30 Dec Mike Robare: 2017 Humanitarian of the Year

Congratulations to our own Mike Robare for being named the Global Triple Star (Standing for Faith, Honor, & Integrity) 2017 Humanitarian of the Year! For Mike, it’s not just about giving money, it’s about giving his time and talents to make a difference. For all he does giving back to his team, his community, and for the last few years the communities of Guatemala building Bottle Schools, this recognition is well-deserved. We’re all very proud of you Mike!

Mike has a true “Heart to Serve”. As an active member of many local organizations and member of Life Point Church, he contributes not only money, but also dozens of hours a month in community service. Mike has participated in two Mi Casa Makeovers, completely renovating the homes of less fortunate families. Mike has also supported Big Brother Big Sisters for several years sharing a great love for children.

Mike’s humanitarian efforts currently extend to Central America. Mike has made several trips to Guatemala, joining in the mission of Hug It Forward, a non-profit organization responsible for facilitating education and awareness by empowering communities to build “bottle schools”. Bottle schools are built using post and beam construction, but instead of cinder-blocks the walls are made with plastic bottles stuffed with inorganic trash, as there is no waste management throughout most of Guatemala. Bottle schools clean up the environment and teach lessons about environmental sustainability.

Mike has completely embraced the Hug It Forward mission and has incorporated humanitarian efforts into his company culture. His employees are given the opportunity to participate with the company paying the entire cost of their trip to Guatemala and paid time off as a benefit to serving others.

In December of 2016, Mike traveled to dedicate the one-hundredth bottle school built in Guatemala. He was head of a committee that led three trips to Guatemala in 2017.