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Home Builder’s Boom Times Good for Tampa Charities

Pelletz began his donations three years ago after Westfield Homes had experienced a “tremendous period of growth and wanted to give back to the community that was so good to us,” said Debbie Porter, a spokesperson for the company.

Westfield Homes is donating five dollars from each of its closings to: Guardian Ad Litem, which helps abused children find safe and loving homes; Museum of Science and Industry children’s programs; The Center for Women, for its programs serving Tampa Bay’s teenage girls; and the Tampa Marine Institute, for its rehabilitation efforts with teenagers.

The charities receive checks from Pelletz quarterly.

The company’s ongoing charitable efforts usually don’t generate much publicity and “no one really cares if it helps business,” said Porter. “It just makes us feel good.”

The goal this year is to close 850 homes, which would enable Westfield Homes to donate at least $4,000 to each of its favorite charities.

In conjunction with Tampa’s channel 10, and some help from viewers who chose paint colors, floor plans and other interior design features, Westfield Homes is also sponsoring “From the Ground Up.”

All of the proceeds from the sale of the home built though this campaign will be donated to local charities. The home should be finished by the end of this summer.

NAHB members or home builders associations that have been involved in community service projects are encouraged to enter the National Housing Endowment/Home Builders Care Project of the Year award.

This is the final year the award will be presented.

The winner will be recognized at the 2004 International Builders’ Show and will receive $5,000 to be donated to the charity of his choice.

Entries must be submitted by Oct. 15.

For entry guidelines and an official entry form, click here.

For further information, e-mail Kimberly Wilbur or Kym Kilbourne or call them at 800-368-5242 x8061.

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