It wasn't the first time that Floor Layers Union Local 1861 had donated their time and talents to resurface Boys & Girls Club gym floors. In 1995, Tony Rigmaiden, Financial Sectretary and nephew Steve Rigmaiden, field Representative, had heard of the need at the Menlo Park and Redwood City branches, and decided to make a positive impact on the community. They organized union volunteers to resurface both branches.

After five years of tough use by area kids, the 6,500 sq.ft. Mervin G. Morris Redwood City gym floor was due for another sanding and refinishing.

This time, Field Representative/organizer Martin Luther Rigmaiden, helped enlist 21 union members to donate services, at a savings to the club of up to $40,000...money that was freed up to go directly into club program s.

Steve Rigmaiden coordinated the donation of materials and equipment by Finer Floors, HY Floors, Big Oak Hardwood, Stuart Floors, White Oak Floors and Matthew Burke & Associates. After Mel Hollis of Basic Coatings agreed to provide the entire supply of finish, Local 1861 was ready to proceed.

The Local's President William Strange noted that a project this size would usually take a week, but with all the manpower that showed up, the sanding part was done in a day.

"The union has always been a friend of the club," said Morris Branch Unit Director Rickey Watts. "Now our floor has new life, and because of the big union turnout of volunteers, the kids are back on it in record time."