KNOXVILLE, TN – May 8, 2006 – Building a Habitat for Humanity home and giving the hope of a fresh start to a family of eight is the latest "pet project" for Radio Systems, the industry leader and manufacturer of PetSafe brand electronic pet management training solutions.
The Knoxville-based company and its employees have donated more than $40,000 and 614 volunteer hours to build a five-bedroom house at 1619 Cathedral Lane in Knoxville that will soon be home to one local couple – and five of their 10 children ranging in age from 2 months to 16 years.
Construction started with a March 25 "blitz build" and continued during three Saturdays in April, when Radio Systems employees and the homeowners finished interior walls, roof, and vinyl siding. Two more workdays are scheduled for May 13 for interior painting and May 20 for the installation of trim, cabinets and the final clean up. An official ribbon-cutting and dedication of the home is scheduled for May 20 at 5 p.m.
The new homeowners, who are contributing "sweat equity" to the home through their active participation in the building process, said they are grateful to have a place to call their own. The home will have more space than the house they currently rent on Central Ave., and will provide more privacy for the older children and a safe outdoor play area for the younger ones. They agree that the Radio Systems employees who are donating their time and money to build their house are "special people ... amazing people."
Radio Systems President Randy Boyd agreed and said that 75 percent of the Radio System's employees in Knoxville have contributed to the company's community outreach initiatives within the last year.
"As a company, we value community service, and feel it's particularly important to give back to the community in which we live." said Boyd. "Habitat is one of those great organizations that a number of our associates felt strongly about supporting because it makes such an important difference in the area where we all choose to live."
In addition to the Habitat for Humanity build, Radio Systems and its employees have donated $20,000 to shelters, rescue organizations and spay and neuter clinics across America and have contributed more than $5,000 to Knox County's Second Harvest Food Bank. Radio Systems employees also sponsored 180 angeltree children at Christmas, raised money for breast cancer research through the Susan B. Komen Foundation's annual Race for the Cure, and collected nearly $11,000 for Junior Achievement. Radio Systems also contributed over $26,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort and provided emergency shelter for 18 dogs and cats who survived Hurricane Katrina with their pet parents.
About Radio Systems®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Radio Systems Corporation (RSC) is the maker of the PetSafe®, Invisible Fence®, SportDOG®, and Premier brands. This brand portfolio makes RSC an industry leader in the management of pet behavior, pet training solutions, containment systems, safety and lifestyle product solutions. You’ll also find the pet-loving hearts at Radio Systems and its brands giving back to the community by sponsoring dog parks, rescue missions, adoption facilities, and dozens of other philanthropic ventures.