HomeAid Houston’s 2016 Project Playhouse was a game-changer this year as the event raised a total of $80,496 for Houston’s mission “to build new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.”
HomeAid, a 501c3 charity of the Greater Houston Builders Association, builds transformational housing for Houston’s homeless. HomeAid, the Houston Astros and the Astros Foundation partnered with M/I Homes on this 10th annual fundraiser. Raffle tickets for a chance to win the playhouse in a drawing were sold for $5 each over a period of several months. The drawing was held on June 22 at the Astros vs. the Angels game.
Jay McManus, president of the Houston Division of M/I Homes, and his six year old son, Jake McManus, drew the winning ticket. The winner is GHBA member Kim Cooke with Benefit Concepts, Inc.
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“It was a thrill for me to receive the call that I had won the playhouse,” said Kim. “It was exciting to win, and at the same time to know that my ticket purchase went toward such a great cause.”
M/I Homes designed and constructed this year’s playhouse with donated materials and labor from GHBA members. M/I’s team created a video game style design they named Pixel Playhouse that featured air conditioning, tempered safety glass windows, a plasma TV, a treasure chest, a front porch, exterior torches and game seating. Pixel Playhouse also included a hand-created rug, tree and artwork that turned virtual into reality.
“M/I Homes was honored and excited to participate in Project Playhouse this year,” said Jay McManus, division president. “What better way to raise money to end homelessness? This is a tremendous opportunity for M/I Homes in Houston to give back to the community and involve our employees by doing what we do best—build homes!”
The M/I Homes Project Playhouse team included David Gipe, vice president of operations; Keith Blum, vice president of purchasing; Bobby R. McNeese, sales manager; Chasity St. Andre, escrow officer; James Lee, construction superintendent; Hanan Foteh, senior administrator; Jean Pearcy, sales administrator; Linda Lynch, senior administrator; Steve Madrid, construction superintendent and Stephanie Wright, sales manager.
“HomeAid thanks the incredible team at M/I Homes for their commitment to Project Playhouse and to the dozens of volunteers who worked at the Astros games raising awareness about homelessness in Houston,” said Cindy Hinson, president of HomeAid Houston. “Companies like M/I Homes are helping to improve the lives of so many less fortunate through their hard work and a dedication to a cause.”
Lisa Clark, HomeAid Board Member Rocks Raffle Ticket Sales
The Legend of Lisa continues as she sets new records for HomeAid’s Project Playhouse raffle ticket sales.
This year, Lisa raised $8,125 by selling 1,625 tickets. Lisa is a HomeAid board member and vice president of Ryko Development, Inc. She has generated thousands of dollars in sales for Playhouse each year. Her connections, skill, tenaciousness, competitive spirit and above all, her love for HomeAid, motivate her and inspire her to challenge others to the task.
“It is really very easy to sell a $5 raffle ticket when you can convey the importance of where the money goes,” said Lisa. “I explain that the funds raised go directly to HomeAid Houston and to the projects that are changing lives all over our city. There are no hidden agendas, it’s all up front, and that is important to me.”
Lisa gathers her stacks of raffle tickets as soon as they are available and she is off and running. “I carry hundreds of them with me throughout the day,” she explained. “I have them when I go to meetings, lunches, both business and social, and I keep them at my desk when people drop in the office. I’ve been known to take them home as well, and my neighbors know what’s about to happen when they see me coming.”
“The Legend of Lisa continues to touch all of us involved with HomeAid,” said Cindy Hinson, president of the board. “Lisa Clark works hard at her real job, and she works just as hard for the homeless men, women, children and veterans we serve as a non-profit charity. We can’t thank her enough for all she does.”
Winner of Pixel Playhouse Says Timing is Everything
Kim Cooke with Benefit Concepts, Inc., winner of the Pixel Playhouse, says the timing of winning the playhouse was perfect for her. Kim had purchased a farmhouse outside of Houston and her grown children reminded her that since they had always had a playhouse growing up, the new yard needed one as well; after all, they would give her grandchildren someday….
“Even before I bought a raffle ticket for Project Playhouse this year, I was thinking about building a playhouse for the property,” Kim said. “My grown daughters and my extended family come to visit and it was a big topic of conversation.”
Kim has supported HomeAid for several years by purchasing Playhouse raffle tickets. “When I got the call,” she said, “one of the first things I thought was I better get it installed by November, because that’s when my daughter is getting married, and everyone will be at the house during that time. I wanted Pixel Playhouse to be a part of the festivities.”
As Kim plans the installation, her daughters are studying the playhouse rendering and photos to see what added colors and features they want to make.
“We want to add additional activities such as a sewing machine and video games,” said Kim. “The playhouse will be an age-friendly activity center. I can’t express enough how thrilled I am that I won, and how happy I am to be part of something so special as giving to projects that help the homeless.”
HomeAid thanks all of our 2016 sponsors, volunteers and sales teams for making this year so successful!
Champion Energy Services
RoofTec
Grand Slam Sponsors: $2,500
Air Team Ltd.
Aliana Development
Brian & Irene Binash
CTC Concrete
IES Residential Inc.
Johnson Development
Quality Drywall & Services Ltd.
Rock Materials
Teal System
The Woodlands Development Co. – Bridgeland
Woodmere Development Co.
Home Run Sponsors: $1,000
84 Lumber
Apex Foundation
Costello, Inc.
Excell Foundations
FMS Surveying
McDow Interests
Newland Communities
Sherwin-Williams
Trendmaker Homes
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Ace Fence Co.
All Points Surveying
Builders Post-Tension
Cast Fireplaces, Inc.
Century Classics
Chesmar Homes
CLM Mortgage
Corey Construction Houston LLC
Datasmart|Duncan Security
Factory Builder Stores
The Flory Team
Gulf Coast Fan & Light
Kingwood Royal Brook/Friendswood Development
The ML Group
Perfection Supply
PPG Paints
Resource Staffing
Ryko Development
Surface Systems of Texas
Trend Development
Tri-Tech Surveying Co./BEC-LIN Engineering
Towne Lake
BMC
BrivicMedia
Builders First Source
Builders Mechanical
Granite Surfaces
The Houston Chronicle
IBP Insulation
IES Residential
JP Hart Lumber
On-Target Marketing & Advertising
Outfront Media
Perfect Image Signs
ProBuild Trim
Quick Roofing
Satellite TV & Sound
Southwest Precision Printers
The Writer’s Block
Winning Sales Team SMC:
Mel Audain, GHBA
Mike Blalock, Post Oak Publishing
Taylor Blissit, MHI
Jennifer Symons, Caldwell Company
Mike Yoder, BPT