Nominate a deserving veteran today through Sept. 30 for Year Two 30 Days for 30 Vets home improvement project eligibility
McHENRY — Nominations are open and home improvement project warriors are wanted for the second year of the 30 Days for 30 Vets initiative coordinated by The Bremer Team – Keller Williams Success Realty.
In the first year of the program, launched last summer, more than $200,000 worth of home improvement projects were awarded to 30 of the dozens of area U.S. military veterans who were nominated. Actually, due to word of mouth and contractor, business and community support, the program was expanded to accommodate 34 projects, said Dawn Bremer, owner and president of the McHenry-based Bremer Team.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible contractors who stepped up time after time when I asked,” Bremer said. “They didn’t just repair homes. They helped restore hope for these veterans, and that, to me, is irreplaceable.”
To nominate a veteran for the 2025 awards list, click the “Nominate a Veteran” button at 30daysfor30vets.com. Contractors, businesses and others wishing to support the effort should click “Donate” at 30daysfor30vets.com or reach out to Bremer at Bremerteam18@gmail.com.
Needed are materials and tradespeople to perform remodels, flooring or painting projects, roofing jobs, HVAC upgrades, deck or ramp projects and more. Also needed are cleaning and junk removal services, furniture, décor and appliances, meals, gift cards or self-care items. Financial contributions to support all of the efforts are highly encouraged.
“If you have a service, product or skill, we can find a vet who needs it,” Bremer said. “Even one donation can change someone’s life. Let’s show up for those who showed up for us.”
Bremer said the first year’s efforts were hugely supported by Home Depot. She singled out Geri Quirk-Blanken, manager of the Volo Home Depot store, and Sarah Stigler, manager of the McHenry store, for high praise. “Without them, this would not have happened,” she said.
Quirk-Blanken said the Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot members from stores within the chain’s northern Illinois district already are on board to support the coming year’s projects.
“We really enjoy giving back to the community through our partnership with 30 Days for 30 Vets,” she said.
Michael Adams, a Bremer Team agent who also is a U.S. Marine veteran, stopped by the home of U.S. Army Sgt. Retired Johnathan Draper in Lakemoor July 31 to check out Draper’s recently completed project. Lennar homebuilders removed and replaced a dilapidated, unsafe back deck, adding a wide ramp for the disabled vet.
“Talking to all of these veterans, especially the ones who have received a home improvement project and hearing their feedback, it’s the motivation to keep me pushing with Dawn and the rest of the team to do this again and again and to give back to this community that I care so much about,” Adams said. “I’m incredibly excited for the launch of our second year.”
Draper, who lives in Lakemoor with his youngest daughter, Evie, and their pet dog, said he was overwhelmed by the help that he was provided. It included not only the deck and ramp, but also gated fencing so that he could have a safe running spot for the family’s beloved Staffordshire Labrador, Willow. And Lennar didn’t stop there, Draper said.
“They also installed landscaping,” said Draper, a 36-year-old who served from 2007 to 2011. “They put in bushes and flowers all around the outside of the deck and inside the fence. I’m not versed on plants. I don’t know what they are, but they are beautiful.”
Bremer said what was done for Draper is one of the many examples of generosity that the 30 Days for 30 Vets initiative has fostered to date, including the work of Lennar as well as Jett’s Heating and Air, Innovative Home Concepts, Weatherwise and many others. And she looks forward to seeing how this year’s program will develop.
“I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude,” Bremer said. “What started as a mission to give back to those who have sacrificed so much has turned into something bigger than I could have ever imagined. Watching this project come to life last year and seeing it grow to what it is this year reminds me of the power of community.”
The Bremer Team – Keller Williams Success Realty is a real estate brokerage with offices at 1218 N. Green St., McHenry. The firm is known for charitable endeavors such as diaper drives, supporting Kids in Need of McHenry County, and its 30 Days for 30 Vets initiative.