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Chicago Dream Home Raffle Supports Worthy Causes
Setting an example of how builders and home builders associations are helping individuals in need in their own communities and around the globe, the 2009-2010 Chicago Dream Home Raffle is raising money for three non-profit charitable organizations with strong ties to the housing industry.
In a series of early bird drawings and a final drawing on Feb. 11, at least 150 prizes are being awarded in the fundraising effort. The grand prize winner will work with Orren Pickell Designers & Builders to design and build their own $1.3 million dream house, or they can choose $1 million in cash. Raffle tickets are currently available for purchase through the site www.chicagodreamhomeraffle.com.
“As a Chicago area builder, we are proud to be the builder sponsor for the Chicago Dream Home Raffle," said Orren Pickell Designers & Builders. "It is a privilege and responsibility to be part of transforming lives that have been ravaged by homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. We hope thousands of people will support the Dream Home Raffle effort.”
The beneficiaries of the raffle are:
- WINGS, which provides shelter and services to homeless and abused women and children.
- HomeAid Chicago, one of 22 local chapters of HomeAid, Inc., whose mission is to provide housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. It is the official charity of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago.
- Homes for Hope, which partners with builders and trade contractors in home building projects. Profits from the sales of these homes support HOPE International, a micro-finance organization that seeks to permanently end poverty by providing struggling entrepreneurs in developing countries with small loans to build or start a business.
Michael Lennon, executive director of Homes for Hope, noted that even in today’s difficult times for the housing industry, the building community has continued to demonstrate its generosity through its support for HOPE International.
In addition to fighting global poverty, participants in Homes for Hope are able to show the public they care about addressing issues that make a big difference at home and abroad, Lennon said. The teambuilding involved in building Homes for Hope forges a special bond between builders and their trade partners and enhances a company’s corporate culture, he said.
A Home for Hope is built much like any other. Builders can follow their typical schedule and work with the trades of their choice. Builders donate a lot and invite the trades to donate or discount their labor and materials for the home, providing incredible leverage for their charitable dollars. The home is put on the market and sold, with profits benefiting HOPE International.
As of last year, Home for Hope had generated more than $10 million in revenue for HOPE International and engaged builders across 13 states. It has built 64 homes to date, involving 4,800 trade partners and having an impact on more than 100,000 lives.
A Homes for Hope representative can walk builders through the process, answering questions, providing guidance and helping to coordinate events and public relations efforts.
For more information on becoming involved in Homes for Hope, e-mail Michael Lennon, or call him at 714-812-9390.
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