You’ve seen the signs around town, wherever his crew is at work: “William Evans Painting.”
But — as good and professional as he is — Bill Evans is much more than a house painter.
His true passion is gathering goods, food, clothing, furniture and more for people in need.
Bill heads CT Quest for Peace — an organization that contributes time, resources, and financial aid to a dozen missions in Nicaragua. They include schools, a trade learning center, medical facilities, a maternity hospital, a burn center and an orphanage.
Bill ensures that (literally) tons of needed supplies are sent to Central America. He also supports nutrition programs, has started scholarship programs, and contributes to loan programs.
Bill Evans
Bill brings his collected goods to a warehouse in Bridgeport, where he sorts them. He travels to Nicaragua twice a year to interact with local communities and organizations, identify new areas of need, and plan for the distribution of his resources.
But it’s not just Nicaragua. The longtime Westporter collects and repairs wheelchairs and walkers for people in Somalia.
Bill also helps local folks. Recently, he provided furniture and clothes to a refugee family. He delivered it personally — and helped set everything up.
Bill relies on many volunteers to help. He pays people — those who need the money — for their efforts.
In 2012 Bill received Fairfield Prep’s St. Ignatius Alumni Award, presented to graduates for their accomplishments and commitment to justice.
Bill Evans grew up in Stamford. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnical Institute with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering.
He carried on the painting business (currently William Evans Painting) that he and his brothers started to help pay their tuitions to Prep and college. He and his wife Joyce have 4 children: Bryan, Abby, Tim and Molly.
Thanks, Bill, for helping make the world a better place — and all of us, better people.
(Hat tip: Julie Shapiro. To nominate an unsung hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)