Visitors to the new Artisan Home Tour will help support the BATC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) with every ticket they purchase. The $10.00 from TourTickets (to gain access to all 25 homes) and $2.00 from single home visits will be used to support the work of the Foundation as they build, repair and remodel homes for area families in need.
The Foundation’s most recent projects included:
A Universal Design Home for Zack
In September, 2012, South St. Paul native Zack Mohs was struck by a hit and run driver as he crossed a street in Anchorage, Alaska. Zack suffered multiple life threatening injuries including the loss of his left leg and a severe brain injury. His mother Cheryl flew to Zack’s side and has been his biggest cheerleader ever since.
Although doctors initially told Cheryl that Zack would not survive his injuries, she never gave up her firm belief that Zack would not only survive, but that he would someday walk again. After getting Zack through his darkest times, Cheryl had him transferred to the Courage Center in Golden Valley for his long journey back to recovery. She then rallied friends and family around her personal dream—an accessible home for Zack that would accommodate his mobility needs and give him a place where he can continue his recovery.
Cheryl spent several months turning her dream for Zack into reality any way she could. House plans were donated, a lot in South St. Paul was purchased and a foundation put in when Cheryl approached the BATC Foundation for help. Her story of steadfast belief in her son and his remarkable progress moved BATC Foundation staff and volunteers alike.
BATC members gave generously to the project, donating thousands of dollars’ worth of labor and materials. With the help of build partner JK Anderson Builders, a universal design home was completed. Zack moved into his new home in late March 2014, fulfilling Cheryl’s dream of a safe place for her son to continue to heal. And Cheryl’s other dream? Zack recently took his first steps.
A Special Space for Eli
Everyone needs a special space to call their own, but children who are battling a life threatening illness especially need a retreat where they can forget about the stress of their treatments and hospital visits. The BATC Foundation has partnered with Special Spaces— Minneapolis to provide a special space for four-year-old Eli. Eli is battling ALL (Acute Lymphatic Leukemia) and is facing many months of treatment. Volunteers installed Eli’s special space at the end of May 2014 and he is busy running his cars on the racetrack decals and sleeping in his brand new race car bed! The BATC Foundation will be completing a second bedroom with Special Spaces later this summer.