Andy Neuville Wins Door County Habitat for Humanity Winter Festival Raffle
The proud owner of a new fish shanty constructed by Door County Habitat for Humanity volunteers learned of his good fortune while ice fishing with his father. Andy Neuville was elated at the news that his was the winning raffle ticket. The fish shanty prize was built at the request of the Fish Creek Civic Association with materials donated by Van’s Lumber and the Hands on Art Studio . It served as a float in last Saturday’s parade and was displayed throughout the weekend at the Fish Creek Winter Festival. Habitat for Humanity delivered it to his home the same day.
Andy hopes to put the fish shanty to good use before the season ends next month. The continued cooperation between Door County Habitat for Humanity and the broader Door community is a source of pride for Habitat. Board President, Glen Rossman, notes that if the organization succeeds again this year in reaching its goal of three more homes, the total number of Habitat houses built in Door County built since 1994 will reach 30.
Fundraising efforts – including the fish shanty raffle – are aimed at collecting $275,000 by June 1st. Donations from individuals since the start of the “Three Homes Campaign” in November of last year have exceeded expectations. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has committed to supporting the construction of the first 2009 Habitat home in Door County. The Apostles’ Build Project, aimed at recruiting faith based construction support from throughout the County, already has commitments for nearly half of the projected cost of the second home. The first local “Women Build” will help to build the third Door County Habitat home in 2009.
“The economic downturn has made decent, safe, affordable housing an unattainable dream for many families right here in Door County”, says Rick Nelson, Executive Director of Door County Habitat for Humanity.
Support from the Fish Creek Civic Association during the Winter Festival and community’s support for the fish shanty raffle have contributed to an alleviation of the local affordable housing shortage.
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org. Door County Habitat for Humanity was created in 1993. Its first house was finished in 1994. Since then, 27 new homes have been built in Door County. For more information, contact Rick Nelson at 920.743.2869, email info@doorhabitat.com or visit the Website at www.doorhabitat.com.
