Power Washers of North America volunteer to help clean America - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Mark · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-04

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jack Pitzer

Executive Director
PWNA Clean Across America Week

Power Washers of North America volunteer to help clean America

Alexandria, VA - April 29, 2004 – Power Washers across North America will combine their efforts all across our nation by donating power washing services to neighbors in need.

During the week of July 24-31, 2004 power washing companies will be contributing their time, workers, and materials to various organizations and groups to work at schools, hospitals, shelters, parks, government buildings, as well as police and fire stations. Teams will help clean accumulated dirt and grime, graffiti, mold, mildew from our public buildings, streets, parks, and other public areas. All work is performed with environmentally safe procedures.

Participating companies should submit a Pledge Form to indicate their interest in being part of the weeklong campaign. The form is available at www.pwna.org.

This volunteer effort is being organized by the national association of Power Washers of North America (PWNA) in an effort to improve the environment and safety in our communities. The Power Washers of North America is the recognized leader in developing and communicating the highest standards in ethical business practices, environmental awareness and safety through continuing education and active representation of the membership.

The original idea was conceived by PWNA member Henry Bockman of Henry’s Housework Inc. (www.henryshousework.com) in Germantown, MD. He has launched several service projects in his area such as pressure washing all of the log cabins for Camp Friendship. The Camp Friendship Program of the Carol Jean Cancer Foundation offers recreational and support programs for kids with cancer and their families in Maryland, District of Columbia and northern Virginia.

Power Washers of North America (PWNA) is a nonprofit trade association committed to communicating the highest standards in ethical business practices, environmental awareness, and safety through continuing education and active representation of the membership. Certification is available in environmental cleaning, kitchen exhaust and wood restoration. PWNA has over 450 member companies. For additional information, visit www.pwna.org.

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OrangeCrest · #2 (**permalink**) 05-02-04

Hey Mark...

I was in the process of contacting the Neighborhood Clinic here for that very purpose.

Removing the cobwebs and the gum all over the sidewalks and the grime around the ashtrays, all donated of course. I am going to do this on a quarterly basis and I am also going to donate a little table with toys attached to it as well; the one they have now is in really bad shape.

I am just trying to figure out what IRS form, if any, I have to get signed for donating services over $250.

Great Idea!!

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Pulled this from the IRS's site:

For a contribution of $250 or more, you can claim a deduction only if you obtain a written acknowledgment from the qualified organization. You must obtain this written acknowledgement by the date you file your tax return or the due date of the return, whichever is earlier. A person donating property valued at more than $5,000 must obtain a qualified written appraisal.

You cannot deduct the value of your time or services, personal expenses, appraisal fees or contributions to specific individuals, among other things.

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I guess this part, "You cannot deduct the value of your time or services," answers that...

I'll be calling the IRS Monday to confirm it.

MR ALAN · #3 (**permalink**) 05-02-04

Mark,
Thanks for posting that, it will help get the word out to more people.

Scott Stone · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-04

I'm sorry, I won't be participating. It looks like they are targeting a MAJOR market of mine. I cannot see doing for free somethign I get paid for, in this area. Now if they targeted 501(3)c corporations or charities, I would not have as big a problem with it.

Scott Stone

Dan S · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-04

Sounds like a great Idea However; how can one justify all that work for a week ?

Employees, fuel, wear, chemicals, etc............

Plus while you are doing all that "free" work you are not meeting and or seeing new customers. Summers are already short !

I cant see how you can make time unless you have somebody clean for you for free............ with that said you would have to train somebody to run your equipment and hope and pray that they dont break it down << Then you would lose more income while you are working on your equipment.

And what if you are not a PWNA member? DO they sign you up for free? Or if you dont want to be a member how is it going to look when you show up at your local court house and say the pwna is doing this to help clean the town. But I am not a member.

Not trying to start a "war" just looking @ it from a different side!!

#6 (**permalink**) 05-09-04

Dan it looks like this is open to all, member or non member and unless I read it wrong you can do as much or little as you want.

The whole idea is to get out and do something good with the business name that others will hear about and see.

Could lead to a lot of good contacts and it could bring in nothing, but if you don't try you won't know.

Not a whole lot of things where I am can be done so not sure I can or will jump in.

oneness · #7 (**permalink**) 05-11-04

I could see doing shelters and that type of thing for free, but not the rest...Like Scott said, why do for free what you'd normally get paid for? Should I just pick some houses at random that week and do them for free? The idea is good, but needs some fine-tuning.

OrangeCrest · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-04

Quote:

Originally posted by Dan S
Sounds like a great Idea However; how can one justify all that work for a week ?

Employees, fuel, wear, chemicals, etc............

Plus while you are doing all that "free" work you are not meeting and or seeing new customers. Summers are already short !

I cant see how you can make time unless you have somebody clean for you for free............ with that said you would have to train somebody to run your equipment and hope and pray that they dont break it down << Then you would lose more income while you are working on your equipment.

And what if you are not a PWNA member? DO they sign you up for free? Or if you dont want to be a member how is it going to look when you show up at your local court house and say the pwna is doing this to help clean the town. But I am not a member.

Not trying to start a "war" just looking @ it from a different side!!

Hey Dan...

I agree with you... I am doing it on my own, under my name and not influenced by anyone. Years ago, before I started at Costco and in between insurance carriers, these people took excellent care of my son; In fact, when I got insurance, I often told the doctor's I needed to dump my insurance so I could qualify to go back to the Neighborhood Clinic, because they actually looked out for my son and took care of him and treated him like he was the best thing since sliced bread.

They gave my son shots for $10, for all the shots that he needed at that time, the other doctors wanted something like $160 per shot.

This place is affected by the sagging California budget, and being clean outside maybe important to them, but it is all bare bones right now.

A weeks worth of free-for-alls? I'll pass... But for things I really believe in and helping those who helped me when I was in a time of need, or a home for the elderly? You bet!!

I would be doing it for the elderly, to give them something to smile about.

It could have its benefits. If you were to make the paper which a business owner just happen to pick up and read, which impressed him enough to give you a call for work.

I estimate it will take me around an hour or two and cost me probably around $12 in fuel and chemicals.

The return is the satisfaction to know I also made a difference and was able to show my appreciation for helping me when I wasn’t able to afford to get my son’s shots when he needed them.

Just an idea of a place to consider...

Henry Bockman · #9 (**permalink**) 07-19-04

Hey Guys,

Just because it's a week long thing doesn't mean you have to do it all week.. It's just a time frame that can be used if you want to be part of it. The PWNA is urging members to get involved and they wanted to see how many people got involved in doing it. This should be great for any companies that want to be a part of it. You can get free publicity for it and help out your community at the same time. I'm power washing an ice skating rink for my contribution.

If you have any other questions about this topic, let me know. I'm the one that came up with the idea and worked on gettting it set up.

Henry Bockman
301 353 9234
240 274 0300
www.henryshousework.com

henrybockman · #10 (**permalink**) 07-24-04

I just wanted to remind everyone that this project starts Tomorrow on the 24th of July through the 31'st.

I wanted to Thank those of you that have volunteered to give one day of your time in service to your communities. My project will be taking place on Tuesday and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

I plan on posting pictures of my project when it's completed and I hope to see what others will be doing also.