For more than 20 years, the BATC Foundation has tapped the talents and resources of the member builders, remodelers, and suppliers of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities to help families who otherwise might not have the opportunity to have a safe and affordable home. The Foundation builds, remodels and repairs homes for Twin Cities families in need, often in partnership with local charities and organizations.
The thousands of people who donate $5.00 to tour the Artisan Dream Homes and Artisan Dream Remodeled Homes during the Parade of Homes℠ are a major source of funds for the Foundation. Last year, visitors to the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase® raised more than $100,000 during the Spring and Fall tours.
The Foundation’s most recent project is just one example of how they utilize the dollars raised during the Parade of Homes. This one was completed last fall, and has given one Veteran’s family a new lease on life.
Jason served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corp, completed three tours of duty in Iraq and is currently serving in the Minnesota National Guard. After being discharged from the Marines, Jason returned to Minnesota where he found it tough to find a job. To complicate matters further, his wife Genella was experiencing medical problems due to complications from the birth of their son. Jason and Genella experienced financial difficulties and were not able to keep up with the expenses related to maintaining a home that was over 100 years old.
The BATC Foundation, working with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and Build Partner Soderbeck Design, was able to help Jason and Genella with some much needed repairs to their foundation, replacement of windows, flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, landscaping and a new set of home appliances.
Jason and Genella’s home was also the focus of the BATC Foundation’s first ever BATC Member Volunteer Day! This event was a big hit and provided BATC members the opportunity to give back by
landscaping and building a play structure for the family’s children.
Things are looking up for the family now that Jason is fully employed. Genella is still struggling with serious medical issues but has peace of mind knowing that their home will be around for many more years to come!
A special thanks to these BATC members: Bachman’s Floral Gift & Garden, Florstar Sales, Inc., FocalPoint Flooring Cabinets & Design, Lake Country Builders, Lyman Lumber Co., Showcase Renovations, and Soderbeck Design & Construction, Inc.
-30-
The 2017 Spring Parade of Homes is sponsored by The Tile Shop.
