The Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, “Framing the Future,” is set for Saturday, April 4

By Patricia Nugent

Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity nobly partners with families who have only dreamt of owning a decent home. As a testimony to real empowerment, homeowners work tirelessly alongside the volunteers to build their future home, and then receive support from the organization to secure their independence to create a better life for themselves.

Since 1987, the organization has built 93 homes locally, on average about three to four per year.

Volunteers also make sure people possess the skills to manage their home once it’s built.

Meet Habitat’s Newest Homeowner: Manny
Manny, a single father of four, was living in a high-rent two-bedroom home with issues that were creating an unhealthy living environment. He was unable to improve his living situation, despite working for the same employer for 15 years.

Determined to provide a healthier more stable life for himself and his children, Manny applied and qualified for the Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. The crew broke ground on his home last July and on Sunday, December 1, 2019, Manny accepted the keys and a 30-year, no-interest mortgage to his new home in Painesville Township during a dedication ceremony that included a home blessing.

“There is nothing more rejuvenating than going to this kind of a celebration to see a house become a home,” says Denise Sanzo, director of marketing and digital communications. “It’s an affirmation of all the planning and hard work from the more than 100 volunteers that goes into helping a family rewrite the next chapter in their life.”

Kathleen Caine, who is the community engagement director, couldn’t agree more. “Every dollar that is donated, every hour that a volunteer offers to work and every message of hope that is shared helps us stand up for our fellow neighbors,” she says.

Still Time to Join the Effort
Denise says that 100 percent of the proceeds from the Framing the Future Charity Event go toward allowing Habitat to strategically plan and accomplish its mission.

“We’re proud to say that the amount we’ve raised has grown each year,” she continues. “Last year we raised $81,000—our highest ever—and this year we’re hoping to break $90,000. If people are unable to make the charity event, they can still donate online in honor of the evening.”

The ladies say they are thankful to LaMalfa Party Center, where the event is held, as well as all of their local support from the community and corporate partners such as Avery Dennison and First Energy.

Again this year will be a thrilling live auction facilitated by an auctioneer to get the crowd going and live music entertainment by the “Who’s Charlie” band.

There’s still time to donate items for auction or be a sponsor of the event, with levels of $500-$10,000. Reach out to Kathleen at 440-226-3000, ext. 104, for more information.

Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity is headquartered at 100 Parker Court in Chardon. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. One hundred percent of each donation goes to the mission of self-sustainability. The Habitat for Humanity ReStores are located at 34225 Vine Street in Eastlake, and 12180 Kinsman Road in Newbury, and are open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The stores are always looking for donations of new and gently used furniture, housewares and building materials. Call 440-226-3000 or visit Lake-GeaugaHabitat.org for more information.