- May 12, 2024
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Brian Madalena, of All Volusia and Flagler Heat and Air; is shown with Brenda, Asia, Shawn and Manny Willis, who received a free heat pump. Photo courtesy Native Expressions Photography
The Willis family received a free heat pump. Shown are Asia, Manny, Shawn (dad); and Brenda (mother). Photo courtesy Native Expressions Photography
Brenda and Shawn Willis watch as their new HVAC system is installed. Photo courtesy Native Expressions Photography
A family’s need and the love they show each other were the reasons they were selected to receive a new heating and cooling system for their hurricane-damaged home.
Brenda Willis, who is active in her Deltona community and volunteers as a youth cheerleading coach, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006. When she began to need more assistance last year, her husband, Shawn, quit his 18-year career as a cross-country truck driver to make sure her needs were met full-time.
Then, Hurricane Irma damaged their home’s HVAC System, as well as other parts of the house.
They were chosen this year by All Volusia and Flagler Heating and Air LLC to receive a four-ton, 14-SEER Goodman heat pump in the company’s third annual “Pay It Forward” Thanksgiving Donation.
“He left a career he loved to make sure she was taken care of,” said Brian Madalena, of All Volusia. “Our company and fellow contributors were able to witness what true selflessness, compassion, humility, and love truly looks like.”
The Willises had been high school sweethearts, After his military service, Shawn Willis became a truck driver, to fill his life-long dream of seeing the country.
The HVAC system was donated by Goodman Manufacturing, of Daytona Beach, and installed November 18 by All Volusia and Flagler Heating and Air, a family-owned business in Daytona Beach since 2010.
SEVERAL COMPANIES “PAY IT FORWARD”
Along with donating the new HVAC system, valued at $4,000-$7,000, local companies also helped with home repairs.
“After seeing the effects of what Hurricane Irma had on our community this year, we decided we wanted to take this a step further and asked other local businesses if they would be willing to contribute their services and they have shown us outstanding support,” Madalena said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have helped the Willis Family when they needed a hand most.”
John Gilvary, of Painting with Fin-S, helped with miscellaneous home repairs in addition to painting; Aqueous Films made a video; Native Expressions Photography documented the event; Cubco Embroidery provided T-shirts; and Swillerbees Craft Donuts and coffee bar supplied refreshments.
“There isn't a family much more deserving of such help than the Willis Family in Deltona,” Madalena said.
Each year, All Volusia and Flagler Heat and Air asks for nominations through social media for deserving people to receive a heat pump. After sorting through the list of nominees, company representatives visit the top 10 that show the most need, Madalena said. The entire office at the company then discusses the nominees and selects the recipient.
“This has been an incredible way for our company to reach out and give back to our community that supports our business every day,” Madalena said.
Visit VolusiaFlaglerAC.com.
