In his professional life as an employee with KY-KO Roofing, Steve Mercer literally helps put shelter over people’s heads. But also in his volunteer work with The New Foundation, Steve again is concerned with placing children in safe homes, obtaining shelter from the pain in their lives. The New Foundation is a Scottsdale based residential treatment center for children and teens in crisis.
“I became involved with The New Foundation almost 3 years ago when I toured their facility. I just fell in love with what they are doing to rescue at-risk kids. These children are wards of the court, but The New Foundation strives to give them a new lease on life. Some of these kids’ stories would just break your heart.” And Steve adds that he has always been a volunteer, particularly with those groups that have a mission to help children.
This affable and dependable guy grew up in Massachusetts, just nine miles from Fenway Park baseball stadium. “I’m a Red Sox fan through and through!” Steve has also lived in California, and after a time in the southern part of the state “I finally had it with shoveling snow. I decided to move to Arizona--and threw away my shovel!” He has been here for twelve years now and still appreciates most “the weather! I don’t mind the heat, so I love being able to ride my Harley any time I want.”
In 2000 Steve participated in the long distance motorcycle run that includes a ride from California to Washington, DC, called “Run For The Wall”. He finished on Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans’ Wall. “This Run was started by vets who felt like they had been overlooked for their military service, and now it is an annual event.” Steve also formerly belonged to a Harley Owners Group (HOG) but now enjoys traveling around the area with four or five friends at a time.
Steve himself was a medic in the army during the Vietnam War. “While I was over there I stepped on a land mine, blew out my calf muscle, and destroyed the nerves from my elbow to wrist on my right arm. It took me 25-30 years to finally face what I’d been through. I visited the National Vietnam Wall in Washington, and finally got some closure. It truly was a healing experience.” For his sacrifices Steve received a Purple Heart.
Besides his work with The New Foundation, Steve also belongs to a number of watchdog organizations, IFMA (International Facilities Managers Association), BOMA (Business Owners and Managers Association), and the AMA (Arizona Multi-housing Association). He is not looking to retire just yet. “KY-KO treats me very well, and I believe I do a good job for them. I also enjoy the work I do with the company.” In Steve’s leisure time he excels at woodworking, creating music boxes and wooden boxes for jewelry.
With his commitment to rescuing children through The New Foundation, Steve Mercer is a definite asset to the Arizona volunteer community!
Name: Steve Mercer
What are your volunteer activities? Doing anything that helps the New Foundation
Which social event is your favorite? The New Foundation Gala and Auction
Favorite Restaurant? Carvers
Who is your hero and why? My Father. He was always there for me.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Billy Graham
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Larry The Cable Guy
What gives a woman/man style? Honesty
Do you have any Pets? One Dog, 14years old
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? Pride in ownership
What words describe you best? Dependable with integrity
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Honest
What was your first job? Hospital Orderly
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Little tolerance for people who will not give it their all.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty
What is your greatest indulgence? Any type of cheese cake
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? A brick memorializing my wife’s daughter
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wife Carol
What is your current state of mind? Relaxed
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Surviving Vietnam
hat is your most treasured possession? 1995 Ultra Glide Harley-Davidson
What is the quality you most like in people? People that work hard and well with others. Team Players
Favorite books / Writers? Spenser For Hire Series/Robert Parker
What is the best advice you have ever received? Work hard and prosperity will follow.
What words describes you best? I am a person who is loyal with integrity and will always give 100% to tasks I have been given; disabled Vietnam Veteran, 1967 TET Offense; wounded 1967; Honorable Discharge , 1969.