Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County kicked off its 2011 Women Build program with a special “Building Blocks Luncheon” and shopping event on Oct. 6 at Harbour Bay Plaza in Sewall’s Point. The event raised more than $11,000 – a solid foundation for 2011 Women Build home – and a big step toward the fundraising goal of $100,000.
Nearly 100 people were in attendance and each had the unique opportunity to buy items needed to complete the 2011 Women Build home. The shopping list included all the necessary “building blocks,” from footer concrete, paint and roofing nails to doors, cabinets and appliances. Many items are still available for purchase – visit HabitatMartin.org and click on “Women Build” to view the shopping list.
The luncheon and presentation included passionate testimonials from Habitat volunteers and staff, as well as past and present Women Build home recipients, detailing the profound impact this program has on the Martin County community and its female participants.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to lead our fourth Women Build for a very special woman, Shameeka Dixon, and her family,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services at Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. “We’re thrilled with the outpouring of community support at our recent luncheon. Attendees purchased a variety of items – even the kitchen sink – to help cover the cost of construction for Shameeka’s home. Because of their generosity, we’re off to a great start in funding the 2011 Women Build.”
The 2011 Women Build home will be built for Shameeka Dixon and her two 4-year-old boys in the Hobe Sound community of Banner Lake. Dixon is already contributing to Habitat’s sweat equity requirement of 300 volunteer hours. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 13 at 8481 Citrus Way and construction of her home will begin in January. Dixon will purchase the home with a no-profit loan and her monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.
“Owning a home means everything to me. I’ll be setting up a great foundation for my children and they’ll have a place to call home,” says Dixon. “It’s also a great achievement for me to reach one of my life-long goals.”
Special thanks goes to the following sponsors and in-kind donors for their generous contributions: Audrey Calderazzo (Arbonne), Michelle Deen (BeautiControl), Terri Dinney, Bill Graff, Gardenia Long, Christina McIntosh (Pampered Chef), Mary Resnick, Veronica Stein (PartyLite Candles), Hard Exercise Works, Harbour Bay Plaza, HJA Design Studio, The Impressive Type, Massages by Holly, New Growth Media, Rosalind’s Uptown Fitness, Stuart Blue Printing, Renato’s Italian Ristorante and the 2011 Women Build Committee.
To learn more about Women Build events, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.
About Women Build
Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Women crews around the world have built thousands of homes since Women Build’s official creation in 1998. Each year, more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.
About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.
