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BIAW EDITION
EXTREME MAKEOVER BIAW MEMBERS STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE, HELP SUPPORT INDUSTRY-FRIENDLY CANDIDATES
This spring, longtime Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association member and Washington Affordable Housing Council (WAHC) advocate Gary Wray presented a challenge to BIAW’s government affairs team they simply couldn’t resist. Wray offered to shave his
Immediately following the board of directors meeting, Gary Wray delivered on his promise to shave his beard and cut his hair if $10,000 was raised for WAHC. Above, BIAW members are in awe of Wray’s makeover transformation.
trademark beard and cut his hair during the summer board meeting if $10,000 could be raised for WAHC.
CHALLENGE MADE, GOAL MET
Wray, who recently ended his term as WAHC chair, is a huge proponent of the building industry and raising money for WAHC is just one of his many talents. Thanks to his courageous challenge and the generosity of many BIAW members, the $10,000 goal was met! WAHC provides financial support to home building industry-friendly candidates. During the WAHC meeting, WAHC dollars were put to good use with a unanimous vote to support Representative Alex Ybarra (R-Quincy, Dist. 13) in both the August primary and November general election. Ybarra was appointed to fill the seat vacated earlier this year by Representative Matt Manweller and is on the ballot for a special election this year to retain the seat. At the conclusion of the summer board of directors meeting, Wray stayed true to his word. With the help of hairstylist Jose Lopez of the Gentleman’s Barber Shop in Yakima, Wray’s facial and hairstyle were utterly transformed. Later, Gary’s wife, Moe, informed us that she had not seen him clean-shaven during their entire 47-year marriage. Needless to say, she was pleased with the end result. While Gary is currently in the process of growing back his beard and locks, he is eager to see who steps up next to help out WAHC with a challenge of their own.
ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE
“Legislation and elections impact every BIAW member and their businesses every day and I’m happy to help out this cause,” said Wray. “I’d like to see someone top my efforts for the next fundraiser.” If that someone is you—raising funds for a good cause—contact BIAW Government Affairs Director Jan Himebaugh at (360) 352-7800 ext. 135 or janh@biaw.com with your challenge. A huge thank you to Gary and everyone who donated to make this one of the most significant WAHC fundraisers in recent memory. Before and after photos of Gary Wray during his extreme makeover.
BUILDING INSIGHT BIAW.com
