t forget to follow us and our affiliate ToolBanks on social media for immediate updates.
TOOLBANK BOURBON BARREL TASTING EVENT
ToolBank USA hosted a bourbon tasting at ASW Distillery on August 5 in Atlanta. Our ToolBank USA team members were joined by board members, local Atlanta supporters, and members of the Atlanta ToolBank team.
At the event, we were able to select the barrel of bourbon that ASW will be bottling for the official ToolBank bourbon. The group had a choice of 3 barrels and inevitably came to the consensus of which barrel would be best for our bourbon. The ToolBank bourbon bottles will be available to our affiliates for fundraising purposes, gifts, and special events.
TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES (TDS) UPDATE
ToolBank Disaster Services (TDS) has deployed our 24’ foot trailer outfitted with tools to assist in the cleanup efforts following the devastating flooding in Waverly, TN. Some areas in Tennessee saw almost a quarter of their average annual rainfall in only a few hours over the weekend. At least 21 people are confirmed dead, and dozens are still missing as residents and local officials continue to assess the damage.
For additional information regarding this deployment, use the link below.
Atlanta ToolBank Update:
The Atlanta ToolBank will be celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary at their Hammers & Ales fundraiser. Their event will be held on Saturday, September 18 at the Atlanta ToolBank.
Throughout the summer, the Atlanta ToolBank hosted a number of their Crafter Hours events where attendees built planter stands, beer caddies, and rake rack hangers.
They also hosted an Ice Cream Social and a number of Master Class events that included a beer tasting at Elsewhere Brewing, a bourbon tasting at ASW Distillery, and a wine tasting at Vinoteca.
Baltimore ToolBank Update:
Sustainability remains top of mind at the Baltimore ToolBank. Most recently their efforts were highlighted in an article on the Nuts for Natives website that showcases native gardens and plants in the Chesapeake area. Read the entire Nuts for Natives article: https://www.nutsfornatives.com/post/chesapeake-native-garden-baltimore-s-toolbank
The Baltimore ToolBank has two main on-site features that allows them to re-purpose more between 700,000 – 1 million gallons of storm water runoff annually from over two acres of rooftop: 1) ToolBank Rain Gardens and 2) Storm water Factory. Rainfall is rerouted to water native plants and wash tools. In turn, native flora creates bio-habitat for a range of pollinators from birds to butterflies to bats to bees and more.
Charlotte ToolBank Update:
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of our Charlotte ToolBank. On March 18, 2011, they fulfilled their first tool order that went to help build a learning garden at Ashley Park Elementary School. Since then, they have fulfilled more than 4,900 orders. Charlotte launched their 10FOLD Campaign to coincide with their anniversary.
At the end of July, the Charlotte ToolBank helped support Elevation Church and Elevation Outreach’s annual LOVE WEEK. Check out this quick video to see the Impact of LOVE WEEK.
Cincinnati ToolBank Update:
The Cincinnati ToolBank equipped over 300 volunteers for the annual Reds Community Makeover. The Cincinnati Reds partnered with P&G, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for this year’s project in the neighborhood of Avondale. This year’s project included: installation of solar panels, a greenhouse/outdoor garden, new synthetic turf for a football/soccer field, playground enhancements, multiple renovation and beautification sites, a shelter build, and a painted mural.
Hammers & Ales along with the Brewers Philanthropy Awards is back in 2021. Cincinnati will be hosting their fundraiser on Saturday, October 9.
Houston ToolBank Update:
The Houston ToolBank welcomed their new executive director, Marly Maskill, in July. She joins the ToolBank team with incredible experience in disaster services through her time with SBP and procurement / transportation during her time with the Houston Food Bank. We would also like to give a big thank you to Erika Hornsey for the 5 years she served as the Houston executive director.
In June, the Houston ToolBank partnered up with supporter, Green Mountain Energy Company Sun Club employees and other volunteers to paint two new Tool Hubs. These two shipping containers will allow pick up and drop off in West Houston and Texas City.
Save the date for Houston’s Hammers & Ales on Wednesday, October 20 at Memorial Trail Ice House.
Phoenix ToolBank Update:
Like many of our ToolBanks, Phoenix continues to aid in the PPE distribution to the local community because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the PPE donations from our partners at Bank of America and UPS, Phoenix has been able to distribute massive amounts of cloth and disposable masks, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer, gowns, disinfectant, and cleaning wipes.
In June, Phoenix hosted their Nuts & Bolts team game night virtual party and fundraiser. The games were hosted by Phoenix ToolBank founder, Iain Hamp, and included loads of “tool themed” questions as well as prizes for top ranked tool experts, most creative team name, team spirit (themes and dressing up are encouraged) and more.
Save the date for Phoenix’s Hammers & Ales on November 4. More details to come soon!
Richmond ToolBank
The Richmond ToolBank hosted it’s Hammers & Ales – Party with a Purpose in June at Brown’s Island. The event was free and open to the public. Richmond’s event brought together volunteers to build picnic tables and park benches that were donated to the RVA Parks. The event included live music from 3 local artists, local food selections, and local craft beers from their brewery partner, Vasen Brewing Company.
Like our Phoenix ToolBank, Richmond also donated massive amounts of PPE to their community and abroad. They were able to donated 1.1 MILLION surgical and KN95 facemasks to a medical relief organization serving the good people of Honduras.
Richmond has also been hosting the next generation of ToolBankers at their warehouse for picnic table builds over the past few months. They’ve hosted groups from River Road Church and Second Children Ministries.
Windy City ToolBank
The borrowing has begun in Chicago! The Mission Continues hosted a 2 day service project with Chicago area veterans. This project was in conjunction with Yollo Calli Arts Research and Enlace Chicago for Operation Enduring Service, a campaign honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and those inspired to serve.
Drone shots of the project and our blue tools were brought to us by our very own, Bill Hess, TB Disaster Services Manager & Panama City Program Manager. Bill is a US Marine Corps Veteran, having served 22 years active duty retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.
