Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando Area has launched its fundraising effort for “National Women Build Week,” a volunteer-driven event designed to empower women to take action against poverty-level housing conditions. Habitat Orlando’s goal is to complement volunteer efforts by raising $100,000 – the cost to sponsor one Habitat home. The event runs from May 2 to 7 and will take place at the nonprofit’s first multifamily community, Stag Horn Villas.
In support of the build, Lowe’s provided Habitat Orlando with a $5,000 store gift card, as well as in-store volunteer training. The company also committed more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week this year, providing grants and support materials to 250 participating affiliates nationwide. This event is one of the major initiatives supported through Lowe’s five-year, $40 million pledge to Habitat.
In addition to business sponsors, more than 30 local women’s groups have formed teams to secure donations.
“When I first learned of Women Build, I thought it would be a great project for the Lockheed Martin “Women’s Success Network” – now our team is six people strong,” said Lusinda Recor, a multimedia producer at Lockheed Martin and a Women Build Week team leader, who hopes to raise $1,000 for the event. “The need for affordable housing has never been greater in our community and this is an opportunity to empower women and raise funds for a worthy project.”
Another fundraising component of Orlando’s Women Build Week is the steering committee. Each member has committed to donate or raise $10,000 for this special week and includes Rhonda Rhodes, Universal Orlando; Carrie Gerhard, Delta Air Lines; Jacqueline M. Karastamatis, Siemens Energy, Inc.; Caroline C. Hardin, GE Capital Corporation; Deana L. Lewis, SunTrust Bank (Central Florida Division); Nancy Tallent, Florida Distributing Company; and Cheryl Fitch, Aon Hewitt.
For more information, contact Chris Eckert at (407) 648-4567, ext. 410, or visit www.habitat-orlando.org/women-build.
