BancorpSouth Donates Land to Memphis Habitat

Dwayne Spencer presents a sponsor plaque to Randy Henry, president of BancorpSouth's Barlett Branch. Pictured from left to right are Greg Webb, director of construction for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis; Brian Walhood, president of the Northwest Region of BancorpSouth; Randy Henry; Dwayne Spencer; Tom Portis, president of BancorpSouth's Memphis Division; and Joe Perdue, senior vice president/market manager of BancorpSouth in Oakland, Tenn.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis recently received a land donation of 29 acres from BancorpSouth for the Las Cruces neighborhood in Raleigh.

Memphis Habitat purchased 44 developed lots in the area from BancorpSouth earlier this year with federal monies awarded through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and BancorpSouth donated the adjoining undeveloped 29 acres for future Habitat projects. The agency is working to solidify its plans for the 29 acres and isn’t short on ideas.

“A project of this scope and magnitude will take some time to put together. However, we are excited about the potential to do something monumental,” said Dwayne Spencer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. “We were thrilled with their decision to donate this land, as it will ultimately enable us to further expand our work in Raleigh. We have some great ideas about how to get the most out of this large, expansive area.”

Employees from BancorpSouth also participated as volunteers in the organization’s spring build, helping Memphis Habitat complete four homes.

"I was able to participate in the build portion for the first set of homes in Las Cruces, and it was an awesome, humbling experience,” said Randy Henry, president of BancorpSouth’s Bartlett, Tenn., division. “I enjoyed working with Habitat through the process of acquiring the lots in Las Cruces, which then inspired BancorpSouth to donate the additional acreage. We really feel that we've seen the project grow from its infancy stages to now – seeing the first families move into the homes – and look forward to seeing Habitat’s work continue. It's a great feeling to have been even a small part of what Habitat does every day in the community.

-posted on August 2, 2010

Habitat Receives $11,600 From VESTA Designer Home Showcase

The Summer 2010 VESTA Designer Home Showcase raised more than $11,600 for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, according to Memphis Area Homebuilders Association officials.

The Showcase, which was held in Germantown from June 19 to July 5, was supported by more than 150 Habitat volunteers. The Showcase also proved to be a success for the developer and builders, as all five homes were sold by July 5.

Memphis Habitat would like to extend a special thank you to all volunteers who gave their time to assist with the Summer Showcase. The Showcase would not have been such a huge success without your support!

-posted on July 28, 2010

Memphis Habitat to Participate in Habitat International's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative

The NRI program, which was created by Habitat for Humanity International, encourages expansion of services to reach more families in need of decent, affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis has been selected as one of 163 affiliates nationwide to participate in Habitat for Humanity International’s initial phase of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. That effort will focus on improving housing conditions while partnering with other community organizations to provide services that enhance the overall quality of life across struggling neighborhoods.

“We’ve realized that to impact our community in a truly dynamic and holistic way, we needed to look beyond new house construction,” said Dwayne Spencer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. “We want to be able to reach out to other segments of the community where there are other housing problems that need be addressed.”

As part of the first phase, Memphis Habitat will receive training and guidance on how to revitalize communities through a variety of housing solutions and community development efforts.

In 2009, Habitat for Humanity International announced the formal launch of the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. The initiative encourages affiliates to serve more families and to create more resilient and sustainable communities by offering a variety of services in addition to new house construction.

“The affiliates selected to take part in the first phase of the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative are a diverse group so that we can learn how NRI will work in as many different affiliate situations as possible,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of Habitat’s U.S. and Canada area office. “We’ll take lessons learned from this first phase and incorporate them as the program expands over time. The Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative adds another dimension to our mission of providing families with decent, affordable places to live.”

Through the initiative, Memphis Habitat will work with other community organizations to determine the projects that will be carried out locally. Habitat services may include new house construction, rehabilitation of vacant and foreclosed properties, house repairs for low-income homeowners, and weatherization to make houses more energy-efficient and affordable.

“If we are going to help families thrive in healthy neighborhoods, we have to direct some significant efforts into healing America’s troubled communities,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “These affiliates will work together to develop strategies and create strong networks that can address individual neighborhood issues.”

-posted on July 20, 2010

Habitat and Partners Welcome Five New Families Home

Ed and Sue Clark present keys to Gloria McMiller and her daughter Sharon Yates
at the Spring Home Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, June 26.

Plenty of smiles were visible on Saturday at the Habitat build site in the Raleigh community. The five partner families, their sponsors, volunteers, board members and staff were on-hand for the dedication of the new homes. Despite the blazing heat, guests enjoyed barbeque sponsored by the Fossil Fueled Porkers before they turned their attention to the dedication ceremony.

Ed Clark, a first-time home sponsor who spent all eight build days on-site, described the entire experience as a blessing for the homeowner family and for his family.

Spring home sponsors are as follows: Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Baptist Memorial Health Care; Bolton High School; Bike and Build; Buckeye Technologies, Inc.; Cargill, Inc.; Church of the Holy Spirit; Coast to Coast Solutions; Creative Product Source; Cummins, Inc.; Cummins Mid-South, LLC; Delta Air Lines; Ed and Sue Clark; Faith Presbyterian Church; GECAS Asset Management Services; Germantown High School; Germantown Presbyterian Church; Home Depot Foundation; Houston High School; Idlewild Presbyterian Church; International Paper; Judy Christa-Cathey; Lowe’s; MCR Safety; Medtronic Spinal and Biologics; Memphis Area Master Gardeners; Memphis Health Careers Academy; MLGW EcoBUILD; Pfizer; Raleigh Egypt High School; Regions Bank; Running Pony Productions; Square D; St. Agnes Academy; Sycamore View Church of Christ; Tennessee Housing Development Agency; Tennessee Tech; Trinity United Methodist Church; Valero Memphis Refinery; White Station High School; Women Build; Word of Faith Christian Academy; Wright Medical Technology, Inc.; Whirlpool, Yale Lock and Youth United.

For more information about sponsoring a Habitat home, please contact Jessica Neal at 901.761.4771, ext. 215.

To view pictures from the dedication ceremony, please click here.

-posted on June 29, 2010

Exotic Italian Car Show Promises Thrills with New Location

The Exotic Italian Car Show is a family tradition for many. It's the best way to spend Father's Day - with your family, surrounded by dozens of the most beautiful cars in the world. Guests will see Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Masaratis, plus other beauties from Germany, Great Britain and the United States. Such a treat would be enough for many, but the show doesn't end there! There will be free hotdogs and chips for the first 1,500 guests through the gates, as well as games, contests, giveaways and surprises from our first-ever presenting sponsor and host, Hilton Worldwide!

The 9th Annual Hilton Worldwide Exotic Italian Car Show will take place on Sunday, June 20, 2010 at Hilton Worldwide (755 Crossover Lane Memphis, TN 38117 - click here for directions - the main entrance is at South Perkins Road and Spottswood). The Show, which is presented by Memphis Cars Italia, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds raised will benefit Habitat in its efforts to eliminate substandard housing in the Memphis area.

Event t-shirts and posters can be purchased in advance by emailing Crystel Hardin at chardin@memphishabitat.com, and they will also be available at the Show. Tickets to the 9th Annual Exotic Italian Car Show are sure to make a great gift for your father on his special day!

The 2010 Hilton Worldwide Exotic Italian Car Show is sponsored by Hilton Worldwide, Ameriprise Financial, Digital Now Graphics, Sport Clips, Parties with Pizzazz, Pepsi Americas, Frito Lay, Mahaffey Tent, Mirimichi, Delta Ice Services, Domino's Pizza, Bunny Bread, Radians and Fox 13.

-posted on June 1, 2010

Gallery Fifty Six To Auction Painting to Benefit Memphis Habitat

Janice Nabors Raiteri, curator of Gallery Fifty Six located at 2256 Central Avenue, is auctioning off one of her beautiful paintings to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.

Anyone interested in bidding on the painting, entitled "Rooftops," can do so through June 1st. All proceeds from the painting will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.

Many of Janice's other works also can be seen at Gallery Fifty Six through the end of May. Gallery Fifty Six is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-posted on May 27, 2010

Is Your Dad Father of the Year Material? Nominate Him Today!

Nominate your dad for the 9th Annual Exotic Italian Car Show’s FATHER OF THE YEAR Contest! Simply write an essay in 300 words or less describing what your dad means to you and why he is so special. The FATHER OF THE YEAR will receive a ride in one of the Show’s Exotic Cars, a trophy and a Car Show t-shirt.

The 9th Annual Exotic Italian Car Show Committee will select three finalists. The finalists and the person who nominates them will receive free tickets to the Car Show. The FATHER OF THE YEAR will be announced at 3 p.m. at the Show on Father’s Day, June 20!

Requirements:

Contest is open to U.S. residents, except employees of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.
All applications must be received by Monday, May 24.
Essays can be computer print-out, typed or hand-written, but must be original. Photos and/or original artwork may be included.
We can only accept one nomination per household.
Entry in the contest transfers the copyright of the essay and any submitted artwork to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and the Exotic Italian Car Show and will not be returnable. The author grants Habitat permission to reproduce without compensation all or portions of the essay on an unlimited, worldwide basis in its publications. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, when appropriate, will cite the name of the author if significant portions of a positive essay are used. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis will also change or conceal names in published essays to maintain confidentiality where necessary or required.
All prizes will be awarded. Taxes on all prizes are the sole responsibility of winners. No prize transfers or substitutions, except by sponsor due to unavailability. Offer subject to federal, state, and local regulations and laws and void where taxed, restricted, or prohibited. By entering, participants agree to these rules and the decisions of the judges and expressly consent to the use of their name, photograph, or likeness for advertising this and similar promotions of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and the Exotic Italian Car Show without compensation.
Nominations should be submitted by email to chardin@memphishabitat.com or by mail to the following address:
Exotic Italian Car Show Father of the Year Contest
Attn: Crystel Hardin
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis
169 Scott Street
Memphis, TN 38112

The nomination form can be found here.

Please email chardin@memphishabitat.com with any questions. Thank you for participating in the 9th Annual Exotic Italian Car Show’s Father of the Year Contest!

-posted on May 18, 2010

Youth United Recognizes its Outstanding Leaders

Jessica Foon, a senior at the University of Memphis, and Morgan Dowty, a junior at Germantown High School, were selected as Youth United's Outstanding Committee Members for the 2009-10 school year. Chisom Obi-Okaye, a senior at Houston High School, was selected as the Committee's Outstanding Fundraiser.

Committee members from area schools and churches smile for a group photo during their last committee meeting of the 2009-10 school year. Meetings for the 2010-11 school year begin in June.

Youth United, Habitat's program for youth between the ages of 5 and 25, recognized its outstanding leaders at its end of the year committee meeting on May 6. Jessica Foon, a senior at the University of Memphis, and Morgan Dowty, a junior at Germantown High School, were selected as the program's Outstanding Committee Leaders. Chisom Obi-Okaye, a senior from Houston High School, was selected as the program's Outstanding Fundraiser.

The 2009-10 Committee was responsible for the planning and execution of the program's most successful fundraisers to date - their April 10 Battle of the Bands, which raised $1,600, and their November 14 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, which raised more than $800.

To close out the year, Youth United will be participating in the 2010 Youth Build, and they will be hosting an End of the Year Ultimate Frisbee Tournament on May 22 in Bartlett's Freeman Park.

For more information about Youth United, the 2010 Youth Build or the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, please call Crystel Hardin at 901.761.4771, ext. 210 or email chardin@memphishabitat.com.

-posted on May 10, 2010

Habitat Spring Build Gets Underway in Raleigh

Volunteers make good progress on the first day of the 2010 Spring Build in the Raleigh community of Las Cruces. The Build will continue on Saturday, May 8.
For volunteer information, please click here.

Sponsors, volunteers, homeowners and staff from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis will begin construction on five new homes in Raleigh this Friday and Saturday.

“We’re excited to break from our traditional schedule and build during May and June,” said Dwayne Spencer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. “We hope that the sun will shine down on us while we come together to ensure these five families each have a safe, affordable place to call their own.”

Spring sponsors include Baptist Memorial Health Care, a local retired couple, youth from area high school and church groups and supporters of the local Women Build initiative. Construction on the homes starts at 7:30 a.m. this Friday and Saturday. The homes are located on Lands End Drive in the Raleigh community.

This weekend’s volunteers will be responsible for the majority of the framing and roofing. Habitat volunteers receive all training and building supplies on-site.

Construction will continue every Saturday through May 22, and then will continue from June 5 until June 26. The homes will be dedicated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 26.

For more information about the spring build, please click here.

-posted on May 7, 2010

Habitat's Financial Peace University Students Graduate This Thursday

Habitat partner families must graduate from Financial Peace University before they can become homeowners. Former students like Riko Jones (shown with Dave Goldrick from International Paper) leave the class with knowledge that they'll carry with them for a lifetime. For more information about FPU, click here.

Please join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis
for a Graduation Ceremony honoring the Spring 2010
Financial Peace University Graduates

When: Thursday May 6th, 2010 from 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Church of the Holy Communion
Parrish Cheney Hall at 6465 Walnut Grove Road

Spring 2010 FPU Graduates are as follows: Andrew Butler, Karen Howard, Rosalyn Johnson, Aurora McMahan, Gloria McMiller, Jacqueline Morton, Alejandrina Murillo, Roxanne Scott and Carla Wiseman

Speakers will include:
Shelia Terrell, RISE Foundation
Keith Turbett, Suntrust Bank
Cynthia Scales, Allstate Insurance Company
Linda Seely, Memphis Area Legal Services

Please join us after the ceremony for snacks and a meet and greet with the speakers and new Habitat partner families!

-posted on May 3, 2010

Ladies, Grab Your Hammers for Lowe’s Habitat for Humanity Women Build Clinic on April 29!

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis is partnering with the Lowe's on Perkins at Sam Cooper to provide free training clinics for women. Led by Habitat’s construction staff, the clinics are designed to provide women with a hands-on experience in basic construction techniques and safety and to encourage their participation in Habitat’s Women Build efforts, which will begin on May 8.

Location: Lowe’s (585 North Perkins)
Date: Thursday, April 29
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Preregistration required: Julie Romine, 761-4771, ext. 206 or jromine@memphishabitat.com
Questions: Julie Romine, 761-4771, ext. 206 or jromine@memphishabitat.com

Lowe’s is the underwriter of Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build program. Through Lowe’s-sponsored Women Builds, women from all walks of life work together to build Habitat for Humanity homes across the United States. Lowe’s is also expanding much-needed training opportunities for women by offering Women Build how-to clinics at its stores. Through this partnership, Lowe’s and Women Build are committed to redefining homemaking by placing the tools to fight poverty housing in the hands of women across the nation.

Since 2003, Lowe’s has contributed more than $18 million to Habitat for Humanity through cash and in-kind donations and contributed hundreds of hours of local employee volunteer time. Lowe’s was the co-premier sponsor of Habitat’s 2003 Jimmy Carter Work Project, where 92 homes were built in one week, and a gold sponsor of the 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project, where volunteers built and repaired 100 homes in Los Angeles.

In 2010, Lowe's is sponsoring the third annual National Women Build Week celebration. More than 13,000 volunteers on more than 350 worksites participated in the first two years of the U.S.-wide event. In addition, Lowe’s gives free training clinics to every Habitat affiliate within driving distance of a local store, and provides complimentary merchandise for every affiliate hosting a Women Build project.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis will begin construction on their fourth Women Build home on May 8. Memphis area women are encouraged to register for the area’s first “Mother-Daughter” build day to be held Saturday, June 26. Activities will be available for all ages and donations of $125 are encouraged to help fund the cost of the home. Registration and donation information is available here. Contact Julie Romine at jromine@memphishabitat.com or 761-4771, ext. 206 for additional details.

-Posted on April 22, 2010

Youth United Raises More Than $1,600 at Battle of the Bands

Top: The Doorknobs perform at Youth United's Battle of the Bands. Bottom: Crowds of music fans enjoy six talented bands at The Avenue Carriage Crossing.

More than 250 music fans gathered at The Avenue Carriage Crossing on Saturday, April 10 to support talented local musicians at Youth United's first-ever Battle of the Bands. The participants were The Doorknobs, Word of Faith Christian Academy Band, The Ideal Setback, The Fortunates, Tour de Wolf and Agori Tribe. Fans also had the opportunity to play rock and roll trivia for a chance to win gift cards, and there was face painting for the kids.

At the end of the evening, fans had contributed more than $1,600 towards the Youth Build, and The Doorknobs had been declared the winner of the Battle of the Bands. As the champion, they will receive a three hour recording session at Sun Studios, a $500 gift card to Lane Music, as well as the chance to play at the Summer 2010 Summer Shindig at Ardents Studios!

To view photos from Battle of the Bands, click here.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2010 Battle of the Bands and supported the Youth Build effort!

-posted on April 12, 2010

Youth United's Battle of the Bands Scheduled for April 10!

Support Habitat's Youth United program by attending our first-ever Battle of the Bands! All proceeds raised will benefit the 2010 Youth Build!

Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Avenue Carriage Crossing's Central Park
All ages are invited to attend!

The event is free, but we encourage you to vote for your favorite band by dropping a donation in their bucket. The winning band will receive a Sun Studio gift certificate for three hours of studio recording time, four t-shirts, & four Sun Studios Greatest Hits CDs, a $500 gift card to Lane Music as well as the opportunity to play at the 2010 Summer Shindig at Ardent Studios in early June!

You'll see the following bands!

The Doorknobs
Word of Faith Christian Academy Band
The Ideal Setback
The Fortunates
Tour de Wolf
Agori Tribe

In addition to great music, there will be giveaways, rock and roll trivia and face painting for the kids. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, and come join us for a fun evening to benefit a great cause!

For more information, please email chardin@memphishabitat.com.

-posted on April 5, 2010

Coffee & Conversation set for April 8 and new weekend dates added!

-posted on March 5, 2010

HOME TEAM HUDDLE Winners Announced!

This photo by Terry Hash was the winner of the 2010 Photo Contest. Hash included the following caption with her photo: My name is Darby. I am a rescue border collie mix, and I loved my HOME TEAM HUDDLE party for Habitat! I got to greet everyone and enjoy some great food! Although squirrel chasing (haven't caught one yet) and mole hunting (I've dug up 3!) are my favorite sports, I could get used to this football watching! Can't wait for next year!

The winner of the grand prize, the five largest parties and the photo contest were announced at the HOME TEAM HUDDLE Host Thank You Party on February 23 at Germantown Presbyterian Church.

All of the names of party hosts and guests were placed in a paint can, and the winning name was drawn in front of the excited crowd. The winner of the grand prize trip for two to an NFL game was Ray and Ilace Mears from the Fritz Party. Ray and Ilace will receive two Delta Air Lines tickets, two nights at the Hampton Inn of their choice and two tickets to any 2010 NFL game! Special thanks to our sponsors Matrix Achievement Group, Delta Air Lines and Hilton Worldwide for sponsoring that package!

Party guests watched a slideshow of photo entries, and then they voted Hash's photo of Darcy (shown above) as their winner. Hash received a HOME TEAM HUDDLE t-shirt, rally rag and mini football for her winning entry.

Also announced were the 2010 five largest parties in order: Germantown United Methodist Church Alpha Class Party, the Addicott Party, the Gibson Party, the Hilton Worldwide Party and the Anderson Party.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 Matrix Achievement Group HOME TEAM HUDDLE. We hope that you'll "huddle up" with Habitat again next year!

-posted on February 24, 2010

HOME TEAM HUDDLE Sets a New Party Record!

Eighty parties supported the 6th Annual Matrix Achievement Group HOME TEAM HUDDLE on Super Sunday, February 7!

The winner will be announced at the HOME TEAM HUDDLE Host Party on Tuesday, February 23. The party will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Germantown Presbyterian Church.

Please RSVP to Crystel at chardin@memphishabitat.com by Friday, February 19 if you plan to attend. Hosts of all ages are invited!

All HOME TEAM HUDDLE donations and registration sheets are due by Monday, February 15. If you would like to make an online donation to HOME TEAM HUDDLE, please click here.

Special thanks to our 2010 sponsors Matrix Achievement Group, Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotels Corporation, WREG, 98.1 The Max, The Flying Saucer and Lenny's Sub Shop.

-posted on February 9, 2010