Spruce Up Anchorage (SUA) began in 2020 in response to the Spruce bark beetle outbreak plaguing Anchorage for many years. For Paul's Tree Service, this was the right opportunity to give back to a community that has always supported the company. Paul had spent all summer in dusty, scratchy trees and decided enough was enough. Although he couldn't save the lost trees, he could try to plan for a bett
er, greener future. Hundreds of people entered the contest, and 200 lucky new tree parents were chosen at random. Community interest grew when people learned that the true cornerstone of SUA is Betsy Guzenski, Paul's late mother who passed away from breast cancer in 2019. It is because of her character, and because of the values she instilled in Paul that the organization exists today. Her legacy is the reason that SUA has become a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a purpose that hits close to home. Our mission is to help bring light, compassion, and financial help to women, people, and families who find themselves in the clutches of a life changing breast cancer diagnosis. To promote wellness and happiness among our neighbors and meet our core mission, SUA will engage the community in three ways:
1) Sapling donation and educating the community of the importance of urban forest/canopy.
2) Donations of money and/or services/experiences to families and individuals experiencing breast cancer.
3) Promote early detection and action upon the first sign of cancer. Here at Paul’s Tree Service and Spruce Up Anchorage, we believe in the power of leveraging difficult change to our collective advantage. Whether it be a favorite backyard tree, or a family member to cancer, loss is destructive and life changing. However, through loss comes adaptation and change, and even perhaps a new way of life.
