One of our volunteer photographers, Mark Reynolds (pictured left), received a Governor's Service Award! These prestigious awards honor individuals for extraordinary service to their communities and the positive impact they have in our Commonwealth.
Lexington Habitat for Humanity would not be the organization it is today without our volunteers. They have been critical to our mission of building homes, communities and hope for over 30 years. Mark is one of the dedicated volunteers who perfectly embody this sentiment. Since beginning his journey with us in 2014, Mark has done exemplary work documenting our history through photography and nurturing our partnership with his employer, Schneider Electric, who was the first corporate sponsor of our homebuyer program in 1989.
Mark’s love for Lexington Habitat was first discovered when he met one of our team members at an event. This is where he says he felt an immediate connection to our mission. Shortly after, we put Mark’s talents to use. He was asked to photograph one of the most meaningful parts of the homebuyer process – the home dedication. Home dedications are where Lexington Habitat homebuyers are presented with their new keys and celebrate alongside the sponsors, volunteers and staff who helped build their home. It is a truly special occasion for homebuyers and supporters alike. Mark was able to witness first-hand the magic of these events and capture it. That day at 809 Burgess Avenue with homebuyers Joseph and Yvonne would be the first of many home dedications that Mark would photograph for our organization.
However, Mark’s commitment doesn’t just extended to home dedication days. He has helped capture countless photos of all of our efforts: the families we serve, events we host such as our Shamrock Shuffle and Golf Tournament, and community projects throughout Lexington. The images he captures enable our community to see our mission in action. His photos are used in communications efforts, such as social media and publications, and help inspire others to support us through donations, volunteering and more.
Mark’s photography illustrates and enhances the strong partnership we have with the Schneider Electric Foundation. In addition to providing sponsorship funds and electrical panels, Schneider’s Dollars for Doers Grant initiative allows volunteers like Mark to leverage their volunteer service into donations for our organization. Since 2016, Lexington Habitat has received $15,000 as a result of Mark’s volunteer hours. Mark also participates in Schneider’s matching gift program resulting in us receiving an additional $2,800 in funding.
Mark believes in the importance of quality, affordable housing and inspires others through the images he captures. The images not only document our story, they tell the story. The old saying goes: “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Through the images taken with his camera lens, we can see this as truth. From the laughter of our families having their portraits taken to the presentation of the key at their dedication ceremony; from the walls going up to the ramp being built; to the drop-off donation to the ReStore sales floor; from the tee off to the last hole; from the starting line to the finish line; from the board room to the park project - these memories would not be preserved without Mark. We thank Mark for his countless hours of service and are truly blessed by such an outstanding individual who shares his talents with our mission.
Mark is recognized at 28:40 in the virtual ceremony, which can be viewed here.
If you’d like to join Mark and thousands of others in volunteering your time, learn more or sign up here.