Four homes in Murray’s Winchester Park neighborhood received a facelift in June, courtesy of Zions National Bank employees during their annual Paint-a-Thon. 

Many bank employees volunteer each year for the event, and for some it’s a bit of a family affair.

“The man on the ladder is my husband,” said Julie Martinez, a Zions Bank consumer underwriter (and painter). “It’s a great event, all volunteer-driven, and all the work is done after work hours. In fact, I went into the office this morning at 6:30, so I could get here and get
started early.”

The neighborhood outreach initiative was started by the bank in 1991, and this year more than 300 local volunteers will collectively refresh the four Murray homes with a new coat of paint, a landscaping lift, and a variety of light repairs. 

Throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, a total of 28 homes will receive a facelift in 2024.

Local volunteers will return each evening during the week-long event “until the job is done.” On the first day of the event, volunteer turnout was good with upward of 10 volunteers surrounding each of the four homes, some on ladders, some with rollers full of paint, some with scrapers
and caulk.

Martinez pointed to one house and said about the couple living there: “They’re great people and so excited for this. He recently hurt his leg, so we’ll help get the place fixed up, starting with fresh paint. We’ll also trim the roses and they’ve said they’d love some new address numbers.”

Older Americans are increasingly choosing to stay in their homes or “age in place.” According to a survey by AARP, more than 77% of adults over age 50 say they would choose to stay in their homes for as long as possible. In Utah, the number of households aged 65-plus increased 53% between 2010 and 2020.

The Paint-a-Thon project aims to help these older adults, people with disabilities and veteran homeowners take pride in their homes and maintain their independence for as long
as possible. 

The average age of this year’s project recipient is 71, with an average yearly income of $28,117. Project homes are selected from nominations from state housing agencies, community organizations and local churches. 

Occupants of the homes often like to get in on the act. “I’m the DIY queen,” homeowner Claudine Herman said as she helped mask the ironwork on her porch. “I’ve lived here for 18 years, and I’d do it all myself if
I could.”

Bank employee and project captain Dylan Walker agreed. “Claudine had the shutters down and had already done most of the scraping when we got here.”

Over the past three decades, Zions Bank employees have painted over 1,300 homes throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Not counting the dollar value of the volunteer hours, over those years the bank has donated more than $1.4 million toward beautifying homes in the three states in which they do business.

“Our dad works for the bank,” said young sisters Scarlett and Charli as they ate a taco dinner provided by the bank for volunteers. “This is our first time volunteering. We’ve been sanding since about 4:30 and it’s been hot working outside, but it’s fun, and it’s getting better now.” λ