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Dear Habitat Supporter,
Welcome to the October edition of the Habitat Update! It appears
as though the weather has told us that fall is officially here,
and I hope you’re enjoying the season. This month has been
a very busy one for the affiliate: highlights include the Women
Build-a-Thon on site, the announcement of this year’s Holiday
Card Design contest winner, and the Family Support Committee’s
annual family outing at a local pumpkin farm. This month is shaping
up to be just as jam-packed! We have the Sixth Annual 5k, a Habi
Hour and the last ReSale of the season all coming up in November.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Additionally, I trust you’ve received your fall fundraising
appeal in the mail this month. Be sure to make your donation soon!
Thanks for being a part of Habitat for Humanity’s vision,
and I hope you enjoy this month’s affiliate news. The October
Habitat Update, as well as previous months’ news, is also
available to view online at www.habitatbucks.org/update.asp.
Take Care!
Mikaela
PS: As always: If you prefer to have a hard copy version sent
to you or would not like to be included on this distribution list,
please respond stating your preference; the Habitat Update functions
as a way to improve communication about the goings-on of Habitat
for Humanity of Bucks County, and will be sent once a month; if
you have information to send to others as part of the Update,
or would like to make a suggestion in regard to the content or
style of the update, please contact me (m.martin@habitatbucks.org
or 215.348.2204 x306).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• GROUPS ON SITE:
Women Build
• GROUPS PROVIDING LUNCHES:
Mary Meister, St. Peters Lutheran Church in Hilltown, Merck Retirees,
Deep Run Presbyterian Church, Blooming Glen Mennonite Church,
Girl Scout Troop 1006
• NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER HOURS
LOGGED AT EMERALD HOLLOW TO DATE: 93,668
• NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS AT EMERALD
HOLLOW TO DATE: 10,324
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WELCOMING…
The Family Selection Committee accepted two new families for our
Emerald Hollow development at our October meeting; they are the
first families selected from our Aug. 4 Application Day. Doreen
and Marcos Tejeda currently live in Morrisville with their children,
Erica, Melody and Garick. Patti Moskauski lives in Quakertown
with her daughters, Moriah and Talya. Welcome!
ON SITE…
Roofing is complete on Cluster 10, and patio doors, windows, and
staircases have been installed. Garage foundations and framing
are complete. Foundation work has begun on Cluster 9.
We were blessed with beautiful weather during the Women Build-A-Thon
week, as nearly 60 women built five garages, installed staircases,
and laid the block to complete the foundations of several homes.
Volunteers contributed over 900 hours and nearly $16,000 to the
event. The week kicked off on Oct. 13 with an opening ceremony
at which partner family Lee Dorn and her four children and current
Habitat homeowner and Board of Directors member Peggy Kindt shared
their experiences with the program. Amy Wynn Pastor, carpenter
extraordinaire from the DIY Network, joined our building efforts
on Oct. 20 and spoke about her experience working with Habitat
at a Closing Ceremony to conclude the week. Partner family Jessica
Allen, along with daughter Lillian, also joined us at the closing
ceremony and shared her experience learning construction skills
with Habitat. > Read a full press release here
--
Over 1,900 hours and almost $75,000 has been raised for Women
Build 2007, but there's still time to show your support! Help
us to achieve our $100,000 goal by visit http://habitatbucks.org/donate.asp
and today (be sure to specify “Women Build” in the
special instructions box).
Can you or your employer consider a corporate sponsorship for
landscaping? Sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity to enhance
your company’s profile as a community leader! An estimated
$61,000 worth of shrubbery, trees and grading materials are needed
to complete the Emerald Hollow community – and Habitat for
Humanity is counting on our community partnerships to make sure
it happens. Planting is an additional way for corporate employees
to participate in our program and can be a great team building
day. For more information, contact Trish at t.schoor@habitatbucks.org
or 215.348.2204 x303. Make a contribution of “green”
to Emerald Hollow today!
IN PARTNERSHIP…
This year’s holiday card design by Bucks County artist Carole
Graffeo was created especially for the benefit of Habitat for
Humanity of Bucks County. Carole, a Bucks County resident for
30 years, owns and operates a small business from her home that
specializes in decorative painting of children’s furniture
and unique gift items. “I am just so thrilled to have my
artwork used to benefit the mission and work of Habitat for Humanity!”
Cards are available for sale now online (http://habitatbucks.org/shopProducts.asp)
and at several local shops:
> Bakers on Broad, Souderton
> Doylestown Book Shop, Doylestown
> Duane’s Hair Design, Souderton
> The Larder, Doylestown
> Level 2 Hair Designs, Doylestown
> Contemporary Collections, Doylestown
> Neshaminy Mall Customer Service,
Langhorne
> Piper Classics, Pipersville
> PNC Bank, New Britain
> Seraphim Gifts and Collectibles,
Dublin
>Sovereign Bank, Hilltown
A variety pack of holiday cards featuring several winning designs
from previous years is also available. All card sets are $8 for
a pack of ten.
Neighbor to Neighbor is really putting the "fun" in
fundraising! The American Idol Talent show and Expo that was held
on Oct. 11 was great fun! 240 realtors attended the event and
cast votes for each of nine contestants that performed. Sue Thomas
of Keller Williams won with her rendition of Shania Twain’s
“Any Man of Mine.” The event raised almost $4,000,
putting the group at $58,457 – more than halfway toward
their goal of raising $100,000 (a house sponsorship). The Bucks
County Courier Times published an article with pictures entitled,
“Singing for Dollars” on Sun., Oct. 21. Habitat for
Humanity partner family Joseph Deng, and board member Paul Payton,
represented the affiliate at the event. Special thanks to the
BCAR staff and the Affordable Housing Committee for their efforts
on this event. With the Idol event complete, Neighbor to Neighbor
is poised to meet their fundraising goal in June, 2008. Coming
soon, will be an actual address on Daniel’s Lane and the
biography of a family who will be working to complete their sweat
equity hours to secure a home in this last cluster of homes in
the Emerald Hollow neighborhood. We are all so proud that the
community of realtors has risen to this awesome fundraising challenge
and truly made affordable housing a matter of conscience and action.
Congratulations, guys!
JOIN US…
ReSale continues through the fall; the last event will be held
Nov. 10, from 8am until 12noon at the Big Red Barn, 1733 Creamery
Road, Quakertown (> map).
The ReSale is currently featuring several brand new ASKO dishwashers
and several dining room tables from a premier furniture retailer,
as well as doors, windows and other remodeling supplies. For more
information, contact Trish at t.schoor@habitatbucks.org
or 215.348.2204 x303.
--
Think you may have something to donate to the ReSale? We will
happily accept the following: new and unused building materials
and supplies, including lumber, carpeting, windows, doors, unopened
paint, lighting and interior fixtures, etc.; new appliances; new
and gently used garden, power and hand tools; extension ladders;
new and gently used furniture. Call 215.348.2204 x317 for donation
information! Please be aware that we are unable to pick up donations.
Also, we are unable to accept used appliances, clothing, toys,
books or small household items. There are numerous organizations
in the area that accept things we cannot. Visit http://habitatbucks.org/donate2.asp
for a complete listing of those organizations, what they accept
and their contact information.
The Family Support Committee’s four-part, financial planning
workshop series, presented by the Society of Financial Service
Professionals will complete on Nov. 10. All partner and homeowner
families, as well as recent applicants are invited to attend the
final workshop at the Habitat office from 9 – 11am. Babysitting
and refreshments are being provided. Contact the Family Program
Department for more information 215.348.2204 x307; s.clark@habitatbucks.org.
Eatin’ here is good for the neighborhood! From Nov. 12
through Nov. 14: Download, print and present this flyer to your
Applebee's server, http://habitatbucks.org/pdf/ntn-applebees.pdf,
and they'll donate 10% of your check to Habitat for Humanity's
Neighbor to Neighbor program. Participating Applebee's include:
> 9142 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia
> 1063 Street Road, Southampton
> 3219 Street Road, Bensalem
> 1745 Easton Road (Barn Plaza),
Doylestown
> 2 West Road, Newtown
> 145 Northwest End Blvd., Quakertown
Lace up those sneaks! The after-Thanksgiving tradition continues
thanks to the incredible leadership of event coordinator and Habitat
board member, Bill Tuszynski. The Sixth Annual Habitat 5K will
take place at Quakertown United Methodist Church in Quakertown,
co-sponsor of the event with the Quakertown Rotary Club. Quality
long-sleeve t-shirts will be given to all pre-registered runners
and while supplies last on race day. Post-race raffle prizes include
gift certificates, merchandise and, of course, homemade pies!
All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 24; registration at 8:30am, 3/4 mile
kid's fun run at 9:40 am, race at 10am, awards at 11am.
• Where: Quakertown United Methodist Church, 1875 Frier
Road, Quakertown
• Register: Download the registration form here, http://habitatbucks.org/pdf/5k2007registration.pdf,
or register on-line at www.active.com.
Contact Bill at 267-374-1631 or wtuszynski@comcast.net
for information about the race. You can be a race sponsor and
have your business logo on the race shirt by contacting Trish
at t.schoor@habitatbucks.org
or 215.348.2204 x303!
Hooray for Habi Hour! Habitat for Humanity recently began hosting
a monthly hour of informative fun. New to Habitat? Want to know
how you can get involved? This is the perfect introduction to
the mission of and opportunities at Habitat for Humanity. Volunteered
with us before but still have questions? Interested in changing
up your participation? You’re also invited! This presentation
and Q-and-A session is mainly volunteer-led, giving you the scoop
straight from the horse’s mouth. Habitat staff will also
be on hand. Habiticians, veteran and new, come join us for a lively
discussion! The next Habi Hour will be on Thur., Nov. 29 from
5:30-6:30pm at the Habitat office in New Britain. For more information
or to register, please contact Laura at
l.mcclellan@habitatbucks.org or 215.348.2204 x302.
GIVING THANKS…
This year’s Women Build program was made possible in part
by: Capmark Finance, Inc, Connelly Foundation, Fourjay Foundation,
Genuardi Family Foundation, Jones Apparel Group, Lowe’s,
Makefield Women’s Association, and The Patricia Kind Family
Foundation. Representatives from several of our sponsors joined
the Women Builders for lunch on Fri, Oct. 19, where State Representative,
143rd District, and Advisory Board member Marguerite Quinn discussed
the importance of the Women Build in creating affordable housing
opportunities and in setting an example for our community. Miss
Berks County, Christine Keegan was also at the lunch. After lunch,
the Clymer partner family graciously opened up their Emerald Hollow
home for a tour. Thanks to everyone for making such a great afternoon!
Over the past year the fabulous ladies of the Makefield Women’s
Association created 31 gift baskets, including an X-Box gift basket
and several Bed & Breakfast gift baskets. Raffle tickets for
the baskets were sold throughout the year, including at Peddler’s
Village Strawberry Festival and Lower Makefield Community Pride
Day, with all proceeds benefiting Habitat’s Women Build
and other worthwhile community causes. The baskets were raffled
off at the Yardley Harvest Day and over $5,000 was raised for
Women Build! Thank you to the Makefield Women’s Association
for all their support!
Thank you to St. Matthews Lutheran of Perkasie who made a $5,500
donation to Habitat for Humanity! Faith Relations Committee member
Steve Buckner and church member spoke to the congregation on a
chosen Sunday. Thanks to this congregation for getting a new partnership
off to a great start. We hope we can build upon it for years to
come!
County commissioners Sandra Miller (a member of the Women Build
Advisory Board), James Cawley and Charles Martin made a donation
of $50 for every Women Builder participating in the Build-a-Thon.
Their total donation reached $2,000! Thanks, commissioners!
OUT AND ABOUT…
There was fun in the sun at the pumpkin farm this month! The Family
Support Committee hosted its Annual Habitat Family Outing on Sun.,
Oct. 21 at Hellerick’s Farm in Plumsteadville. Five Habitat
families were joined by members of the support committee, family
program department, and their families on a very sunny and warm
afternoon. The group tailgated with some apple cider and cookies
while everyone arrived. Attendees were treated to a history of
Hellerick’s Farm (owned and operated by the same family
for six generations!) before taking a hay ride through the pumpkin
patch, then checking out the family fun area, corn maze and pumpkin
picking. Fun was had by all! Thanks to committee member Jim Clair
for working out all the details for the event!
On a recent Sunday, Doylestown United Methodist Church organized
a Women Empowering Women Day. The services that morning were all
led by women, and women-oriented organizations, including Habitat’s
Women Build, had the opportunity to discuss their programs with
the congregants. Steering Committee member Mary Meister was on
hand to distribute literature and generate interest in the Women
Build.
What's big and red and has the power to change lives? The Thrivent
Builds Mobile! The mobile is a bright red mini-museum on wheels
that tells the story of poverty and substandard housing in America
and how you can be a part of the solution through Thrivent Builds
with Habitat for Humanity. The Thrivent Mobile was at Lutheran
Church of the Resurrection in Yardley on Oct. 6. It was a great
Saturday! The weather was beautiful, and 263 people toured the
mobile and participated in a nail pounding contest and kid’s
activity table. On Oct. 7, the Thrivent Mobile visited at Trinity
Lutheran Lansdale, who had over 350 people in attendance. These
events really helped get out the message for needed affordable
housing in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. For more information,
contact Martha Forss at 888.776.5669 or martha.reitz@thrivent.com.
MAKING NOTE…
Last week the fall appeal for donations to Habitat for Humanity
of Bucks County was mailed to your home. Individual donations
account for 55% of our operating budget. We can’t exist
without your support – your ongoing generosity is the cornerstone
of our mission! Please take this opportunity to respond to the
fall appeal; you may do so online at http://habitatbucks.org/donate.asp,
if you prefer (be sure to specify "fall appeal" in the
special instructions box). Let us know if your employer has a
matching gift program, or might consider a corporate build day.
Your advocacy on behalf on Habitat Bucks makes a difference!
Partner families Daniel Gicuki and Salome Thiga (children, Brian
and Bernice) and Corey and Marybeth Fisher (children, Rebecca
and Madelyn) have each been assigned an end unit after completing
half of their required sweat equity hours.
Habitat for Humanity has recently partnered with the folks at
The Home Mag, a regional advertising publication for home improvements.
The publishers will be sponsoring a color advertisement for Habitat
Bucks in the magazine each month for the next year! The Home Mag
has a circulation to more than 125,000 in Bucks County and provides
information on home-related products and services. Stay tuned
for upcoming opportunities as part of this partnership: contractors,
builders, realtors and suppliers will be able to advertise themselves
as Habitat for Humanity partners in the magazine. This is an excellent
option to support your Bucks County affiliate and meet your advertising
needs!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mikaela D. Martin
Marketing + Public Relations
Director
Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County
215 Matthews Avenue
New Britain, PA 18901
215.348.2204 x306
fax: 215.348.7988
www.habitatbucks.org
From 2005-2008, Habitat for Humanity will
build 36 affordable homes in Bucks County. Each home will require
a commitment of 2000 volunteer hours and financial contributions
averaging $4,250 per day. Habitat relies strictly on the generosity
and commitment of our neighbors and partner families to provide
these resources, and to make safe, affordable housing a matter
of conscience and action in our community.
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