School House of Inspiration by Ashton Woods for HomeAid's 2018 Project Playhouse fundraiser

Winners of Project Playhouse Receive Key at Minute Maid Park

Terry SwensonCharity Projects, Featured, HomeAid Houston, Member News

School House of Inspiration by Ashton Woods for HomeAid's 2018 Project Playhouse fundraiser

2018 winners, Chad and Lacy Hamilton (left), receive the ceremonial key to the School House of Inspiration playhouse, on-field at the Astros game. They are joined by representatives from Ashton Woods and HomeAid Houston.

Thousands of Houston Astros fans shared the special moment when the Hamilton family received the key to this year’s Project Playhouse on the field at Minute Maid Park. Lacy and Chad Hamilton and their two young boys were the winners of “The School House of Inspiration” built by Ashton Woods. The key presentation was held prior to the Astros vs. A’s game on July 10.

“This fundraiser… gives us a unique opportunity to combine our love for design and homebuilding with a chance to give back. Our hope is that the School House of Inspiration inspires everyone who works on it, sees it, and plays in it to believe in themselves and believe in the power of helping others.”Paul Sims, Ashton Woods Division President

This is the 12th anniversary of HomeAid’s Project Playhouse, a fundraiser that builds hope and homes for Houston’s homeless community. Project Playhouse raised nearly $100,000 for HomeAid’s mission, to build new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. Gregory Janik, vice president of operations for Ashton Woods drew the winning ticket.


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Ashton Woods’ design captured the charm and classic look of schools from earlier times that helped build memories for generations. It included a school bell, a built-on swing set, operable windows, air conditioning, and interior furnishings that inspire children of all ages to hang out and play together for hours.

Paul Sims, Ashton Woods division president, along with Gregory Janik, vice president of operations; George Sanchez, product development manager; Kendra Lewis, marketing manager; DeKendrick Vidito, purchasing manager; and Amy Ross, design studio manager, represented the Ashton Woods team throughout construction.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this fundraiser for HomeAid Houston,” said Paul Sims, division president of Ashton Woods. “It gives us a unique opportunity to combine our love for design and homebuilding with a chance to give back. Our team jumped at the opportunity to donate our time and skills to those who need it most. Our hope is that the School House of Inspiration inspires everyone who works on it, sees it, and plays in it to believe in themselves and believe in the power of helping others.”

Among the dozens of sponsors who made this playhouse a success were two HomeAid board members extraordinaire who went above and beyond the call of duty by selling hundreds of tickets on their own time. Cindy Hinson with Lennar/Village Builders sold 455 tickets ($2,275) and Lisa Clark with Ryko Development sold a whopping 1,670 tickets ($8,350).

“The key presentation was the perfect celebration of a successful Project Playhouse,” said Bette Moser, executive director of HomeAid. “It brought the entire Playhouse team together to honor the builders, sponsors, vendors and volunteers who made this a World Series success. A huge thank you to the Astros, the Astros Foundation and Ashton Woods Homes!”

Playhouse Arrives ‘Special Delivery’
School House of Inspiration by Ashton Woods for HomeAid's 2018 Project Playhouse fundraiser

(L to R): Benny Sanchez, Francisco Cartagena and Joseph Lay with ClearPave; Lacy Hamilton, playhouse winner; William Lawson and Chris Lawson, BMC; and Jose Martinez with Perea Masonry.

The 2018 Project Playhouse arrived at its final destination by “special delivery,” thanks to the generosity of Danny Marchelli, owner of ClearPave LLC. The Hamilton family, playhouse winners, received delivery after much anticipation and excitement.

Lisa Clark, HomeAid board member and senior vice-president of Ryko Development made the call and the next day the playhouse arrived with the help of ClearPave. “Before I could even get the entire ask out of my mouth,” said Lisa, “Danny was on board.”

“‘Whatever you need we will be there to help,” Danny said. “We love the organization, the mission and all that you do for the community; we are honored to do this.”

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