Rock-A-Thon raises $7,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

STUART, Fla., Dec. 13, 2011 – On Dec. 3, champions of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County rocked their way to more than $7,500 – funds that will be used to build homes for deserving families throughout the community.

The Rock-A-Thon fundraiser took place at Lowe’s of Stuart and was quite a success for the local Habitat affiliate. The rocking chair relay event kept attendees of all ages entertained with live music, activities, refreshments and more.

"The outpouring of community support for the Rock-A-Thon is a testament to the Habitat mission,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. "We are very pleased with the results and so grateful to the volunteers, performers, sponsors and staff that made this event possible.”

The event included live entertainment from local bands including 99 for One of First United Methodist Church of Stuart, One Last Chance Band, and Medicine Cabinet; and children’s activities including a Lowe’s kids clinic and Boys & Girls Club craft table.

Special thanks to Lowe’s of Stuart for hosting the event, as well as the generous "Rock Star” sponsors, Bank Atlantic; Bushdogs Parties, Picnics and Casual Catering; Centex; EZ-On Products of Florida; and Water Pointe Realty Group. "You Rock" sponsors, Braddock Electric and Air, CSL Plasma, Empire Environmental, Forum Financial Group, Freedom Homebuilders, Natural Flow, New Growth Media, Premium Painters, Treasure Coast Propellers, Whiticar Boat Works, and River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp. "Rocker" sponsors, Accurate Tile & Marble, Ampersand Shirt Shack, Atlantic Insurance Advisors, Hurricane Boat Lifts, Koplas & Company, CPA, PA, Sterling Mortgage, and Beachcomber Fiberglass Technology.

We also want to thank Stewart with Hurricane Mountain Sound for providing the sound, Karen with KMF Entertainment who provided face painting and balloon art, Bushdogs Catering for providing the delicious food and sweets, and the Chick-fil-A for Santa Cow making an appearance.

To learn more about Habitat volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to help eliminate substandard housing by building homes for others, revitalizing neighborhoods, and transforming lives. Since its inception in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County has built 94 homes in Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and Stuart. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

East Stuart future home of three Habitat ‘green’ homes

The groundbreaking of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s three green homes in East Stuart marked several milestones: The first green homes in Martin County and the city of Stuart; the first green build for the local Habitat affiliate; and the first home Leonardo Rodriguez’s family will own.

“We’re really excited about this project. These will be our first green homes, made possible by a grant from the City of Stuart,” said City Manager Dan Hudson at the Feb. 25 groundbreaking. “What we’re looking to do here in the East Stuart community is promote homeownership. Thanks to our partnership with Habitat, it’s becoming a reality for qualified applicants.”

The groundbreaking was a momentous occasion for Rodriguez, a resident of Stuart currently renting an apartment with his son. “It’s a miracle; a dream come true,” Rodriguez said. “I’m the first member of my family to build and own a home in the United States.”

The construction of Habitat’s green homes will conform to environmentally sensitive standards, meeting gold rating requirements by the Florida Green Building Coalition.

"This Habitat project in Martin County proves in Martin County proves you can build green-certified homes with little to no additional costs,” said Habitat’s green consultant, Kyle Abney of Abney + Abney Green Solutions, Inc. “Green features such as proper orientation, using light interior colors to reflect natural light, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and adhesives, extended overhangs for shade, not installing a garbage disposal, using low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets, and xeriscaping are all being done in this home and can be done in any home."

Clearing and construction is underway and the homes will be featured as part of the East Stuart Extreme Makeover on March 13, a day dedicated to cleaning up and making renovations to houses in the community redevelopment area. Habitat’s green homes will be built by the homeowners and volunteers (as are all Habitat homes) and work will continue during the Extreme Makeover as Habitat staffers explain the green mechanics of each home and the benefits of being environmentally responsible.

This project is made possible thanks to the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, which provided a $100,000 “green initiatives” grant to help finance the green homes. Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is pleased to partner with Abney + Abney Green Solutions, Inc., Braden & Braden architects and the Houston Cuozzo Group land planners which will provide consultations on the construction of these homes.

To learn more about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.