Issuu

Table of

Contents Summer 2015

p. 14-15: Groundbreaking p. 16: Homeowner Seminars p. 17: Golf Outing pp.18-19: Annual Dinner

8 14

On the Cover: (Top) Chip Rossi of Bank of America and future homeowner Jennifer Kelly with shovel: (Below) Donors, supporters and future homeowners break ground at future site of Walnut Ridge 2 | TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

“new start”

4 17

Coopers Run completion gives families

he frigid conditions weren’t enough to stop the scores of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County supporters from attending the November celebration of the completion of Coopers Run a new development of seven townhomes occupying the 2100 block of Wilmington’s Carter Street. The ceremony, which at times turned emotional, also played host to local and state government officials as well our corporate sponsors who helped make the project a reality. After being presented with the ceremonial keys to her home, Juliet Brown thanked Habitat NCC and its supporters before pausing. “This is just a great opportunity for me and my kids,” she said through tears. “Just a new start for us - for me and my boys - for them to have somewhere to play.” Of her experience in the program, Laressia Wright said, “It’s been an awesome experience, and I will always appreciate it because I had to work on it.”

“Having to put in those hours made me appreciate it even more,” she added. To date, Habitat has built 225 homes in New Castle County, including the City of Wilmington, Newark, New Castle and Middletown. Through its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) Habitat NCC commits its resources to one community at a time and provide affordable housing, financial education and home maintenance training. Coopers Run is a continuation of that Initiative in the Prices Run neighborhood. “We’re consistently humbled and inspired by the personal stories and perseverance of our homeowners,” said Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat NCC. “We see homeowners return to school, develop new confidence and secure better jobs. “We learn of improvement in their children’s school performance and about homeowners’ children who want homeownership for themselves,” Smith added. “We see families long robbed of hope believing again in themselves, in others, and in the future. Habitat helps short-circuit the cycle of poverty for many of our families.”

“

This is just a great opportunity for me and my kids... Just a new start for us for me and my boys for them to have somewhere to play. – Juliet Brown, Homeowner

“

p. 3: Coopers Run gives families a new start pp. 4-5: New Homeowners pp. 6-7: New Way to Build p. 8: ReStore Breaks Sales Records p.9: Heart & Home Society pp. 10-12: Donors p. 13: Advisory Board

C O O P E R S RU N | 3

James Broody

Juliet Brown

Darresha Scott

New homeowners were joined by Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County staffers and volunteers at their settlements. Deborah Galonsky, attorney with the law firm of Elzufon Austin Tarlov & Mondell, P.A. ,handled each of the closings. Elzufon Austin Tarlov & Mondell has handled all 226 of Habitat NCC’s home settlements since 1988.

Congratulate Habitat NCC would like to

its six newest homeowners

Laressia Wright

Ruby Dyer

Trina Carter

Habitat for Humanity seeks partner families to join our growing community of first-time homebuyers throughout New Castle County, Delaware. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a homeowner, we invite you to join us at one of the homeownership seminars we offer for English and Spanish-speaking individuals. Homeownership Seminars • First-Time Homebuyers – What You Need to Know • How the Habitat for Humanity Housing Program Works • Credit Counseling Services • Financial Support Services Families and individuals interested in becoming Habitat homeowners will learn about first-time homeownership and how Habitat’s program works to get qualified families into low-income housing.

4 | NEW HOMEOWNE RS

NEW HOMEOWNERS | 5

ROGER COLLISON, CEO, Beracah Homes

Modular construction added to

KEVIN L. SMITH, CEO, Habitat NCC

Habitat NCC toolbox

hen people hear the name “Habitat for Humanity,” they usually envision volunteers donned with hardhats, swinging hammers and raising walls. While it is true that Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (Habitat) relies largely on volunteers to build its homes, it is now also true that Habitat has another home-construction option. During the winter of 2013-14, construction on Coopers Run was thrown nearly eight weeks behind schedule because of an extended stretch of wintery weather that went on for weeks, which not only wreaked havoc on productivity, but created a host of other issues. “Every time it snowed, it took us three days to dig out,” said Michael Synczyszyn, Habitat’s Director of Construction Operations. “And it doesn’t matter if we get only two inches out at the site, it’s treacherous.” 6 | HOME BUILDING

“

MICHAEL SYNCZYSZYN, Director of Construction Operations, Habitat NCC

Habitat volunteers working onsite during an earlier phase of the construction of Coopers Run, a seven-unit townhouse development in Wilmington.

Synczyszyn is referring to the threat of slips and falls, tools that didn’t work properly, battered materials and cancelled volunteer outings at the site of the recently completed development of seven new townhomes in Wilmington’s north side. “Everything struggles in the cold weather,” said Synczyszyn. “Even your bones. It’ll beat you up.”

Synczyszyn says that, for an organization that operates year-round, prolonged interruptions in construction work can be costly. Since late 2012, as a way to combat the unpredictable, Habitat has been exploring the use of modular built homes as a way to not only curtail the instances of weather-related interruptions, but provide

“

Better financial stewardship, more families served through partnership with pre-fab builder

another building option for Del., Beracah characterizes home looks like.” the same cost without adding itself as “a pioneer in ‘off-site, According to Collison, staffing. stick-built’ construction” and Beracah reportedly shut down After considering a began production in the forproduction just one day last total of three modular-home mer Nanticoke Homes factory winter because of bad weathbuilders, Habitat entered into in 2003. er and, Collison said, that an agreement with Beracah “I was very excited that was because the governor had Homes, Inc., to build five of Habitat approached us,” said declared a state of emergency. its homes—four in MiddleRoger Collison, CEO of Be“We can build whether town and one in New Castle. racah Homes. “I know their it’s raining or shine,” Collison “In order to increase methodology is to use a lot of said. “The wood and materiefficiency, it was important to on-site labor and volunteers. als don’t get wet, and when it find a company willing to obThe process of building modcomes out, it’s weather-tight.” serve our process rather than ular homes can assist them Synczyszyn calculated try to reinvent it,” said Synin doing it faster, better and taking the modular approach czyszyn to building of the homes is This is another way to serve more families selection comparable process. to what with the dollars we have, without HabHabitat has itat CEO been spendthe need to increase staffing and overhead. Kevin ing to build - Kevin L. Smith, CEO Habitat NCC Smith with its added traditional that working with modular cheaper.” approach and anticipates a homes also allows the orgaA visit to the compaquarter of future projects will nization to be an even better ny’s factory off U.S. Rt. 13 be completed this way. steward over the dollars the revealed a massive, indoor While modular construccommunity gives. assembly line that begins with tion is efficient in many ways, “This is another way to a wood-cutting station, tranSynczyszyn says this approach serve more families with the sitions to a team of workers would not replace the organidollars we have without the framing and installing drywall zation’s need for volunteers. need to increase staffing and and ends with a variety of “Habitat is volunteer overhead,” Smith said. “We’ve finish work—“all competed organization whose mission looked at the cost of doing while adhering to same conis to bring people together this, and if it would have been struction codes and guidelines to build homes, communities more to build than normal, as traditional, on-site builds,” and hope,” he said. “We just we wouldn’t have done it.” Collison said. want to be a good steward of Beracah Homes, Inc. is a “People are always surthe dollars the community modular-home construction prised when they go into the gives us and to serve as many company specializing in cusplant,” said Collison. “They families as possible. [Building tom-designed homes and light really don’t have a good picmodular homes] is another commercial projects. ture of what a modular home way for us to accomplish this Located in Greenwood, looks like or what a Beracah part of our mission.”

Workers inside the Beracah Homes warehouse in Greenwood, Del. raise the frame of a home under construction. (Above) Instead of months of a construction site, crews inside Beracah’s warehouse can build a home in matter of days.

HOME BUILDING | 7

ReStore puts up big numbers, breaks sales records in FY ‘14-15

he Habitat NCC ReStore has experienced record-breaking monthly sales over the course of 2014-15 and reached its biggest milestone to date by crossing the $1 million sales mark in one year. The million-dollar mark was eclipsed on Saturday, May 30, when Nicole Bartoshesky and Ricky Bengel purchased a sectional recliner sofa. “There is no question that the level of success we’ve seen over the year is a direct result of how we’ve been promoting the ReStore and the influx of new materials,” said Joe Robertson, Manager. “It’s really been working well for us.” From March through May 2015 alone, the Prices Corner store brought in excess of $100,000 in sales each month. At the beginning of the year, the ReStore launched an aggressive marketing campaign that has included the use of billboards, radio, television and newspaper advertisements to

FOR MORE INFORMATION The ReStore is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tues. - Sat. and is located at 3312 Seminole Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19808. 302.652.5181.

ReStore Manager Joe Robertson presents customers Nicole Bartoshesky and Ricky Bengel with a gift certificate after purchasing this sectional recliner sofa, which sent the store beyond $1 million in sales

drum up interest. The store has also benefitted from being the subject of newspaper articles and as a result has seen an increase in reports of word-ofmouth as how customers are learning about the store. As an example of the trend in increased sales, the historically slow month of December put up big numbers with $83,000. Past December figures have come in at half that amount, said Robertson. In August, another slow month, the improved sales

were attributed to a weekly donation of “practically new” name-brand furniture, which had begun to generate “a huge amount of interest with our customers and the sale of these items has been good,” said Robertson. Another ReStore milestone came in the fall with the passing of the $3 million in sales mark since the store’s opening in 2004. “We reached the $1 million mark after six years of operations, the $2 million

mark after the next 33 months,” Roberson said. Kevin L. Smith, CEO with Habitat for Humanity of NCC points to the new location as a key factor in its growth. “For a number of years, the store was located in a location that was not retail-friendly,” he said. “Since we moved to Prices Corner, we have seen the volume of customers and donations increase dramatically. We are still seeing new customers, who tell us they never knew about the store. It is very exciting to think that we have only begun to scratch the service of the full potential of the store in this location.”

ReStore Manager Robertson Retires

oe Robertson, who began working part time at Habitat ReStore 7½ years ago before moving into the role of manager, is retiring. “Joe’s calm demeanor, combined with decision-making and leadership experience has allowed him to deftly lead the ReStore through two moves and to new heights at our current location,” said Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat NCC. “It has been so exciting and encouraging to see us break new records each month and we thank Joe for all that he has done to make that happen.” Robertson’s decision to retire came on the eve of the store breaking the $1-million mark in sales for the year, which happened June 30.

8 | RESTORE

N ERTSO

OB JOE R

Affectionately referred to as “The Don” by his colleagues, Robertson also was highly regarded outside the New Castle County affiliate in ReStore circles in the region,

where he has often served as a mentor and support to other managers. “It has truly been an unbelievable ride here at the ReStore,” said Robertson. “Through the hard work of our terrific staff and volunteers, we’ve seen tremendous growth in sales and donations and have developed some great partnerships with local businesses. I’m going to miss this place.” Jerry Humphrey, who’s worked over the past year as donations procurement manager, will now take over as ReStore manager, and will be aptly supported by longtime employee Paula Roddy, who will manage the internal operations as Assistant Manager.

Heart & Home Society

n November 2014, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County launched its new Heart & Home Society for our friends who have generously supported the Habitat mission at the $1,000-or-more level annually. Members of this special gift society are truly helping us put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. As a member of the society, our friends receive a special Heart & Home Society lapel pin, as well as special invitations to attend Home dedication ceremonies and other Habitat events. Members will be recognized in the newsletter and at the Annual Dinner. As an added benefit, Heart & Home members will be offered a personal tour annually to see firsthand the impact their donation is having in our community. As individual donors to Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, Heart & Home Society members are helping to revitalize neighborhoods, and more importantly transforming lives by creating the opportunity for homeownership. Thank You! FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about the Heart & Home Society and the Delaware State Housing Authority Neighborhood Assistance Act Program, contact Troy Nuss, Chief Development Officer, at 302.652.0365 119 or tnuss@habitatncc.org.

Heart & Home Society (founders) Anonymous James Austin Manyim Auyeung George Beer & Gail Ahrens Richard Bender & Alison Frost Karl & Kristin Bennett John Bisaha & Kate Stika Mary Ann & Joe Blair John & Patricia Breuer Gary Bryde Dr. Nicholas & Janet Busillo Denise M. Chigges Richard T. Christopher, Sr. Dr. Bernard Clark, III Elizabeth & Robert Cresswell Mark & Jo Anne Deshon Weston & Sarah Dinsel Carolyn Dreisbach Robin & Scott Evans Robert & Carolyn Foster Rick & Kimberly Gessner Augusta Gladd Joan & Stan Goloskov Thomas & Sarah Goodrich Homer Graham Nancy Hough Celia Huber Pam Hugelen & Clem Padin Ed & Ruth Jackson Russell Jerusik Richard & Catherine Julian Ted & Mary Kelly Annabelle & Hank Kressman Ken & Judy Lau Robert & Jeannine Laughman Dr. Kevin & Joyce Leary David & Mimi Lovelace

Adrienne Lowe Frank & June MacArtor Cathy MacFarlane Kay McGahen & Ellen Casey George & Joyce McKeon Dr. Wesley & Harriet Memeger Frederick & Janice Mink John & Mary Morton Bob & Ruth Nicholls Susan & Doug Nickel Troy & Denise Nuss James & Blanch Pando Robert & Gail Pasteris Cindy Pettinaro-Wilkinson Vanessa & Khomeini Phillips Robert & Carolyn Pinchot Noreen Poole Robert & Carolyn Pinchot Chip & Chris Rankin Brian C. Reilly Charles & Pat Robertson Hal Schneikert Pam Scott & Paul Clark Prakash Seshadri Brent & Cheryle Shaffer Kevin & Diane Smith Michael Synczyszyn Audrey G. Thompson Denise & Joe Triboletti Dr. Paul D. VerNooy Kim Walker Dorothy G. Whitmore Carolann & Kenneth Wicks Eleanor Wilderman John & Nancy Wolak Dave Wolfenden Rachel Wood & Joe Miller

HEART & HOME SOCIETY | 9

The Gift of Giving | Habitat for Humanity List of Donors Gifts received as of Jan. 1, 2014 - March 30, 2015 Greater than $100,000 Bank of America DuPont JP Morgan Chase

$20,000-$99,999 Anonymous Individual Donor Capital One Chichester Dupont Foundation Comenity Bank Delaware State Housing Authority Discover Bank Richard Hatfield Laffey-McHugh Foundation Richard “Dick” & Elisa Poole Westminster Presbyterian Church

$10,000-$19,999 AstraZeneca LP George Beer & Gail Ahrens Blanchard Family Foundation Borkee-Hagley Foundation Bullis School, Inc. Concordia Lutheran Church Congregational Church of South Glastonbury Cornerstone United Methodist Church Delmarva Power Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware The Gilliam Foundation M & T Bank Frank MacArtor PNC Foundation TD Bank & Charitable Foundation Wells Fargo Rachel E. Wood & Joe Miller

$1,000-$9,999 AFL ABM-DE APICS Brandywine Valley Chapter, Inc Artisans’ Bank James Austin Manyim Auyeung BAM Associates, LLC Richard Bender & Alison Froster Karl & Kristen Bennett Bentley Bernard Clark, III Pamela Biddle & Joel Fishman John Bisaha & Kate Stika Mary Ann & Joe Blair BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware Steven Bomberger John & Patricia Breuer Gary Bryde Eric Burt Dr. Nicholas & Janet Busillo Denise M. Chigges Christ Church Christiana Hundred Richard T. Christopher, Sr. Elizabeth & Robert Cresswell Anthony & Catherine Fusco Charitable Foundation Delaware Flooring Re:source Delaware Valley Development Co. Weston & Sarah Dinsel Larry Disabatino DNREC Doctors for Emergency Carolyn Dreisbach Ebenezer United Methodist Church Elzufon Austin Tarlov & Mondell, P.A. Robin & Scott Evans Thomas Evans Exelon Corporation First Presbyterian Church Francis Marion University Gannett Foundation George Mason University Danielle Gibbs Augusta Gladd Joan & Stanley Goloskov Thomas & Sarah Goodrich Megan Gorelick Grace United Methodist Church Homer “Ned” Graham

Linda Heckert Hockessin United Methodist Church Nancy Hough HSBC Trust Company, Delaware Celia & John Huber Pam Hugelen & Clem Padin I.D. Griffith Immanuel Church Highlands J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Ed & Ruth Jackson Russell Jerusik Richard & Catherine Julian C. Edward “Ted” & Mary Kelly Jeffrey Kline Annabelle C. Kressman Kenneth & Judy Lau Robert & Jeannine Laughman Dr. Kevin & Joyce Leary Frederick Lentz Limestone Presbyterian Church David & Mimi Lovelace Adrienne Lowe Cathy MacFarlane Mark Mankin Bonnie Moxey Maxwell Julia McCabe Ellice & Rosa McDonald Foundation Maureen McDonald Kay McGahen & Ellen Casey George P. McKeon Dr. Wesley & Harriet Memeger Millicare Milton & Hattie Kutz Foundation Frederick & Janice Mink Jamie Moore Julia Morgan John & Mary Morton MOT Community Fund Stephen Mottola New Ark United Church Of Christ Bob & Ruth Nicholls Susan & Doug Nickel Troy & Denise Nuss Our Lady of Good Counsel High School James & Blanch Pando Robert & Gail Pasteris Patterson Schwartz Foundation, Inc. Cindy Pettinaro Wilkinson Patti Pfeiffer

Vanessa & Khomeini Phillips Robert & Carolyn Pinchot Noreen Poole Providence College Chip and Chris Rankin Brian C. Reilly Charles & Patricia Robertson Edward Rubin Saint Peter’s Preparatory School Santora CPA Group Harold Schneikert Pam Scott & Paul Clark Seeds Of Greatness Bible Church Prakash Seshadri Brent & Cheryle Shaffer Shiloh Baptist Church Kevin & Diane Smith St. John Catholic Student Center St. Pauls United Methodist Church State Of Delaware Mark Stellini Stephano Slack, LLC Michael Synczyszyn Tangent Cable Tetra Tech, Inc. The Bancorp Bank The Christmas Shop Foundation The Hurtt Foundation Audrey G. Thompson Cheryl Titcher Tower Hill School Denise & Joseph Triboletti U.U. Fellowship of Newark United Way Of Delaware Vanier College Dr. Paul D. VerNooy W.L. Gore & Associates- Paper Mill East Kimberly Walker Dorothy G. Whitmore Carolann & Kenneth Wicks Eleanor Wilderman Winchester Youth Center Winston Preparatory School John & Nancy Wolak Women & The Law

< $999 Ari D. Abel David Acosta Charles & Phyllis Adams Anas Ben Addi Advanced Office Environments Aetna Foundation Agilent Technologies David Ahiawodzi Dr. & Mrs. Allen Alexander Frederick Alexander Janice Alexander Shawn Alexander Stacey Altemus Paul Altman Tom Ambler America’s Charities

10 | D O N O R S

Sarah Andersen Bonny Anderson Judith A. Anderson John Angeline Nicholas Annino Anonymous Donor Veronica Anthos Clifford Anzilotti Apex Engineering Virginia Appleby Aquarius Supply Jeffrey Arbogast Judith Armstrong Ryan Arnott-Markham Artisan Irrigation Debra August

Jane Ellen Babe Alexandra & Robert Babione Brud & Elizabeth Bacon Youness Baftechi Christine Bailey Harry & Martha Baird Darrell Baker Gerry Baker Susan & Stephen Baker Bruce Balogh Carol Balick Jena Baffone Alex Ball John Bare Karen Barlow William Barnes

Daniel Barr Leon & Jeni Barton Robyn Bascelli Julian H. Baumann, Jr. David Bea Matthew C. Beardwood Scott Beavers Doris H. Beck Florence Beck Eugene & Reda Beer, III Diana Behrens Eleanora S. Bell Terry Belote Michaela Bender Lisa Benson Janelle Bentley

Maura Berenato Phil Bergamo Jodine Berger Jenny Bernadel Bethel A.M.E Church John Bielicki Irene Biggs Jerry A. Bilton Roy A. Birl Larry Blackwood Blake & Vaughan Engineering,Inc. Graciela Blanchet Karen Bleiler BJ Blunt Donald Blythe, Sr. Boeing Employees Fund

Brad Boemmel Phillip Bonarigo Guy Boniface John Bonis Jennifer Borders Ron S. Borgerson Howard & Marsha Borin Lori Bostrom Myrle G. Bowe Judith Bowen Ronald & Ida Bowers Steve Boyden Carolyn A. Boyer Christine Boyer Colleen Boyle Helen Boyle

< $999 (Continued from Page 10) Sean Boyle Jeffrey Boys Joseph Brady Malinka Bragg Bramhall & Hitchen Insurance Matt Brancato Brandywine Realty Trust P. Kyle & Diane S. Braswell James Bray Brennan Office Interiors, Inc. Thomas L. Brenneman Keiran Breslin Robert Bresnahan BrightFields, Inc. Ann Britton Kevin & Amanda Broadhurst James Brock, Jr. Buford C. Brown Paul E. Brown Winifred Browne Salvatore Bruno Jeannette M. Bryan Carolyn Bryant Gail Bryant Marilyn Bryant Mary Frances Bryja Eve Buckley Carol Buckwalter Ann Lee Bugbee Susan Frank Bullock Nancy & Julia Bunting Donald Burawski Kelly Burns Charles Burris Roberta Burtch Natalie Busillo Donald A. Bussard Peter V. Buttenheim Dana Buttorff James Caddell Calfo & Haight Geraldine Calfo Calvary Baptist Church Of Newark Anne P Canby Isadore & Sandra Candeloro Jane R. Cantera Lori Captain John P. Carey Linda L. Carey Jessica Carroll Richard Carroll Esther A. Carrico Carmen Casanova Daniel Casey Timothy Casey Janet and Vic Carter Laura Castellano Ben T. Castle Hon Michael N. Castle Margaret Catts Naaman Cephas Sam & Barbara Chamberlain Simon Chapman Matt Clari Lauren Charles Melvin Chase Jialin Chen Lisa Chieffo Tony Chou William Christopher Judy Christofferson Cynthia Chubb Walter J. Ciecko Michael Clark Jolly Clarkson-Shorter Michael T. Cleary

Noriko Clement Alexine Cloonan Arnita Coleman Janice Colgate Krista Collins Colonial Parking Combined Federal Campaign Comcast Foundation Randall Connell Francine Cohen Robin Combs Kimberly Connell Joan and Art Connolly Family Fund James C. Conrad Penny Contractor Mary Cooke Mike Cottingham Maryke Cottman Michael Cox Wayne Craven Jamie Crawford Paul Crawford Helen Brittain Christie Edward Crossman Elizabeth Crotty Betty Crowell Tracy Crowley Dan Cruce Joe and Pat Cunning Carol Cunningham John P. Cunningham Clint Cuny Kathryn Curtis Franklyn Dailey Joe Daley George Dallas Bruce Dalleo Kay Uwe Dapprr Carl Dauber Cody Daugherty-Hayes Brian Davis Stephen W. De Veber Yvonne Deadwyler Colmcille Deascanis Juliana DeFrancesco Mary Lou Del Duca Carole Demaio Mike DeMonte Vito Demonte Robert Desantis Jordan Deshon Mark Deshon Joseph DeStefano Benjamin P. Detwiler DeWees Foundation (Donald and Martha) Donald and Sally DeWees Michelle Dillione Stephen Dimino Dr. Robert Director Steven Director Andy DiSabatino Stanley M. Diver Jessica Donnelly Max Dooley Bill Dowdell Barbara Dowling John Dowling Mary Dozier Marta Drane Michael Driscoll Ray Dudkewitz John & Sandy Dull Dave Dunbar Antoinette Durandetta Michael J. Durning

Marie Early Duane & Antoinette Eaton Glenn & Cathy Edginton EDiS Company Mary Anne Edwards Robert Ehrlich Charles Elter Roberta J. Emmons Emory Hill Real Estate Svc, Inc. Eve English Episcopal Diocese Of Delaware Jane Erisman Eric Eskin Pamela Evans Rebecca Evans Gail & James Everett Pat Faatz Ronald Fagerstrom Evangelos Falaris Vincent Farrell James Fath Jerry and Barbara Fedeler Gary W. Ferguson Michael Ferris Fidelity Charitable Andrea Finerosky Roy Finkelman Jessica & Matt Fischer Holly Fleming Lorraine M. Fleming Michael & Christy Fleming R. Joseph Flowers Dr. Cynthia Flynn Deborah Pernick Ford Sallie Forman Suzanne Forsman Rob Fox Joey Fragomele Richard Francisco Hetty Francke Ralph Francois Bobby Friant Leonard Fry Robert Gagne Larry Galpin Gloria H. Gamble Patty & Mark Ganc Cynthia Gardner Dolores Cynthia Garritano Thomas Gaspard Theresa & Ken Gates Laura Gaylor Diana Gelman Mark Gentile Imogene Geoghegan Deborah George William Georgov Richard & Kimberly Gessner Wayne Geyer Helen Giammattei Elizabeth Giovannozzi GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Harry & Lynn Glaze Lisa Glazewski Marilyn F. Gleber Shelley & Mike Gnade Linnea & Jeffrey Goddess Mallory Goggins Marvin Goldstein Daniel Gore Arthur Goreman Thomas Gorman Brian Gosnell Pamela Gray Green Hill Presbyterian Church Pamela Green Marc L. Greenberg

Cynthia Greene Nancy Greene Alan Greenglass Irv and Mary Lou Gross Oliver L. Gross Amy Grundy Patrick A. Grusenmeyer Angelo & Donna Halakos John D. Halberstadt Thelma R. Haldeman Dennis M. Haley Halko & Sons, Inc John Hamilton Dorothy & John Hannon Mary Hannon Rebecca Hannum Trish Harmer David Harrell Kathleen Harrigan Sheila Harrigan Thomas Harrigan Shakti Harris E. McCrae Harrison Stephanie Hart Karl Hassler Sarah Hastings Thomas M. Hauske John Hawkins Walter Hayes Pierre DuPont Hayward Thomas Healey Mike Healy William Hearn Paula Hearst Jason Heller Kathy Heller Karin Hemphill Janice Henry Judith Hentkowski Thomas Herlihy, III Kathleen Heston Cynthia Hewitt Cathy Higgins David Hildebrand Reggie Hill Ron Hill Neil Himelein Robert Hirt Alice Hirvonen Hudson Hoen David Hofer Rosemary Hoffman Peter Hollingsworth Michael Holloway Home Depot Honda Financial Services Bob & Jane T. Hopkins Horace Mann Shirley Hornyak Robert Howatt Ruth Howell Karen Hudson Amy Hughes Catherine Hughes Joan Donoho Hughes Steven & Stephanie Hummel Caroline Humphrey Jerry Humphrey Clifford & Carol Hunt Cheryl Hunter Alice Hupfel Genevieve Igo David Iliff Immaculate Heart Of Mary Margaret A. Irish Joyce E. Jack Connie Jackson

John Jackson Ned Jackson Doris Jacobs Richard Jaeger Christopher James Stephen M. Jameson David Jareckas Lynn Jarke Michele Jennings James & Janie Jersild John Jessup Jewish Federation Of Delaware Stephen Johns Deb Johnson Deja Belle Johnson Karen Johnson Lloyd Johnson May Johnson Tina Johnson William Johnson Andrew Johnston John L. Jones Mary N Jones Tyi Jones Joseph B. Stahl, Memorial Post #30 Paul Joseph Frank & Martha Julian Just Give Jennifer Justice Kevin Kahn Bruce O. Kallos Barney Kantar Raymond & Denise Karasic Karins & Associates Gregory C. Kaspin Lynne Kaufman Elaine Keegan Edward Keeling Kay Keenan Matthew J. Kegelman Jamie Kegerise John R. Keim Jr. Randy Keim Linnea Keith Bernard J. Kelley Kevin Kelly Kevin & Debra Kenaley Nina Kennedy Glenn C. Kenton Lynne Kielhorn Patrick Kilgore Mary E. Kimball Sharon Kimmel Margaret Kincannon Kingswood UMC Ken Kinslow G. Andrew Kirk Ilona Kirshon Robert G. Kissell Kevin Kleinschmidt Linda Klenk Robert B. Kleszics Robert Kline Jane Klinger Gerry Kluis Linda Knight Knights of Columbus Travis Koch Francis Kolimago Thomas Kolimago Emily Kopcik David Koppeser Kenn Koubek Robert J. Krapf Enno Krebbers Carmen Kriner

Martin Kritkausky Debra Kroon-Nappa Ted Kropiewnicki Don Kuespert Paul Kuhns Brad E. Kulesza William & Keikey Lafferty Tim Langlois Richard M. Lapointe Thomas Lapp Allie Larchar Margaret Latronico Andy and Chris Lavelle Melissa Lawmaster Vicki Lawruk Brent K. Lazar Gail Lear Lise Monty-Leary Paul & Patti Lebanik Ellen Lebowitz Chris & Debbie Lee Lynn and Carl Lee Bob and Gloria Leedle Todd Lehman Alan Leigh Katie Leivey James Lenihan Bob Lenz John Lenz Richard A. Levine Mike Lewis James G. Leyden, Jr. Liberty Mutual Bob Linderman Dan Linderman Laura Linderman Sheila Lindsey Patrick Litle Virginia Lockman Barbara Loeslein Anna Loffreda Richard Logan Jessica Long Allan Loomis Clark Lord Gerald Loughran Teresa Lunardi Caroline Lunger Steven Lyke Macintosh Engineering Claudine Maertens Pam Maged Vinay Maheshwari Marianne Mallonee Mary Jane Mallonee Julia Manning Erin Mannis Sandra Manoogian Thomas H. Marston Vicky Martelli Ronald E. Martin Robert Martinelli Robin Martini Wayne Marvel Todd D. Marvin John P. Marx Ralph Mason Williejean Masterson Matthew Walz’s Grandson, LLC Vince Maximo Barbara Mayer Dominic Mazza Sharlene Mazza Melanie Mazzorana W. Michael McCabe, III Stephen G. McClain More Listings on Page 11

DONORS | 11

< $999 (Continued from Page 11) John McCloskey Mary Jo McCormick Cynthia McCullough Wallace McCurdy Paula McDermott Mary & Charlie McDowell Dennis and Bev McFarland Penny McFarland Peter & Boodie McGinnis Joseph & Cynthia McGrath Harriet McGraw Nancy McIlvaine W. Grant McIntyre Debbie McKeown Doug & Karen McKillip Willie McLaughlin Michael & Janet McMahon Joseph F. McManamon Paul McPheeters Paula McWhorter Medrep, Inc. Kimberly Meisten Karen Mengden Methodist Country House Chapel Fund Marjorie Meyermann Michael Cabana & Company Microsoft Matching Gifts Joann Milford Freeman Miller Paul Miller Rosanne Miller Kathy Mills Phillip Mink Richard Minutella Sabih Mir Sonal Mistry Kathryn Monaghan Bruce M. Monroe William Montgomery Charlotte Moore David Moore Gregory V. Moore James Moore Donald M. Morgan Theresa A. Morrin Morris James, LLP John Morrison Rich and Kathe Morse Margaret Morton Chris Mosberg Jeanette Mottola Sue Mulhern Donna Mulholland Karen Muller Pamela S. Mullin Francis Mulshnock Bernadette C. Murphy Joseph K. Murphy Donna Murray Ellwood Mutschler Jr. Lisa Nanfra Thomas Nason Jerry Nelson New Castle United Methodist Church Newark Church Coalition Newark United Methodist Church Sarah N. Newsom Mary M. Newsom-McGinnis Mary Jo Newton Nickle Electrical Companies William and Peggy Nolley Parry Norling

12 | D O N O R S

Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. Debra & John Nuss John “Jack” Nystrom Yasheaka Oakley Riley O’Brien Margaret Odiorne Anita O’Donnell Jean and Dale Olds Betty Olmstead Jeanne O’Neill Timothy Oppelt Lawrence Ornston Grace Owen Paul Owens Fulton Owensby Ron Ozer John R. Pachalis Kenneth & Kathrine Page Vish Palaniappan Jane Palmer Kimberly Palmer Troy Palmer Dessire Paradis Nancy Parker Matt Parkhurst Amy Parosky Catherine Parsells Annisa Partee Charles Paschall Susan & Robert Patas Jayne Pate Aarti Patel Raymond Paternoster Michael Pavlin Steve Paxton Suzanne Paynter Steve Pebly Joe Pedicone Lelia Perkins Robert W. Perkins Paula Pernick Gina Perrone Juergen N. Peters Doug Petersen Bernice Peterson June Jenkins Peterson James Phillips Edmund G. Pierce A. Duer Pierce, Jr. Ronald P. Pierce Harvey Pierson Annie & Michael Pilson Michael Pilson Demetrius Pinder Charles Platz George Plerhoples Irene Plotzker John Plowright PMC Financial Services, Inc Karen Pollack Kirsten Stroud Poole William Poole Amanda Porterfield Richard & Janet Potter Alan Potts Doris Powell Irvine Powell Claudia Powers Janice Prata James T. Prendergast Paul & Agnes Pringle Thomas Pruback Mark Pruett-Barnett Thomas Prusak PSEG Foundation

Mercer Quinby Richard & Karen Quisenberry Mark Radel Dr. Louis K. Rafetto Karen Raison Reshma Raman Catherine P. Raphael Mara Raskin Monica & Adniel Rath Dean Raughley Margueritte Rawheiser Red Lion United Methodist Church John Reddington Mary Anne Redick Igal Reece Jessica Reedy Dr. Grafton Reeves Jermesha Reeves Susan Reeves William Reid Kelly Reilly Timothy J. Reis Terence Rensi Resurrection Parish William Reynolds Michael Rich Richards Layton & Finger Rick Richle Robert Richter Maria Riebe Benita Rivera ROAL WIT, LLC Carol Arnott Robbins Betty & Bartow Robbins Royce A. Robbins Joe and Marsha Robertson Breck Robinson David Robinson Carter Rockey Paula Roddy Theresa A. Rogler Eric Romano Sandra J. Rondepierre Peggy Ropp Nancy & Keith Rose Karen Rosenberg Todd Ruckle Joyce A. John R. Ruddick John Rupertus Julie & Jonathan Russ Terry Russ Mark Russell Sarah Ryan Kathryn Rychel Geralyn Ryerson Josefa Alarcon Salgado Katie and Thomas Salvatore Richard Sammet Nancy Sandberg Sanford School Service Club Bob Sassa Heather Satur Dr. Christopher and Alice Saunders Kelly Saunders Leslie G. Savage Save Our Lakes Alliance 3 Inc. Murray Sawyer Laura Scanlan Donald B. Schaefer Julie Scharff Tim Schenck Joel Schiller Robert Schirmer

Loren L & Susan E. Schmidt Schneider Electric USA, Inc. Jeff Schoch John Schoff Schoonover Studios, Ltd. Peggy Schultz Margie Schuyler Steven Scott Michele Scott-Costa Dan Seador Thordis J. Searl Cynthia Seidle David Senecal Terri H. Sensing David Senzig Judy Setting Sam Severance Monty Sexton Carol Shackleton Lisa Shah Suken & Sheela Shah William Sharp, Jr. Glenn Shealy Michelle Shepherd Bonnie Sherr Carole C. Shew Christiane Shields Stuart H. Shippey Aaron Shoe Thomas C. Short J. Paul Shunta Barbara Siftar Sarah L. Silver Silverside Church Susan S. Simpson Christopher Siple Kathleen Siren Michael A. Sisk Phyllis W. Sisk Ilene Slatko John Sloniewski Eileen Smith Dallabrida Debra Smith Dewey H. Smith, Jr. Timothy B. Smith Robert F. Snowberger Thomas Snyder Softerware Robert Sommerlatte Elena Sorouri Colin Soukup Dorothy Sowter John & Martha Spaethling Mary Squire St. Daniel’s United Methodist Church St. Joseph On The Brandywine St. Marks Lutheran Church Marilyn St. Pierre Theresa Staats Jackie Stager Rich Stanley Stephen K. Stark Kelsey Starner State Employees Charitable Campaign Rick Staton Marilyn Stauffer Samantha Stauffer Barbara Steen Karen Stefanski Jennifer Steiner Tom Steinkellner Alan G. Steinle Martha J. Stevenson

Bill Strab Heidi Strassler David Strouss Kyle Sturgis Lawrence Sugarman Tre’ Sullivan Jerry Swalley R. Bruce Swayze Kenneth J. Sylvia Marion R. Symonds Marian Sysak Francis Tannian Mark and Marcia Tannian Kurt Tappe Edward & Judy Tarlov Rodman Teeple Susan Teiser Richard Templeton Samantha Tenney Sandy Test The Home Depot Foundation The J. Miller Family Charitable Fund The Kenny Family Foundation The Stencil Shoppe Louise Thibedeau Stetson Thomas Tracy Thomas Susan A. Thomas-Holder Sue Thompson George Tigh Margaret Tigue Mike Tindall Christopher Tjaden Douglas Tobias Patricia Todd Patrick Tolton Reade Y. Tompson Toni Toomey-Weymouth Elizabeth Tosi Mary & Donald Toton Nola Townsend Tranquil Spirit Robert L. Travis Trinity Presbyterian Church Tri-State Carpet Debra & Robert Trovinger Ann Trzuskowski Dr. Josette & Leon Tucker William Tudor Richard Tulin Annette Turington Wade Turner Walter Tuthill Robert & Patricia Undercuffler Erik Underhill Lowell Underhill United Methodist Church Of The Atonement University of Delaware Andrew Urquhart Kristen Ursomarso USciences Michele & Doug Uthgenannt Thomas Vadden Dennis Valentino Jacqueline R. Varsalona Vanessa & Mark Vavala Hon. & Mrs. E. Norman Veasey Enio Vega Verizon Foundation Carlos Vieira Susan Visoskas Kevin Wade Carolyn Wagner

F. Morgan Wallace Joseph Walters Chi-Lun Charles Wang Robert H. Warburton, Jr. Beverly K. Ward Carlos Ward Gilbert J. Ward Weston Wardell Bruce P. Warnke Lindsay Warren Muriel Waterfield Susan Watkins Sarah Watson Anne Wattman Jean Weaver Wayne Weaver Andrew and Melinda Weinstein Daniel Welch Donald & Susan Welles Craig Wemmers Kerry Wendel Mark Werrell Carol West William West William E. Westbrook Jared Whelan Michele L. Whetzel Louise Whipple Thomas Whipple Lisa K. White Michael White Rosemarie White Dave Wiesler Cathleen Wilder Larry & Jan Wilder Peter Wilder Louise H. Wiley Todd and Christina Willard Wilmington Blue Rocks Wilmington Safety Supply Wilmington University Deborrah Wilson Gregg & Nancy Wilson Jane Wilson Timothy Wilson Randal Wimberley Judith Winters Alex Wise Allison Wong Jean Woods Pamela Worrall Bob Wortz Loretta Wright Carolyn Wuyts Phyllis & Robert Wynn Victoria Yatzus Edward F. Yeatman, Jr. Hope R. Yerkes Rich Yotter, Rich Martha A. Zazzarino John Zimmerman Helen Zumsteg Jessica Zuniga Hanna Zyruk

New advisory board

gets down to business

Advisory Board member Sharlene Ross speaks while ReStore Manager Joe Robertson and fellow board members Brent Shaffer, Bob Rhile and June Peterson listen.

Advisory Board Member Cindy P. Wilkinson

abitat NCC’s inaugural Advisory Committee kicked off in November at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington, where there was no shortage of great ideas shared on improving on executing our mission to build more homes, communities and hope. More than 18 friends of Habitat, many of whom are former board members, came together to discuss how the organization can improve its approach to serving partner families and addressing the issues of crime in Wilmington. “It was very encouraging to hear the great ideas that came from the meeting,” said Kevin L. Smith, Habitat NCC CEO. “With such a stellar group of committed advisors, we have some great suggestions for dealing with some of our challenges.”

Advisory Board members: Wayne Walker, Julie Morgan, Alex Wise and LaKresga Roberts.

ADVISORY BOARD | 1 3

Habitat NCC CEO Kevin L. Smith addresses the event participants, Jennifer Kelly (below) shares her story.

Sunless skies couldn’t dull the excitement and anticipation created by the long-awaited Walnut Ridge Groundbreaking Ceremony.

he Wednesday, March 25, event opened with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s Board President Noreen Poole welcoming a crowd of almost 100 supporters to the ceremonial start of the $1.5 million development of nine new townhomes on Wilmington’s Eastside. “This isn’t the first time that we have built homes in Wilmington’s East Side,” Poole said. “Just 10 years ago, we completed the Hope Run development not far from here. “This project and the other 224 homes we have built in the New Castle County area would not have been possible without the support of generous donors and sponsors like Bank of America, which donated this land to become the future home of nine families, ” she added, speaking from the future home site at the 1400 block of Walnut Street. In addition to the land donation, Bank of America also provided an $85,000 grant for construction. “Our comprehensive approach connects our philanthropy and the passion of our employee volunteers to support affordable housing and community revitalization,” said Chip Rossi, Bank of America’s Delaware Market President,. “Nothing is more foundational to a family’s financial well-being than access to affordable, stable housing, and our support of

14 | G RO U N D B R E A K I N G

Habitat for Humanity will continue to make a lasting impact for local families.” Joining Rossi at the groundbreaking were more than 25 Bank of America employee volunteers, who have committed 2,015 volunteer hours to HFHNCC in 2015 to the Walnut Ridge project. Rossi added that Bank of America’s team of employee volunteers is excited to support yet another construction project “and to fulfill these families’ dreams by providing them with a sense of community.” Pastor Jerome Lewis of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church blessed the occasion, calling the groundbreaking “the breaking forth of a dream” as he set the stage for the diverse cross section of government, community, religious and business leaders who also spoke at the event. “DSHA is really proud to be a partner in this project,” said Anas Ben Addi, Director, of the $270,000 in funds his office committed to the development. “What we love about Habitat… is they just don’t come in and implant new housing in a neighborhood without taking into consideration what’s going on around the neighborhood…. They approach it as a community involvement piece.”

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Prospective Walnut Ridge homeowner Jennifer Kelly shared how what she called a “wink” from God paved the path to her opportunity for homeownership. “God’s wink brought me here today to share with everyone my personal meaning,” said Kelly, “Habitat means I get to start anew, fresh and from the beginning. It means that God is giving me another chance to offer complete security and stability for my three children.” To demonstrate Habitat for Humanity’s mission to put God’s love into action, CEO Kevin Smith invited leaders from of Habitat’s partner churches to donate bibles to be placed in the foundation of each new townhouse and gifted to homeowners when their homes are completed. “We approached the churches, whose foundation is Jesus Christ, to partner in this project so that the foundation of these families will rest on the Lord,” he said.

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Habitat work continues with nine townhomes in Wilmington

Nothing is more foundational to a family’s financial well-being than access to affordable, stable housing, and our support of Habitat for Humanity will continue to make a lasting impact for local families. - Chip Rossi, Delaware Market President for Bank of America G RO U N D B R E A K I N G | 1 5

More homeownership applications received, approved over past year

Habitat, IFMA Delaware golf outing nets $20k

Beverly Ward, Habitat NCC’s Director of Family Services, takes questions at a seminar held at Seeds of Greatness Bible Church while Habitat Board President Noreen Poole looks on. (Below) SOBC Pastor Jerome Lewis fields a question from the audience.

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ver the course of 2014 and into 2015, Habitat NCC has seen the attendance numbers in its homeownership classes explode. From July 1, 2015 through April 559 people had attended homeownership sessions hosted by Habitat NCC with 71 applications received, 8 approved and another 8 pending. A total of 321 people attended seminars throughout the entire fiscal year of July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014 with 29 applications received and 4 approved. “This is a great indicator of the continued need for affordable housing in New Castle County,” said Beverly Ward, Habitat NCC’s Director of Family Services. At a fall session held at the Cranston Heights Fire Hall in Wilmington attendance was 160. At a session hosted by Seeds of Greatness Bible Church in

New Castle 181, participants came out. Beverly Ward, Habitat NCC’s Director of Family Services, attributes the increase in attendance to Habitat NCC’s increased marketing effort and the new partnership formed with Seeds of Greatness. Seeds of Greatness has since agreed to allow Habitat NCC to use its sanctuary to host homeownership sessions. As part of the current strategy the Family Selection department has engaged in a more concerted push to market and promote the workshops through the use of radio and Hispanic newspaper ads as well as rolling video notices displayed on monitors inside the New Castle DMV. “As we move forward into 2015 we expect to continue to see a rise in orientation numbers and we look forward to working with the community to help place Delaware residents in decent affordable housing,” said Ward.

FMA Delaware and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County continued its long-standing tradition of facility management professionals coming together to support the idea that every family deserves to have a safe and decent place to live. To date, the IFMA Golf Outing has raised nearly $250,000, making the organization one of the largest contributors to HFHNCC. Most recently the Oct. 2 event, which was held at Hartefeld National Golf Club, raised $20,000. Delaware Chapter of IFMA provides facility managers the opportunity to further their professional and personal development through education and networking in a welcoming environment. Here are some snapshots from the 2014 outing. Make plans to join us on September 24th, 2015 for another amazing day of golf in support HFHNCC. For participation and sponsorship information visit habitatncc.org.

Photos by Pam Paone and Leon Tucker

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Volunteers, partners honored at

2015 President’s Award Dinner

n April 16, we took time to honor and celebrate the supporters who in 2014 have made a significant impact on Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s ability to accomplish its mission. Partners and volunteers are so vital to the work that we do - selecting and supporting our prospective homeowner families, helping customers at our ReStore, entering volunteer and donor records into our database, serving the community and, of course, swinging a hammer at a jobsite. This past year over 3,700 volunteers worked at our build sites, 200 at our ReStore, and another 60 volunteered on one or more of our monthly committees. We are grateful and appreciate all of the volunteers who give their time and efforts to care for the Habitat families and the neighborhoods we serve. Together, we are changing the lives of homeowners and their children forever, while bringing much needed stability to communities here in New Castle County. So, on behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County would like to recognize those who went above and beyond to make 2014 a terrific year. Noreen Poole Board President

Volunteer

Ida Bowers has served on the Family Support Committee for the past four years and has helped several prospective homeowners through the process. Ida is able to connect with our homeowners and provide them with an additional source of support while they are building their home. In addition to serving on the support committee, Ida has joined the Alumni Support Committee, where she encourages families to attend the alumni programs and offers ideas and suggestions on programs that would be helpful to homeowners.

Volunteer Group

Brown Advisory volunteers have shown exceptional commitment to Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s mission as a volunteer group. They used their time volunteering on the Cooper’s Run site to actively engage with the future homeowners and Habitat staff. The volunteers from Brown Advisory also came to the Cooper’s Run dedication to show their support for the Habitat homeowners.

Homeowner Volunteer

Antoinette Douglass is a single mother of 5 boys, who worked two jobs while she was in the program and was able to complete her 225 hours of sweat equity prior to her house being completed. Antoinette continues to volunteer with Habitat, where she is a Family Support Committee member and is working on supporting her second prospective homeowner through the process. Antoinette also serves on the Alumni Support Committee and is a true ambassador for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

President’s Award

Bank of America and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County have a strong partnership and Habitat is honored to present it with this year’s President’s Award. This year, Habitat will begin building at its Walnut Ridge site on property donated by Bank of America. The bank has also donated to the financial success of Walnut Ridge as well. Bank of America employees are frequently seen volunteering at the ReStore, as well as in and around Habitat’s build sites and warehouse. Bank of America is truly deserving of the 2015 President’s Award.

Fundraising Volunteer Chip Rankin has been the driving force behind Habitat’s golf outing in partnership with IFMA for more than 16 years. To date, the event has raised more than $250,000 for Habitat and introduced the organization to new supporters through IFMA’s Delaware chapter. Chip has devoted his time and resources to making sure the golf outing event is a yearly success for Habitat. In 2014, under Chip’s leadership, the event raised $20,000 for Habitat.

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ReStore Volunteer

Robin Martini is a regular every Saturday, our busiest day of the week at the ReStore. She is a hard worker, has a positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with. Robin has become a favorite to the staff, other volunteers and most importantly our customers. She is always ready to help regardless of what needs to get done. A large factor for the success of the ReStore is due to the efforts of our volunteers and Robin’s effort and contribution are the reasons why she is our ReStore volunteer of the year.

Tom Bissot Award for Construction

Lyle Wallig is always willing to help the construction department with whatever is asked of him. This past year Lyle really took ownership of the warehouse tool room. He went above and beyond what was needed and even restored tools so that they could be used again. John Morrison can always be counted on to do the little things that are a big help in the construction department. Acting from true humility, John takes it upon himself to make sure all the necessary things are done so that larger projects can move forward. Mercer Quinby completed 400 hours in his first year volunteering with Habitat. He often volunteers for full weeks with Habitat and always comes in when extra hands are needed. He is very dedicated to Habitat’s mission, and that is evident in the way he connects with the homeowners and the motivation he brings to each project.

ReStore Donor

La-Z-Boy Furniture, for the past year, has made monthly donations of furniture to the Habitat ReStore. The consistency of the donations and the high quality of the furniture has helped the ReStore achieve some of its most financially successful months. It has been very beneficial and meaningful partnership for Habitat.

Community Builder Award

Beth Miller has been writing about Delaware since 1979, including 35 years as a general-assignment reporter for The News Journal. As a veteran journalist, Beth has covered everything from breaking news in the First State to the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that hit the tiny country of Haiti in 2010. There is no question she knows a great story when she sees one, as evidenced in her front-page coverage of two Habitat events in the past year–one on the burning of a paid-off Habitat mortgage, the other on the dedication of Coopers Run. Beth’s time in newspapers ended in January, when she started exploring the world from a new angle as the science writer for the University of Delaware. A N N UA L D I N N E R | 1 9