Vincent D’Avena, (left), and Steve Cook, Rotary District 7610 governor. Contributed
Vincent D'Avena, the owner of A.V. Remodeling & Construction, was awarded Rotary International District 7610's Business of the Year Award at their annual conference for his company’s annual holiday charity program, Food for Trees.
Food for Trees will be in its fifth year of selling trees to collect food for those in need during the holidays this year. The program began in 2009 when Vincent D’Avena wanted to find a way to give back to the community, and the holidays seemed like the perfect time. Vincent thought if he could purchase Christmas trees directly from the grower, at cost, he could pass that savings along to everyone he knew and in return ask them to make a food donation when they picked up their tree.
“McLean Rotary became aware of A.V. Remodeling when the company asked the club to co-sponsor their annual Food for Trees program in December 2012,” said Jan Auerbach of McLean Rotary. “McLean Rotary was most happy to help spread the word about the program.” In 2012, the Food for the Trees program sold 110 trees and donated over $3,000 worth of food to Share of McLean, the local food pantry, and another $1,000 worth of food to the food pantry at McLean High School.
“The trees were beautiful, but buying them was a ‘feel good’ opportunity when you knew you were also helping those in need by donating food.” —Jan Auerbach of McLean Rotary
“We are very thankful to the McLean Rotary for their participation in the program and for helping us to spread the word about the program,” said Vincent D’Avena. “The response and support of the program has been wonderful. We hope to triple our orders and donations this year,” added D’Avena.
“The trees were beautiful, but buying them was a ‘feel good’ opportunity when you knew you were also helping those in need by donating food,” Auerbach added. “They have already set a date for the fifth annual Food for Trees program (Dec. 7-8, 2013) and McLean Rotary will once again be a proud co-sponsor.”
Founded in 2004 by Vincent D’Avena, A.V. Remodeling & Construction is an award winning home remodeling firm, dedicated to quality craftsmanship, universal design and environmentally intelligent remodeling, serving Arlington, Falls Church, Great Falls, McLean and Vienna. For more information visit www.avremodeling.com or call 703-307-7860.