Kindness in action: Qualico donation helps support children in need

Austin, TX - When Qualico’s Acts of Kindness program opens each year, Shasta Bruce, Director, Purchasing and Estimating, Pacesetter Homes Austin, is always quick to nominate an organization close to her heart. Shasta’s goals are simple: help make a difference and inspire hope within communities that need it.

In 2023, Shasta nominated Hope House, a non-profit organization in Liberty Hill that provides long-term care and homes for children with disabilities, which later received a $1,000 Acts of Kindness donation from Qualico. While the donation assisted Hope House with the meaningful work it’s already doing, Shasta’s nomination serves as a pleasant reminder of how just one act of kindness can blossom beyond a one-time donation.

“A company that not only encourages employees to find a cause that’s close to their heart to serve, but also gives them a paid day to volunteer with that cause, is the kind of company I want to be engrained with,” said Shasta. “And that’s what Qualico is.”

Breaking ground on the Sara & Dick Rathgeber Community

In mid-September, Hope House broke ground on the Sara & Dick Rathgeber Community. Shasta was quick to volunteer her time at the groundbreaking with a shovel in hand.

“The community will be comprised of two newly constructed homes designed to comfortably accommodate children,” shared Shasta. “The residences will ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment, combined with appropriate care, treatment, and professional supervision, which are crucial to the children's well-being.”

The groundbreaking was made possible with support from Shasta, Pacesetter Homes Austin, and other building partners. With construction underway, the new community is anticipated to be completed by summer 2025.

“We are eternally grateful to Pacesetter Homes Austin and Qualico who see the need to help their community,” said Erland Schulze, Development Director, Hope House.

Rendering of the Sara & Dick Rathgeber Community

Shasta's nomination through the Acts of Kindness program, along with time and material donations from trade partners, contributed to the installation of a new main entrance gate, roof repairs, and new exterior doors at one of the homes. This sparked further support, with Shasta successfully rallying backing from Pacesetter Homes Austin and the building community for another project.

Pacesetter Homes Austin demonstrated their commitment to the cause by not only donating roofing materials, but also by stepping in to complete the construction of one of the homes known as Joe's House.

“We were given the green light to help bid, build, schedule, and finish out Joe’s House,” said Shasta, “allowing us to continue Katherine Friesen’s legacy of giving back to community.”

Joe’s House is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month thanks to the help of Patrick Durbin, Area Construction Manager, Pacesetter Homes Austin, and Ricardo Lara, Construction Manager, Pacesetter Homes Austin, who are leading the charge.

Tom Lynch, President and General Manager, Pacesetter Homes Austin, believes giving back to community is part of our shared corporate responsibility.

“Time and again, I’ve been humbled to witness how our employees step up to this duty, meeting the moment with unwavering commitment,” said Tom. “It’s through these charitable actions that we hope to foster not just beautiful homes, but a stronger community and a brighter tomorrow."