Huntington Bank Vice President and Community Development Relationship Manager Nicole Marquez first picked up a paint brush to volunteer for the Paint-A-Thon when she was only 17 years old.
Working side by side with her mother on a project, Marquez learned the value of community care and volunteerism, leaning on her mother’s words that it takes a village to get things done. Today, she still volunteers for the Paint-A-Thon each year and uses her expertise to promote housing solutions — particularly in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood, where her family grew up.
“I keep coming back because the impact is immediate. In a single day, you see a home revitalized, a family’s pride restored, and the block looks brighter,” said Marquez. “Watching volunteers show up in selfless service and seeing those smiles at the end reminds me that small acts create lasting change.”
Marquez has created lasting change through the Paint-A-Thon, spending more than 10 years volunteering for the program with different groups and organizations — first alongside her mother during her time at Wells Fargo and now with her colleagues at Huntington Bank. Her dedication to older adult neighbors and homeowners with disabilities led Brothers Redevelopment to proudly honor her with the Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award at the September Local Social fundraiser.
The Roland Buteyn Heart of Service Award is the highest honor a Paint-A-Thon volunteer can receive. Named after Roland Buteyn, who helped develop many of Brothers Redevelopment’s core services — including the Paint-A-Thon and Home Modification and Repair programs — the award carries forward his legacy of service. Though Mr. Buteyn passed away in 2018, his spirit lives on through volunteers like Marquez who continue to strengthen communities.
Marquez accepted the award in front of her family and colleagues, calling the moment deeply meaningful and humbling. While proud to be honored, she said the recognition felt more like a collective celebration with her family and colleagues than a personal achievement.
“Volunteering has deepened my belief that homeownership is as much about dignity and belonging as it is about finances. After more than 10 years in the mortgage industry, I understand the numbers; hands-on projects like the Paint-A-Thon showed me the human side,” said Marquez.
“When a home is in distress, owners can feel embarrassed or disconnected. By repainting, fixing small exterior issues, and caring for the property, we remove that barrier, restore pride of ownership, and help people feel part of their block again,” she added. “Volunteering reshaped my views: strengthening a home strengthens the community.”
The Paint-A-Thon isn’t the only service Marquez has provided to Brothers Redevelopment’s clients. Thanks to her efforts, Huntington Bank has hosted financial empowerment workshops for residents at Brothers Redevelopment’s affordable housing communities. She has also given her time to The Local Social, volunteering at activities like the wine toss, while Huntington has supported the event as a sponsor — helping Brothers Redevelopment raise vital funds for the Paint-A-Thon.
Beyond her work with Brothers Redevelopment, Marquez serves on the boards of Warren Village and Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. She has also been involved with organizations like NEWSED CDC and Denver CASA in the past. Whether through professional roles or personal commitments, volunteering has long been one of her passions.
People like Marquez help drive the Paint-A-Thon forward and strengthen our communities. Brothers Redevelopment is grateful for her dedicated support.
“I believe volunteering is essential because giving back is what makes our world better. It fosters real change, improves health and well-being, and reminds us that there’s always someone facing tougher circumstances,” said Marquez. “Small acts of service create a domino effect. One kind gesture inspires another, leading to sustained progress on the social determinants we’re working to improve — like housing stability, food security, education, and mental health. When more of us show up, community resilience and belonging grow.”
Marquez will continue that service this fall, leading her upcoming Paint-A-Thon project with Huntington Bank colleagues on October 3 in Denver’s Villa Park neighborhood.