Washington Hospital’s employee volunteers that performed last year’s spectacular renovation of the Shelter Against Violent Environment’s (SAVE) home for abused women and their children in the Tri-City area won a national Newspaper Award for its Make-A-Difference Day project.

An estimated 3 million volunteers participated in Make A Difference Day nationally, and 5,000 groups entered for an award. Ten of those received National Awards, which come with a $10,000 charitable donation from actor-philanthropist Paul Newman, and 545 received Newspaper Awards, which include certificates and publication in USA Weekend.

The Washington Hospital Employees’ Association (WHEA) was the only Tri-City area group to receive a Newspaper Award, according to last year’s WHEA Board Vice President, Nancy MacDonald.

Last year was the first time WHEA participated in Make-A-Difference Day. Upon touring SAVE’s shelter for abused women and speaking to SAVE’s Executive Director Rodney Clark, the WHEA board decided to undertake the project.

Originally, the board decided to adopt one room of the shelter, but enthusiasm for the project grew and the board decided to adopt the entire home. Renovations included cleaning, painting and providing new, coordinated furniture for the home.

Through employees’ efforts, approximately $20,000 was raised for the project, in addition to the work done to the home itself, which was renovated over the Make-A-Difference Day weekend. The overwhelming support from employees enabled the project to be completed a day ahead of schedule.

WHEA performs several charitable projects for employees and their families, as well as at least one community service project and blood drives.