Helping Others, One 2x4 at a Time
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 01 January 2012 16:55
- Written by Paul Gordon
Habitat for Humanity fund-raiser aims to help build more houses for those in need
The Peoria chapter of Habitat for Humanity isn't looking for anybody to build a better mousetrap.
Well, unless it's made with 2x4s and more.
The chapter's 2x4s & More campaign is ongoing and culminates Feb. 4 —that's 2/4, get it? —with an event at Barrack's Cater Inn on Pioneer Parkway that will include a silent and live auction of artwork, with the proceeds to be used to purchase material Habitat for Humanity will use to build houses.
Tickets to the event are $24.24. CEFCU is the chief sponsor of the event.
The artwork to be auctioned will be from students from grade school to college as well as professional artists. The only caveat is that the art must be constructed using 2x4 boards in one way or another, said Greg Woith, executive director of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Peoria.
This will be the second year for the auction and Woith said the chapter, surprised with the 68 entries it received last year, hopes for even more as the event continues.
"Last year it exceeded our wildest dreams for the first year of doing this. Not to mention the quality of many of the pieces. It was something. It was also a lot of fun," he said.
Through November the chapter had 50 entries confirmed, so Woith said he is confident it will top 68 by the time of the auction.
He hopes, too, to top the amount of funds raised to buy lumber and nails and other items needed so the Greater Peoria chapter can build six houses for the less fortunate during 2012. Last year the auction raised about $9,000, he said, with a like amount raised during the regular 2x4s & More campaign in which donations of $24.24 are solicited.
That campaign will continue as well, he said.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and since then has worked to eliminate poverty housing worldwide in partnership with low-income families and community volunteers and sponsors. In the United States it is now the among the top 10 house builders in the country based on the number of houses the organization builds nationwide throughout the year.
This year, as in 2011, judges will pick a Top 6 for awards and for a live auction. Last year all of the entries were sold.
"We had some really fine entries last year, some really great concepts. There was a giant checkerboard, a sculpture of 'Raising the Wall.' It really ran the gamut," he said. He explained that Raising the Wall is the term used when the wall of a house is constructed with 2x4s lying on the ground, then raised into place to be connected to other walls.
"This year we already have heard we'll get a giant clothes pin, a banjo complete with strings made strictly from 2x4s and a giant mousetrap. Two of our top six from last year are participating again for sure and we hope for more," Woith said. "We can't wait to see what they do. It really is a great way to raise some money and have some fun while emphasizing construction, which is what we're all about."
The chapter began soliciting artists in April and May 2011. "Some of these take time and we want the artists to have plenty of time to work on them," he said.
Woith said the national Habitat for Humanity organization hasn't yet picked up on the 2x4s & More concept. "We thought we'd do it again this year and make sure it really is something we can use into the future. If so, we'll pass it on and see if they are interested," he said.
If you are unable to make it to the Feb. 4 event, you can go to www.habitatpeoria.org and donate online.
"It all helps us to help others. That's what it's all about," Woith said.
Habitat for Humanity helps others, but it also requires those it helps to help themselves. Each house building project is a joint venture between community and homeowner. Houses are sold to families with 20-year, no interest mortgages.
Homeowners pay a monthly mortgage payment to Habitat and those funds are put back into a Fund for Humanity that supports the construction of more houses.
In addition, each homeowner family is required to invest 350 to 500 sweat equity hours into the construction of their house and other Habitat projects. This reduces the cost of the houses and increases the pride of ownership among family members.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, including information for owning a Habitat for Humanity house, go to the organization's website, www.habitatpeoria.org.
