Phoenix-based heating and cooling contractor, Hobaica Services, Inc., (hobaica.com) recently partnered with local businesses in Hobaica’s annual BEGIN program, to donate $46,375 in heating and cooling units to Phoenix-metro families in need this past holiday season.
The BEGIN program —Business Entities Getting Involved in our Neighborhoods — is in its second year. Community residents were asked to nominate deserving people they knew who were in need of a new HVAC system in their home. In turn, Hobaica Services gave away one home comfort system per week during the months of November and December to deserving Valley residents whose HVAC systems were in disrepair or who never had a system installed in their homes.
Local businesses were also encouraged to get involved, by donating time and resources to the program. Nineteen local businesses pledged their support and donated services and resources such as thermostats, metal products, crane services, air distribution materials, and even heating and cooling units to the program.
“We’ve been so touched by the outpouring of community support for the BEGIN program, from the 19 businesses that have given their time and resources, to the local residents who nominated deserving people they knew who were in need,” says Paul Hobaica, president of Hobaica Services, Inc.
This year, BEGIN partners include:
Johnstone Supply
American Refrigeration Supply
Emerson Climate Technologies
Empire Metal Products
Hercules Industries
Lennox Industries
Brewer Enterprises
Advanced Installation
Servpro of Central Glendale and West Phoenix
2009 BEGIN winners:
- Kezia Allen, Phoenix, Ariz. - nominated by a longtime friend who describes Kezia as, “...a truly wonderful person who never asks for help...[and] it’s been a difficult and stressful year for her, but she really tries to maintain a positive and happy attitude.” After Kezia’s many attempts to fix her faulty HVAC unit in her home, the unit has proven itself inoperable.
- Karla Johnson, Glendale, Ariz.- nominated by a long-time friend who has seen Karla continually care for others, often before herself. Karla’s faulty HVAC unit has proven itself beyond repair, leaving her in need of a new heating and cooling system in her home.
- Leo & Rachel Benevidez, Peoria, Ariz. - Rachel and Leo Benevidez were nominated by a longtime friend who has seen the couple work hard and raise their five children. Now, Rachel a retired teacher and Leo a retired carpenter are both on disability and have one of their children and grandchild living with them. Currently, the family does not have a working heating unit and only a faulty evaporative cooler for the summer months.
- Michelle Kingsland, Phoenix, Ariz. - Michelle Kingsland and her family were nominated by Michelle’s cousin to receive a new heating and cooling system. Michelle lives in her home with her four adult children and her 3 year-old grandson and has been without heat and air conditioning for 15 years.
- Karen Dunning and Harry Ford, Mesa, Ariz. - nominated by Harry’s sister who has seen Karen and Harry, both disabled and unable to work, take care of Karen’s mother for seven years until she passed away. Currently, Karen and Harry do not have a working heater.
- Anita Thompson, Phoenix, Ariz. - nominated by a friend who describes Anita as, “...such a good person and does for everyone else [and] I really feel that it is time that someone does for her.” Anita and her two boys have been without air conditioning and heating for two years, making their home unlivable during the summer months.
- Virginia San Miguel, Phoenix, Ariz.- nominated by a friend who describes Virginia as, “...a very sweet and giving person...she would give the shirt off her back if you asked her.” Virginia has been without air conditioning during the summer months and is currently without heating during the winter.